Properties and applications of steels

A lot has already been said about stainless steel pipes, their production methods and scope of application, but still a few more words about the aesthetic side of products. Nowadays the aesthetic qualities of any material are subject to higher requirements. In practice, not every consumer can choose the right type of pipe, because of which there can be misunderstandings. How you can avoid unnecessary costs, getting the best result in the end, let's talk below.

General characteristics

The quality of the surface directly depends on the method of finishing the material. Let's note two important points: the first is that welded stainless steel pipes have recently been competing quite successfully with solid (seamless) pipes. Application of the latter, from the point of view of economic feasibility is more preferable. And the second is the increased quality of finishing surfaces. Let's remind once again that in addition to grinding (it has recently been used as a preparatory operation), it can be polishing, electropolishing, and electrohydrotreatment. When using these methods, the lowest possible roughness index is achieved. The surface becomes essentially mirror-like. In addition, finishing often allows you to detect hidden defects in the welded joint, which, in the interior design can be not so scary, but in industry, where the pipe works in an aggressive environment, and even under high pressure - it is very important. Special technology belt grinding (the use of in-line belt machines) can significantly reduce costs, which makes the products in the eyes of consumers even more attractive. Optimization of technological processes allows to get the desired surface finish with minimal costs. Traditionally in construction black rolled steel of low-carbon steels was used, sometimes coated. Recently, the situation is changing, and more and more stainless steels are finding their place on new construction sites. What qualities make steel more attractive and what advantages it has are discussed below.

The main qualities of stainless steel and applications

First, the service life of stainless steel products is at least 25 years. During this, quite a long period of operation, the steel practically does not lose its advantages. There is no need for painting, current repairs , etc. Of course, you can use low-carbon alloys with electroplated coating. But although they are much cheaper, the coating, under the influence of external factors will deteriorate over the next few years. Second, corrosion resistance. High-alloyed austenitic steels have special applications. But even fairly inexpensive low-alloy steels are well resistant to adverse environmental influences such as rain, snow, pollutants, and can be easily applied in the creation of interiors and exterior design. Thirdly, compliance with hygiene requirements. Sanitary regulations are crucial in the food industry. And stainless steel, is chemically inert, which makes it indispensable in contact with food. Also, personal hygiene products, such as manicure scissors, should not be forgotten. Fourth, aesthetic appeal. As a rule, the surface of steel can be treated in different ways - grinding, polishing, matting and electropolishing, which in combination with high strength characteristics, and high corrosion resistance allows to keep the attractive appearance of products for a long time. The hard surface of stainless steel is scratch-resistant. Its color does not change on bends. On specially treated stainless steel decorative sheets and panels practically no fingerprints and grease traces are left - in this case we are talking about frosted surfaces without a mirror finish. Fifth, - alloyed stainless steels have an increased heat resistance compared to conventional carbon grades. Their refractoriness greatly expands the field of application. Sixthly, high durability allows to create anti-vandal constructions in public places, which is especially important in our unsettled times.

Expands the sphere of application of stainless steel.

Wide assortment and variety of surfaces. Nowadays almost any stainless steel products are made, both standard and non-standard according to special order. The variety of grades, allows you to choose the best value for money - quality. First of all it is a question of mechanical and chemical resistance. The high plasticity of a number of grades allows wide use in mass production of flat and bulk forging.

Disadvantages

Most grades of stainless steel are quite difficult in machining, in particular for machining with chip removal - special tools, selection of cutting modes and coolant is required, mainly difficulties in machining due to such property of the material as high viscosity. The second difficulty is the high cost. The price of alloyed steel compared to carbon steel can differ by almost five times. Naturally, stainless steel is more expensive, but if you take into account the service life of at least 25 years and calculate how much money will be spent to replace or restore the cheaper parts made of conventional steel, it turns out that stainless steel is still more profitable. However, at the initial stage the costs will still be higher. And lastly, these are the realities of our time. Because of the high cost of alloy steels, they are often the target of criminal encroachments. There have been cases when the stainless steel parts were broken off, sawn off, unscrewed - in general, were removed by any available means. There have been cases when the valuable structures were handed over to the points of metal reception.

Application of

Stainless steel is used practically everywhere where there is contact with corrosive media, where there is a need for chemical stability of parts and mechanisms. This is first of all - food industry - manufacturing of various containers, blades, mixers, hoppers, conveyors, screws, furnace walls , etc. Requirements of sanitary norms and rules are unambiguous and do not allow using any other alloys. Austenitic steels with high corrosion resistance have proven themselves best in the food industry. Typically, in the food industry technological processes occur with excessive pressure and high temperature. And stainless steel is well welded, strong enough and resistant to cracking. In addition, the transportation of food also requires its use - in particular - transportation of milk or flour. Electric power. All nuclear power plants use alloyed steels, including high-temperature and special properties that can operate under conditions of high temperatures, extreme pressure and ionizing radiation. Conventional power plants, which produce electricity by burning fuel, also use steels that operate at high temperatures, most often heat-resistant stainless steels. And in hydroelectric power plants, we are talking about water turbines with blades made entirely of stainless steel. Chemical industry is the real kingdom of stainless steel. Various containers, pipelines, tanks, reactors - everywhere stainless steel. In practice, the metal most often has to work in an acid or alkaline environment, often in the presence of sulfur, such as in the manufacture of detergents. The pulp and paper industry does not only use stainless steel equipment. The bulk of this metal is used in piping. On average, consumption of stainless steel only for this item of expenses is from 3 to 5 thousand tons annually. Transport machine building. This refers to various containers for transportation of chemically active substances, as well as substances that are dangerous for life and health of people around, and present an environmental hazard. Military and space industry is an area of special, special steels, often made to order, which are impossible to buy. This area is closed to normal firms, however, due to the growth of production in the military-industrial sector in our country, it is not unusual when the defense plants give orders for production of parts from special alloys to civilian companies. As a rule, the processing technology is handed over to the enterprises along with the steel. Household sector. The majority of decorative elements, in the kitchen, different utensils - spoons, forks, pots and plates can be made of food stainless steel.

Buy. Price

Evek GmbH has a wide range of stainless steel in stock at optimal prices. The choice satisfies any customer. It is possible to order and buy products of any parameters through our representative office or on the web-site of the company. Quality is guaranteed by strict compliance with the technological norms of production. Lead times are minimal. The price depends on the order volume and additional terms of delivery. With wholesale orders there is a system of discounts.

A lot has already been said about stainless steel pipes, their production methods and scope of application, but still a few more words about the aesthetic side of products. Nowadays the aesthetic qualities of any material are subject to higher requirements. In practice, not every consumer can choose the right type of pipe, because of which there can be misunderstandings. How you can avoid unnecessary costs, getting the best result in the end, let's talk below.

General characteristics

The quality of the surface directly depends on the method of finishing the material. Let's note two important points: the first is that welded stainless steel pipes have recently been competing quite successfully with solid (seamless) pipes. Application of the latter, from the point of view of economic feasibility is more preferable. And the second is the increased quality of finishing surfaces. Let's remind once again that in addition to grinding (it has recently been used as a preparatory operation), it can be polishing, electro-polishing, and electro-hydrotreatment. When using these methods, the lowest possible roughness index is achieved. The surface becomes essentially mirror-like. In addition, finishing often allows you to detect hidden defects in the welded joint, which, in the interior design can be not so scary, but in industry, where the pipe works in an aggressive environment, and even under high pressure - it is very important. Special technology belt grinding (the use of in-line belt machines) can significantly reduce costs, which makes the products in the eyes of consumers even more attractive. Optimization of technological processes allows to get the desired surface finish with minimal costs. Traditionally in construction black rolled steel of low-carbon steels was used, sometimes coated. Recently, the situation is changing, and more and more stainless steels are finding their place on new construction sites. What qualities make steel more attractive and what advantages it has are discussed below.

The main qualities of stainless steel and applications

First, the service life of stainless steel products is at least 25 years. During this, quite a long period of operation, the steel practically does not lose its advantages. There is no need for painting, current repairs , etc. Of course, you can use low-carbon alloys with electroplated coating. But although they are much cheaper, the coating, under the influence of external factors will deteriorate over the next few years. Second, corrosion resistance. High-alloyed austenitic steels have special applications. But even fairly inexpensive low-alloy steels are well resistant to adverse environmental influences such as rain, snow, pollutants, and can be easily applied in the creation of interiors and exterior design. Thirdly, compliance with hygiene requirements. Sanitary regulations are crucial in the food industry. And stainless steel, is chemically inert, which makes it indispensable in contact with food. Also, personal hygiene products, such as manicure scissors, should not be forgotten. Fourth, aesthetic appeal. As a rule, the surface of steel can be treated in different ways - grinding, polishing, matting and electropolishing, which in combination with high strength characteristics, and high corrosion resistance allows to keep the attractive appearance of products for a long time. The hard surface of stainless steel is scratch-resistant. Its color does not change on bends. On specially treated stainless steel decorative sheets and panels practically no fingerprints and grease traces are left - in this case we are talking about frosted surfaces without a mirror finish. Fifth, - alloyed stainless steels have an increased heat resistance compared to conventional carbon grades. Their refractoriness greatly expands the field of application. Sixthly, high durability allows to create anti-vandal constructions in public places, which is especially important in our unsettled times.

Expands the sphere of application of stainless steel.

Wide assortment and variety of surfaces. Nowadays almost any stainless steel products are produced, both standard and non-standard according to special order. The variety of grades, allows you to choose the best value for money - quality. First of all it is a question of mechanical and chemical resistance. The high plasticity of a number of grades allows wide use in mass production of flat and bulk forging.

Disadvantages

Most grades of stainless steel are quite difficult in machining, in particular for machining with chip removal - special tools, selection of cutting modes and coolant is required, mainly difficulties in machining due to such property of the material as high viscosity. The second difficulty is the high cost. The price of alloyed steel compared to carbon steel can differ by almost five times. Naturally, stainless steel is more expensive, but if you take into account the service life of at least 25 years and calculate how much money will be spent to replace or restore the cheaper parts made of conventional steel, it turns out that stainless steel is still more profitable. However, at the initial stage the costs will still be higher. And lastly, these are the realities of our time. Because of the high cost of alloy steels, they are often the target of criminal encroachments. There have been cases when the stainless steel parts were broken off, sawn off, unscrewed - in general, were removed by any available means. There have been cases when the valuable structures were handed over to the points of metal reception.

Application of

Stainless steel is used practically everywhere where there is contact with corrosive media, where there is a need for chemical stability of parts and mechanisms. This is first of all - food industry - manufacturing of various containers, blades, mixers, hoppers, conveyors, screws, furnace walls , etc. Requirements of sanitary norms and rules are unambiguous and do not allow using any other alloys. Austenitic steels with high corrosion resistance have proven themselves best in the food industry. As a rule, in the food industry technological processes occur with excessive pressure and high temperature. And stainless steel is well welded, strong enough and resistant to cracking. In addition, the transportation of food also requires its use - in particular - transportation of milk or flour. Electric power. All nuclear power plants use alloyed steels, including high-temperature and special properties that can operate under conditions of high temperatures, extreme pressure and ionizing radiation. Conventional power plants, which produce electricity by burning fuel, also use steels that operate at high temperatures, most often heat-resistant stainless steels. And in hydroelectric power plants, we are talking about water turbines with blades made entirely of stainless steel. Chemical industry is the real kingdom of stainless steel. Various containers, pipelines, tanks, reactors - everywhere stainless steel. In practice, the metal most often has to work in an acid or alkaline environment, often in the presence of sulfur, such as in the manufacture of detergents. The pulp and paper industry does not only use stainless steel equipment. The bulk of this metal is used in piping. On average, the consumption of stainless steel only for this item of expenses is from 3 to 5 thousand tons annually. Transport machine building. This refers to various containers for transportation of chemically active substances, as well as substances that are dangerous for life and health of people around, and present an environmental hazard. Military and space industry is an area of special, special steels, often made to order, which are impossible to buy. This area is closed to normal firms, however, due to the growth of production in the military-industrial sector in our country, it is not unusual when the defense plants give orders for production of parts from special alloys to civilian companies. As a rule, the processing technology is handed over to the enterprises along with the steel. Household sector. The majority of decorative elements, in the kitchen, different utensils - spoons, forks, pots and plates can be made of food stainless steel.

Buy. Price

Evek GmbH has a wide range of stainless steel in stock at optimal prices. The choice satisfies any customer. It is possible to order and buy products of any parameters through our representative office or on the web-site of the company. Quality is guaranteed by strict compliance with the technological norms of production. Lead times are minimal. The price depends on the order volume and additional terms of delivery. With wholesale orders there is a system of discounts.