Stainless Steel Sheets
Metals are often formed into sheets during the initial ore manufacturing
process and are later fabricated by roll forming, punching, stamping, slitting,
cutting, metal spinning or other fabrication methods. Stainless steel sheets
are used commonly by many industries, from small parts manufacturers to contractors
and architectural firms. Stainless steel's uniform resistance to corrosion
and its structural strength make it one of the most useful metals in construction,
equipment and parts manufacturing, and many materials which are made from stainless
steel are fabricated from stainless steel sheets.
Stainless steel is an alloy of regular steel (iron ore which has been highly
refined) and at least 10% chromium, along with much smaller amounts of carbon,
nickel, molybdenum, silicone and aluminum in various combinations. The alloyed
chromium forms a "passivation" layer of chromium oxide on the surface
of the stainless steel sheet, effectively preventing the iron molecules in
the steel from reacting with oxygen in the air or water and creating iron oxide,
or rust. This protective layer easily reforms when scratched, making parts
fabricated from stainless steel sheets impervious to air or water corrosion.
Industrial, commercial, automotive, houseware, construction, marine, electronics
and other industries fabricate stainless steel sheets into various parts and
products which require a sanitary, non-corrosive, low weight-to-mass ratio
metal. Sinks, countertops and utensils in both commercial and residential kitchens
are often made from stainless steel, which is self-sanitizing and can be washed
continuously without rusting. Buildings and monuments such as the Chrysler
Building and St. Louis' Gateway Arch are plated in stainless steel sheets,
which weathering does not rust or tarnish. Steel is too heavy to make car bodies
out of, but stainless steel plays an important role in many automotive parts
which require strength and corrosion resistance under harsh conditions. Even
furniture is sometimes made from stainless steel, making it one of the most
versatile and most necessary metal alloys available.