Stainless steel is a steel alloy that contains Nickel and Chromium. Like all steel, its main component is iron; however, it is called stainless because of the mix with these two elements, which give it special characteristics.

To be considered stainless it must have a minimum Chromium content of 10 to 12% by mass. This is the element in the alloys that provides corrosion resistance. When it combines with oxygen it forms a thin, invisible layer of Chromium oxide on the surface, a “Passive Layer” that protects the metal. The passive layer is stable under normal atmospheric conditions, but is even better in alloys with a higher Chromium content, and better still when Molybdenum and Nickel are added. Chromium and Molybdenum increase resistance to chloride penetration (e.g. salt spray), and Nickel improves the passive layer’s resistance in some acidic environments.

The most commonly used alloys are the austenitic ones, known as the 300 series. These alloys are characterized by being non-magnetic. Each austenitic grade has unique characteristics due to its variation in chemical composition, and each grade has optimal applications derived from that composition.

Stainless steel is a completely green product. It is 100% recyclable and has no re-use limit. All scrap can be sent to mills and re-melted to produce new finished product.