The mystery of stainless steel: Why is it the material of choice in the construction industry?

 As a metal material that plays a vital role in many fields such as industry, construction, and home furnishing, stainless steel plate has become one of the indispensable basic materials in modern society with its unique performance advantages. It has a series of excellent features, so that it can show excellent performance in a variety of complex environments and different application scenarios. The following is a detailed introduction to the stainless steel plate:





First, the common material of stainless steel plate

(1) Austenitic stainless steel

304 stainless steel: This is undoubtedly one of the most widely used models in stainless steel plates. It is favored for its excellent corrosion resistance and good formability. In the production of kitchenware, 304 stainless steel can effectively resist the erosion of food acid and alkali, to ensure the service life of kitchenware and food safety; In the food industry, it is widely used in storage containers, processing equipment, etc., will not produce any pollution to food; In the field of architectural decoration, such as exterior wall decoration of high-rise buildings, indoor elevator car, etc., 304 stainless steel can not only provide a beautiful appearance, but also withstand the test of various natural environments.

316 stainless steel: Compared with 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel is unique in the addition of molybdenum element. The addition of this element makes 316 stainless steel have stronger chloride ion corrosion resistance, making it stand out in the Marine environment and chemical equipment and other areas with high corrosion resistance requirements. In the Marine environment, a large number of chloride ions in the sea water have a strong corrosive effect on common metals, but 316 stainless steel can maintain stable performance, so it is often used in ship parts, offshore oil platforms, etc. In chemical equipment, in the face of various corrosive chemicals such as strong acids and alkalis, 316 stainless steel can also ensure the normal operation and service life of the equipment.

(2) Martensitic stainless steel

410, 420 stainless steel: This kind of stainless steel is characterized by high hardness, but its corrosion resistance is relatively weak. Due to its hardness advantages, 410 and 420 stainless steels are often used to make tools and mechanical parts. In tool manufacturing, they can maintain sharp cutting edges to meet cutting needs; In the field of mechanical parts, high hardness makes it have good wear resistance and deformation resistance to ensure the normal operation of machinery.

(3) ferritic stainless steel

430 stainless steel: 430 stainless steel has received wide attention for its good oxidation resistance and low cost. In the home appliance industry, such as refrigerators, washing machines and other shell materials, 430 stainless steel can not only meet the design requirements of the product, but also ensure that it is not easy to rust during long-term use; In terms of automotive decoration, such as the car door interior panel, instrument panel and other parts, the application of 430 stainless steel can not only improve the overall quality of the car, but also reduce production costs.

(4) duplex stainless steel

2205 stainless steel: 2205 stainless steel cleverly combines the advantages of austenite and ferrite, giving it higher strength and better corrosion resistance. This characteristic makes it perform well under harsh environmental conditions and is especially suitable for industries such as petrochemicals where material properties are highly required. In the field of petrochemical industry, 2205 stainless steel can be used to manufacture a variety of reactors, storage tanks and other equipment, which can operate stably in high temperature, high pressure and strong corrosion environment for a long time to ensure the safety and efficiency of the production process.

Second, surface treatment of stainless steel plate

(A) 2B surface

2B surface is stainless steel plate after cold rolling bright annealing treatment obtained. This surface presents a smooth slightly reflective effect, giving a simple and generous visual experience. Due to its high surface smoothness and moderate gloss, it is suitable for most general-purpose scenes. For example, in some common architectural decoration, such as the decoration of indoor walls, ceilings and other parts, the stainless steel plate on the 2B surface can meet the basic aesthetic and use needs, and its relatively simple processing technology also makes the cost effectively controlled.


(B) BA surface

After special treatment, the BA surface presents a high gloss mirror effect. This surface treatment process makes the surface of the stainless steel plate as smooth and bright as a mirror, with high reflectivity and visual effects, so it is often used in high-end decoration fields. In the lobby of some high-end hotels, the entrance of luxury shopping malls and other places, the stainless steel plate on the BA surface as a decorative material can create a luxurious and atmospheric atmosphere, and improve the quality and grade of the entire space.


(3) Wire drawing surface (HL)

Brushed surface (HL) is a special process to form a matte texture on the surface of a stainless steel plate. This texture not only gives the stainless steel plate a unique texture, but also has the function of anti-fingerprint. In daily life, we can often see the inner wall of the elevator car, home appliance shell and other parts of the stainless steel plate with brushed surface. The frequent contact of these parts is easy to leave fingerprints, and the anti-fingerprint characteristics of the brushed surface can effectively reduce the residue of fingerprints and keep the surface clean and beautiful.


(4) sandblasted surface

The sandblasting surface is a special treatment by spraying abrasive onto the surface of the stainless steel plate at high speed, thus forming a frosted texture. This surface treatment not only enhances the anti-slip performance of the stainless steel plate, but also makes it have a unique aesthetic appearance. In places that require non-slip functionality while paying attention to appearance, such as stair steps, outdoor railings, etc., the stainless steel plate on the sandblasted surface can provide a safe and reliable walking or grasping surface, while its frosted texture adds a sense of refinement to the overall design.


(5) Pattern plate

Pattern plate is a special plate made of various pattern patterns by embossing process on the basis of stainless steel plate. It not only has the excellent performance of the stainless steel plate itself, but also has the dual functions of anti-slip and decoration. In some public places of the ground laying, building exterior wall decoration, etc., the application of pattern plate is very wide. For example, in areas with large flow of people such as subway platforms and shopping malls, decorative plates can effectively prevent pedestrians from slipping and ensure people's walking safety; At the same time, its rich patterns also add artistic atmosphere and personality to the environment.


3. Specification parameters

(1) Thickness

The thickness range of stainless steel plates is very wide, from extremely thin 0.1mm to thicker 80mm have different application scenarios and market needs. According to the thickness, stainless steel plate can be divided into thin plate (thickness less than 3mm), medium plate (thickness between 3-20mm) and thick plate (thickness greater than 20mm). Thin sheet is usually used in some occasions with high weight and flexibility requirements, such as the shell of electronic equipment, parts of precision instruments, etc. The medium plate is widely used in structural support in construction engineering and general parts in machinery manufacturing. The thick plate is mainly used for the key parts that bear greater pressure and load, such as the basic frame of large chemical equipment and the important structural parts of Bridges.


(2) Size

The standard plate width is generally 1219×2438mm (the common 4×8 ft size), which is easy to manufacture and transport, while also meeting the needs of most conventional application scenarios. However, with the development of modern industry and the increase of personalized needs, the size of stainless steel plates can also be customized according to the special requirements of customers. Whether it is oversized building decorative panels or small precision equipment parts, through custom production can meet the diverse needs of different customers.


(3) Hardness

The hardness of stainless steel plate varies due to different materials, and the hardness range is relatively wide. For example, the commonly used 304 stainless steel has a Vickers hardness of about 200HV. Stainless steel plates with different hardness are suitable for different working environments and processing requirements. In some cases that require high strength and wear resistance, such as gears, bearings and other parts in mechanical manufacturing, stainless steel plates with higher hardness may be selected; In some occasions that have certain requirements for flexibility, such as some parts of food packaging machinery, you need to choose a relatively low hardness of stainless steel plate.


4. Application field

(1) Architectural decoration

In the field of architectural decoration, the application of stainless steel plate is everywhere. As the facade decoration material of the building, stainless steel plate can not only provide good protective performance, resist wind and rain erosion and ultraviolet radiation, but also create a variety of unique architectural appearance effects through different surface treatment and color matching; As an important means of transportation inside the building, the elevator car, door cover and other parts are decorated with stainless steel plates, which can not only ensure the durability and safety of the elevator, but also improve the overall beauty of the elevator; Doors and Windows as an important part of the building, the use of stainless steel plate not only enhances the structural strength of doors and Windows, but also makes it have good sealing and corrosion resistance; As an important auxiliary facility for people to walk in the building, the handrail made of stainless steel plate is both durable and beautiful, providing safe and reliable support for people.


(2) Kitchen equipment

In the kitchen equipment, stainless steel plate also plays an important role. As the core area of kitchen operation, the countertop needs to have wear resistance, high temperature resistance, easy to clean and other characteristics, stainless steel plate is good to meet these requirements; As an important furniture for kitchen storage, the cabinet door made of stainless steel plate is not only fashionable in appearance, but also can effectively prevent moisture and corrosion, and extend the service life of the cabinet; Tableware as a direct contact with food items, the safety and hygiene of stainless steel plate has been widely recognized; Commercial kitchenware such as stoves, ovens, etc., due to the particularity of its working environment, the material's high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance are very high, and stainless steel plate has become one of the preferred materials.


(3) Industrial equipment

In the industrial field, the application of stainless steel plate is indispensable. Chemical storage tank is used to store various chemical substances, need to have good corrosion resistance and sealing, stainless steel plate can effectively resist the erosion of chemical substances, to ensure the safety of the storage process; Pipeline as an important channel for conveying various media in the chemical production process, the high strength and corrosion resistance of stainless steel plate can ensure the normal operation of the pipeline; As an important equipment for chemical reaction, the internal environment of the reactor is often very harsh, and it is necessary to use stainless steel plates with excellent corrosion resistance to ensure the smooth progress of the reaction process and the stability of product quality.


(4) Transportation

In the field of transportation, stainless steel plates also have a wide range of applications. As a key component of automobile exhaust gas, automobile exhaust pipe needs to withstand the double test of high temperature and corrosion. The high temperature resistance and corrosion resistance of stainless steel plate make it an ideal material choice; The ship is sailing in the Marine environment, facing the strong corrosion of the sea water and the impact of the waves, the stainless steel plate is used in the construction of the ship's hull, deck and other parts, which can effectively improve the corrosion resistance and service life of the ship.


(5) Medical devices

The medical device industry has extremely high requirements for the hygiene, safety and corrosion resistance of materials. Surgical instruments such as scalpels, forceps and other direct contact with human tissue, need to use non-toxic, non-polluting and corrosion resistant stainless steel plate to ensure the safety and success of the operation; Aseptic utensils such as syringes, infusion sets, etc., the antibacterial properties of stainless steel plates can effectively prevent the growth of bacteria and protect the health of patients; As a tool for transporting medical equipment and medicines in the hospital, the rugged and easy to clean characteristics of stainless steel plate make it the preferred material for the manufacture of medical carts.


5. Purchase Guide

(1) Environmental needs

When choosing stainless steel plates, we must first consider the characteristics of the use environment. If the environment is humid or corrosive substances exist, such as seaside areas, chemical workshops, etc., then 316 or 316L stainless steel plates with strong corrosion resistance should be preferred; If it is used in ordinary environments, such as interior decoration, general mechanical equipment manufacturing, etc., 304 stainless steel plate is a cost-effective choice.


(2) Processing methods

Different processing methods have different requirements for the welding or deep drawing performance of stainless steel plates. If welding processing is required, such as the production of large steel structural parts, then low carbon steel with good welding performance should be selected; If deep drawing processing is required, such as manufacturing auto parts, electrical enclosures, etc., stainless steel plates with good deep drawing performance should be selected. In addition, in some special processing processes, it may also be necessary to preheat or heat treatment of stainless steel plates to improve their processing performance and product quality.


3. Budget control

The cost of stainless steel plate varies due to material, specifications, surface treatment and other factors. When purchasing, the material and specifications of stainless steel plate should be reasonably selected according to the actual budget. In general, under the same specifications, the price of 304 stainless steel plate is relatively low, while the price of high-performance materials such as duplex stainless steel is higher. Under the premise of meeting the requirements of use, the procurement cost can be effectively controlled by reasonable selection of materials and specifications.


(4) Brand quality

There are many brands of stainless steel plates on the market, and the quality is uneven. The choice of well-known brands of stainless steel plate can ensure the quality of products and after-sales service. Well-known brands usually have strict production processes and quality control systems to ensure that products meet relevant standards and requirements. At the same time, at the time of purchase, you should also check the quality documentation of the product, such as warranty, certificate, etc., to further confirm the quality of the product.


Six, maintenance

In order to maintain the beauty of the stainless steel plate and extend its service life, regular maintenance is essential. In daily use, should try to avoid using sharp objects to scratch the surface of stainless steel plate; For the parts with dirt or stains, you can use neutral detergent to wipe; For some difficult to clean stains, you can use professional cleaning agents for treatment. Especially when used in high salt environments such as the sea, attention should be paid to timely cleaning and maintenance to prevent the occurrence of pitting.

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