About Stainless Steel
Stainless material, commonly referred to as stainless steel, is a metal alloy that shows high resistance to corrosion (rusting). Its main component is iron (Fe), but the most important alloying element is chromium (Cr). The chromium content must be at least 10.5%. Chromium forms a thin and protective oxide layer on the surface, preventing the material from rusting when exposed to air and moisture.
Alloying Elements
- Nickel (Ni): Increases corrosion resistance and formability
- Molybdenum (Mo): Enhances resistance in acidic and salty environments
- Carbon (C): Can increase hardness and strength (usually kept low)
Key Features
- High corrosion resistance
- Durable and long-lasting
- Hygienic (preferred in food, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries)
- Heat resistant
- Aesthetic appearance, also used for decorative purposes
- Easy to maintain and clean surface
Application Areas
- Construction and architecture (facade cladding, railings)
- Food industry (kitchen equipment, processing machines)
- Healthcare sector (surgical instruments, hospital equipment)
- Chemical and petrochemical plants
- Automotive and aerospace
- Household items (pots, cutlery, etc.)
Types of Stainless Steel Materials
304 (AISI 304 / 18-8)
Composition: 18% Chromium, 8% Nickel
Features: The most widely used stainless steel type. High corrosion resistance. Excellent weldability and formability. Sensitive to saltwater and chlorine environments.
Applications: Kitchen equipment, household appliances, food processing machines, building facades, medical devices
316 (AISI 316)
Composition: 16-18% Chromium, 10-14% Nickel, 2-3% Molybdenum
Features: Higher corrosion resistance than 304, especially against chlorides and saltwater. Suitable for marine and chemical environments.
Applications: Marine industry, chemical industry, petrochemical plants, laboratory equipment, pool equipment, surgical instruments
430 (AISI 430)
Composition: 16-18% Chromium, Nickel-free (ferritic structure)
Features: Lower corrosion resistance but cost-effective. Magnetic. Provides brightness and widely used for decorative purposes.
Applications: Decorative coatings, kitchen accessories, automotive interior parts, home appliances
410 (AISI 410)
Composition: 11.5-13.5% Chromium
Features: Hardenable, high wear and impact resistance, low corrosion resistance.
Applications: Cutting tools, knives, valves, pump shafts
201 (AISI 201)
Composition: 16-18% Chromium, 3.5-5.5% Nickel, 5-7.5% Manganese
Features: Made more economical by reducing nickel content. Lower corrosion resistance compared to 304.
Applications: Household items, kitchen utensils, decorative applications, furniture accessories
904L (AISI 904L)
Composition: 19-23% Chromium, 23-28% Nickel, 4-5% Molybdenum
Features: Very high corrosion and acid resistance. Preferred in special and aggressive chemical environments.
Applications: Chemical tanks, petrochemical, seawater systems, special industrial applications
321 (AISI 321)
Features: Provides intergranular corrosion resistance thanks to Ti addition. Very durable at high temperatures.
Applications: Resistance and exhaust pipes, manifolds, aircraft parts, chemical industry boiler components
310 (AISI 310)
Features: Maintains corrosion resistance even at high temperatures. Can work at temperatures up to 1100°C.
Applications: Chemical, machinery industry, glass sector, mines, furnaces, ovens
Stainless Steel Pipe
General Features
Stainless steel pipes are made from corrosion and rust-resistant stainless steel. They are much more durable and long-lasting compared to standard pipes. Their inner and outer surfaces are smooth, hygienic, and have high chemical resistance.
Material Types and Applications
- 304: General purpose use
- 316: Chemical, marine, food, pharmaceutical industries
- 310: High-temperature environments
- 321: Areas requiring heat and weld resistance
- 430: Decorative and interior applications
Selection Criteria
- Usage environment (indoor/outdoor, chemical, seawater, etc.)
- Pressure and temperature requirements
- Pipe diameter and wall thickness
- Hygiene and cleaning requirements
Application Areas
- Food and beverage facilities (milk, juice, beer lines)
- Chemical and petrochemical industry
- Pharmaceutical production and hospitals
- Building and construction systems (railings, stairs, column cladding)
- Water treatment and drinking water systems
- Energy and boiler systems
- Marine and shipbuilding industry
- Decorative applications (furniture, display units, interior design)
3.1 Welded Stainless Steel Pipe
Produced by forming stainless steel coil into a cylinder shape and welding the edges together using special machinery. The weld seam is smoothed with special processes and often becomes invisible to the naked eye.
3.2 Seamless Stainless Steel Pipe
Produced as a single, solid piece without any weld seam. Manufactured by piercing and drawing a stainless steel billet at high temperatures. It contains no weld lines or joints.
3.3 Stainless Steel Drawing
Drawing is a cold forming process used in the production of stainless steel pipes, rods, or wires. The material is pulled through a specific die, reducing its diameter and bringing it to the desired dimension. This process is especially important for producing seamless pipes, wires, rods, and profiles with precise dimensions and high mechanical strength.