Select Committee on Welsh Affairs Minutes of Evidence


Annex (iii)

STAINLESS STEEL

  Stainless steels were first developed in the early 20th century and are now an extremely versatile family of engineering materials, which are selected primarily for their corrosion and heat resistant properties. Stainless steels are alloys of iron and carbon (<1.5%) containing a minimum of 10.5% chromium. Whilst chromium is the primary alloying element and is responsible for the intrinsic corrosion resistance of stainless steels, nickel is the second most important alloying addition helping determine the metallurgical structure, physical and mechanical properties.

  Stainless steels offer a broad range of properties. They are corrosion resistant, weldable, and formable, provide a variety of mechanical properties, can be magnetic or non-magnetic, and are hygienic and visually attractive. Stainless steels are long lasting and are fully recyclable at the end of their useful life. This versatility has underpinned the development of the stainless steel industry. During the past 90 years the use of stainless steels has grown significantly, with an annual growth since the early 1950's of 5% and total worldwide production reaching 22 million tonnes in 2003.

  Stainless steels are now used in a wide variety of applications. For example:

    —  In corrosive environments, including the chemical, petrochemical and oil and gas industries.

    —  Stainless reinforcement bar provides a long lasting alternative to traditional carbon steel rebar for the construction industry.

    —  Where hygiene and cleanness are important, such as the pharmaceutical industry, for food processing, catering and hospital equipment and surgical implements and implants, stainless steels are the first choice.

    —  Their mechanical properties can be exploited to provide high strength and light weight, without compromising their inherent corrosion resistance or formability, and are used increasingly in such applications as car chassis components.

    —  The availability of a variety of different surface finishes, including polished and patterned and combined with their natural durability, has encouraged architects and designers to use stainless steels for a range of building applications such as external cladding, roofing and internal fixtures and fittings.

   Today, there are over 100 grades of stainless steel that have been developed to provide the optimum combination of properties, and cost, to meet the specific needs of this wide range of markets.



 
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