Stainless steel

• Anti-corrosion and stainless
• High strength and durability of the material
• Extremely low thermal expansion
• High melting point and resistance to high temperatures
• Ability to form and join parts seamlessly
• Wide range of surface types and versatility of available products and products

Types of Stainless Steel:

Stainless steel is a common term for a whole group of quality steels that are not prone to rusting and are acid-resistant. Their characteristic feature is high corrosion resistance incomparable to other grades of steel. High resistance to rusting is obtained by adding an appropriate amount of chromium ( more than 10%) to the steel, as well as nickel and other elements that improve the anti-corrosion properties. A characteristic feature of stainless steel is also its ability to renew the protective layer found on the damaged steel surface. This is extremely important, with even the smallest dents or scratches. This layer is also known as the passive layer. Until recently, there was a division in Poland and the world between acid-resistant steels and stainless steels. This division has ceased to function and now all steels are now simply called stainless steels.

Stainless steel is divided in terms of corrosion resistance into 4 basic groups:

1. Martensitic Steel

Through hardening in the production process, austenitic steel obtains a martensitic structure. This type of steel is distinguished by greater wear resistance and is harder. Martensitic steel is also durable and has magnetic properties. The weldability of this type of stainless steel is not high. Martensitic steel is most commonly used in the chemical and petroleum industries, as well as in the production of professional knives and blades.

2. Ferritic Steel

The most important feature of this stainless steel is its magnetism and resistance to cracking. This type of steel does not contain nickel, which is why it cannot be used as widely as austenitic steels. Ferritic steel has lower thermal expansion and better thermal conductivity than austenitic steel.

3. Austenitic Steel

It is characterized by high corrosion resistance and much higher elongation capacity than ferritic steels. Unlike martensitic steel, austenitic steel is not hardened in the production process. This type of stainless steel has a high tendency to cold strengthening and a high yield point in case of cold working. It is also characterized by lower magnetic permeability. It is a non-magnetic steel.

4. Austenitic-Ferritic Steel

It is also called duplex steel or duplex stainless steel. This type of steel is most commonly used in the chemical industry, environmental protection, and marine industry. This type of stainless steel is very resistant to erosion and abrasive wear. It is also exceptionally resistant to stretching while maintaining high strength.

Our company is one of the largest stainless steel storage and distribution centers in Poland. For over 30 years, we have been continuously following the latest industry trends and developing to meet even the most complex orders. We offer our customers pipes, sheets (steel and aluminum), closed profiles, bars (round, stainless, machining, square, 1.4305, 1.4404, 1.4301/1.4307, hexagonal), angles (stainless, hot-rolled, rolled, equal-leg, acid-resistant, 1.4307, 1.4404), flat bars (stainless, cut from sheet, rolled, hot-rolled, 1.4301) and fittings (industrial, food-grade) in various sizes and shapes. We encourage you to contact us and place an order for stainless steel at Investa!