What makes stainless steel so special? Ask any manufacturing company or customer and you’ll get a dozen different answers. It’s a durable metal, able to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures alike without complaint. It’s a flexible material, easily applicable to hundreds of different objects and tools. It’s even eco-friendly. Yes, stainless steel has absolutely earned its reputation as one of the most popular metal resources around the world. What does this mean for our future? All you have to do is take a look at a little history.
Stainless steel is far from a new resource. It’s been in use since the 1800’s, with the late 1800’s introducing a flow of upgrades that would proceed to influence even modern day methods. Engineers, scientists and artists alike have pioneered all sorts of uses for stainless steel over the centuries. The stainless steel alloy, for example, was eventually industrialized in the 1900’s and used to help craft everything from buildings to weapons. Catching people’s eye for its resistant nature and high chromium content, steel is still taking the world by storm today.
Our everyday materials, equipment and tools have seen real improvement from people’s ongoing efforts to perfect an already fantastic resource. Steel parts these days are far more dent resistant than they used to be, with some professionals estimating they’re up to 30% better than they were just a decade prior. Steel hinges on refrigerators can support over 140 pounds of door weight without sagging even the slightest bit and the amount of steel required for major projects has been reduced as a result. 83,000 tons were originally needed for the Golden Gate bridge. To build something similar now? That number is closer to half.
Stainless steel is actively studied for its ability to combine well with other metals. Despite its naturally higher resistance, all metals stainless steel is able to interact with need to include changes in temperature, pressure, expanding and contracting. When you consider how improvements are being made to galvanized steel on a regular basis, you can imagine how the construction industry is faring. Not only do they have to keep in mind better steel products for current commissions, they have to keep track of older buildings. The Eiffel tower’s iconic antenna, for example,k grows shorter in the winter during the temperature drop.
Did you know steel is one of the most recycled materials on the planet? This is even compared to more commonly known elements such as latex, paper and cotton. The American Iron and Steel Institute has estimated as much as 85% of stainless steel is recycled on a yearly basis. While two out of every three tons of new steel will come out of old recycled stock, this element can also be extracted and sold. Both businesses and customers benefit greatly from recycling, with both sides of the fence able to save money without losing the quality that’s become actively expected in a modern industry.
Stainless steel banding and stainless steel tools are better than ever. With North American recycling 70% of its steel and improvements being made on a constant basis, you’ll never be at a loss for what to use when you need quality every time.
