Stainless Steel Plates
General information on stainless steel plates
There are five main families of stainless steel with over 250 different grades. The relative family, grade and chemical composition of a stainless plate determine its mechanical, physical, thermal and anti-corrosive qualities. These qualities can depending on specific requirements be manipulated to better suit particular end applications.
Stainless plates contain approximately 10.5% chromium which forms a thin protective, anti-corrosive layer on the material surface when exposed to the surrounding atmosphere. Where the level of resistance depends on the exact amount of chromium added.
Stainless steel plates in application can be admired when visiting the impressive Sage Gateshead music and concert hall. Located right by the river Tyne in North England, this stunningly futuristic architectural construction consists of stainless steel plates and glass. The curved glass in combination with shimmering stainless steel provides the building with an eye-catching sparkle and one of a kind aesthetic: A perfect representation of modern 21st century architecture.
How are stainless steel plates manufactured?
The manufacturing process of stainless steel plates involves the melting of primary materials such as iron ore and scrap alloy in a blast furnace. At approximately 1500° Celsius a mixture of coal, coke, iron ore, natural gas, oil and scrap liquefies and is then ready to be cast.
Prior to casting, the chemical composition of the melt is closely analysed and monitored. Depending on end use of the product, chemical balances in the melt can be manipulated to foster desirable characteristics such as sturdiness. Material strength can be enhanced by adding nickel during the manufacturing process as well as reducing carbon contents in the melt. In reverse, a reduced level of nickel creates a sometimes favourable softer stainless plate which is more easily manipulated.
Once the chemical composition is set, continuous mold casting creates solid ingots also referred to as slabs after cutting. Slabs are cooled for annealing and descaling and consequently reheated for further processing. Once hot rolled plates are left to cool yet again and if applicable subjected to finishing surface treatments.
Which industries utilise stainless steel plates in their manufacture?
Due to their thickness stainless plates are particularly sturdy and thus suitable for heavy applications:
- Ship Building
- Construction
- Automotive / transportation
- HEVAC
- Petrochemical industry
What are the benefits of stainless steel plates sections?
Stainless steel plates are generally corrosion resistant. The fact that stainless steel does not deteriorate easily due to weather makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor application. This in combination with minimal maintenance required to keep stainless materials in good shape make stainless plates a very cost effective material.
Stainless steel plates are – like other stainless products - 100% recyclable and therefore a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. Stainless plates are also very popular due to their appealing aesthetic. The silvery shimmer iconic to stainless steels supplies structures with a modern, clean look.
Which stainless steel plates can you purchase in the Kloeckner online shop?
Stainless plates available in the Kloeckner online shop are generally hot rolled, descaled and available in a thickness of up to 50mm. Kloeckner metals UK also offers thicker quarto plates and patterned stainless steel.