Stainless Steel Rounds
General information on stainless steel rounds
Stainless Steels are divided into austenitic, martensitic, ferritic, precipitation hardening and duplex families. Within these families approximately 250 different grades of stainless steel exist. The characteristics of a stainless rod are derived from its relative family and grade but also its chemical composition. A rod’s particular chemical composition can be manipulated to enhance desirable or minimise undesirable characteristics depending on application. By adding chemical elements mechanical, physical, thermal and anti-corrosive qualities of the rod can be influenced.
Stainless steel is generally anti-corrosive and therefore weather resistant, making rounds in this material suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications. Resistance is achieved when 10.5% of chromium inherent to the material reacts with the surrounding atmosphere forming a thin protective layer on the round bars surface.
Stainless round bars are predominately utilized in construction, interior and exterior design as well as the marine industry. Due to their ability to conduct electricity and heat resistance, stainless bars are for example utilized as lightning conductors in construction. Door handles and handrails are often manufactured from stainless rounds for design appeal. Particularly popular in the marine industry, stainless products don’t deteriorate when exposed to road salts and sea water.
How are stainless steel rounds manufactured?
To create stainless steel rods, primary materials such as iron ore and scrap are molten in either a blast or electric arc furnace depending on the manufacturing process chosen. The blast furnace melts a mixture of iron ore, coal, coke, natural gas, oil and scrap metals at approximately 1500°degrees Celsius.
The chemical composition of the melt is then analysed and can be manipulated depending on the application of the end product. The addition of nickel for example enhances toughness. While low carbon contents and an absence of nickel causes stainless round bars to be less corrosion resistant, however induces other favourable characteristics such as being more weldable. Once the chemical composition is set the material is cast using continuous mold casting. The resulting product is a solid ingot also referred to as a slab once it has been cut. The slab is cooled, annealed and then reheated for hot rolling. Rolling mills help shape the stainless steel into a round shape. Lastly the surface of the rods are treated to suit their later application purpose.
Other than tubes, stainless steel rounds are solid and hence more resistant to bending stresses.
Which industries utilise stainless steel rounds in their manufacture?
Stainless round bars have gained importance in a number of different industries ranging from construction to household appliances.
- Household appliances
- Food industry
- Chemical industry
- Ship building
- Machinery
- Construction
- Interior and exterior architecture
What are the benefits of stainless steel rounds?
Advantageous qualities of stainless steel products include its corrosion resistance – making stainless round sections particularly suited to both indoor and outdoor applications. Since there is only minimal deterioration due to weather, stainless rods require little to no maintenance and have a very long lifecycle. Stainless rounds combine durability with aesthetic appeal which is why they are common in architectural applications.
Stainless round bars have good electrical and thermal conductivity. They can withstand great changes in temperature and are fire resistant. Stainless steel is furthermore environmentally friendly as it is 100% recyclable.
Which stainless steel rounds can you purchase in the Kloeckner Online Shop?
Stainless products available in the Kloeckner online shop include round and half round bars. In the qualities 303,304 and 316. Stainless rods are hot rolled and cold drawn. They can be purchased with either a bright or pre-turned surface finish.