Why is Stainless Steel So Popular These Days?

Stainless steel metal is something we are seeing more and more these days, everywhere you look. This special metal has a much higher chromium content, as well as a translucent coating that prevents discoloration and corrosion. In fact, these attributes are often the reason why stainless steel, and the commodities manufactured with it, are so highly sought after. Industries all across the nation benefit from stainless steel applications and assets, including food handling, food processing, medical instruments, hardware, appliances, architecture, and much more.

Continue reading to learn more about the benefits and applications of stainless steel, and where you can recycle steel for cash on the spot in Central Indiana.

Stainless Steel Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 317-244-0700
Stainless Steel Recycling Indianapolis Indiana 317-244-0700

The Value of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel, also known as inox steel or just inox, is an alloy that has a minimum of 10.5% chromium content and a maximum of 1.2% carbon content. Some of the most admired qualities of stainless steel is its resistance to staining, corrosion, and oxidation (rust). For this reason, it is often used in kitchens and food processing plants, as well as industries like medical, electrical, petrochemical, manufacturing, automotive, and more.

Stainless steel comes in many grades and finishes, all of which offer their own unique appeal or performance. Compared to carbon steel, stainless steel has a much higher chromium content, so when exposed to conditions that would otherwise make it rust or corrode, it instead forms a passive coating of chromium oxide that prevents further deterioration. Not only does it not corrode and does not require a protective coating, but it is also easy to clean and sterilize.

Stainless vs. Mild Steel

When it comes to the primary differences between stainless steel and mild steel, it all comes down to strength, ductility, hardness, aesthetics, and cost. Stainless steel contains additional alloying elements, including chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, all of which enhances the mechanical and chemical properties and makes it resistant to corrosion. Mild steel is less brittle but can be strengthened more by adding carbon.

Did you know you can recycle your left over steel and scrap metal materials, plus earn a profit? Contact Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to get paid cash on the spot for steel recycling in Indianapolis, Indiana.

You Should Also Read:

Common Categories of Corrosion Resistant Alloys
Is Aluminum Better Than Stainless Steel?
How to Support Steel Sustainability

Indianapolis Metal Recycling
Indianapolis Metal Recycling

The Three Main Categories of Carbon Steel

There are four basic categories of steel according to the American Iron & Steel Institute (AISI). These four groups include Carbon steel, Alloy steel, Stainless steel, and Tool steel, all of which are classified based on their chemical compositions. You can easily remember this by using the acronym, “C-A-S-T.”

Of these 4 primary groups, steel can be further classified by varied properties, including physical, environmental, and chemical. This allows for many different grades of steel. Although all steel is made up of iron and carbon, the measurement of carbon and the particular alloys it contains is what determines the actual properties of each grade of steel.

One of the most common grades is Carbon steel. Continue reading to learn the three main categories of carbon steel.

Steel Recycling 317-244-0700

Steel Recycling 317-244-0700

Carbon steel can be categorized into 3 primary groups: Low, Medium, and High Carbon Steel:

Low Carbon Steel

Low carbon steel is also known as “mild steel” and contains an average of 0.04% to 0.30% carbon content. As a category of carbon steel, it is the largest group. It is primarily used in the construction and building industry, and comes it a wide variety of shapes, from flat sheet to structural beam. The amount of added alloys can be altered and adjusted to make low carbon steel better suited for certain applications. For example, Drawing Quality (DQ) steel has less carbon and more aluminum, while structural beam steel has more carbon and more manganese.

Medium Carbon Steel

Medium carbon steel contains an average carbon content between 0.31% and 0.60%, with an average manganese content of 0.060 percent to 1.65 percent. Compared to low carbon steel, medium carbon steel is stronger, making it well-suited for automotive parts, railway systems and parts, structural beams, and more. However, due to its strength, it is more difficult to mold, shape, cut, and weld. Heat treatment is usually needed to hardening and tempering medium carbon steel.

High Carbon Steel

High carbon steel is also referred to as “carbon tool steel”, and contains an average carbon content between 0.61% and 1.50%. Similar to medium carbon steel, high carbon steel is hard to cut, mold, and weld, and requires heat treatment for hardening and tempering. Due to its properties, it is often used in the manufacturing of tools such as woodworking and cutting tools, as well as, high strength wires and more. Until recently, it was commonly used for railways.

Recycling Scrap Steel for Cash

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Indianapolis Metal Recycling 317-244-0700

Call Zore’s Recycling at 317-244-0700 to recycle scrap steel metal and make some fast money at the same time. We are a professional Indianapolis scrap metal recycling center that accepts and recycles all metals in any condition. Best of all, we pay cash on the spot for them! Recycle all sorts of stuff, including sheet metal and beams, cars, boats, construction equipment, power tools, old electronics, and more! Request a free estimate, today.