Stainless Steel FAQs

+ What chemicals make up all stainless steels?

Iron (Fe) + Chromium (Cr) + Carbon (C) + other alloying elements melded together in variety of ratios to create multiple types and grades of stainless steel.

• Note - Iron is the basis of all steel metals.

+ What chemicals make up 304 stainless steel?

Iron (Fe) + Chromium (Cr) + Carbon (C) + Nickel (Ni) + other alloying elements melded together in a unique ratio. Click here to learn more.

+ How are the different stainless steels classified?

The different stainless steels are classified into five main families by their crystalline structures:

1. Austenitic - These stainless steels possess an austenitic microstructure due to the presence of nitrogen with nickel and/or manganese.
2. Ferritic - These stainless steels possess a ferrite microstructure (similar to carbon steels) due to the presence of chromium with very little to no nickel content.
3. Duplex - These stainless steels possess a mixed microstructure of austenite and ferrite, the ideal ratio being 50:50. They are characterized by higher chromium, higher molybdenum, and lower nickel contents than austenitic stainless steels.
4. Martensitic - These stainless steels are characterized by their low chromium content. They fall into four categories (with some overlap) offering a wide range of properties. They are magnetic and not as corrsion resistant as other stainless steels.
5. Precipitation - These stainless steels are characterized by their ability to be precipitation hardened. Like austenitic and ferritic stainless steels, they still have a high corrosion resistance.

+ What are the grades of stainless steel?

There are over 150 different grades of stainless steel split up into 5 series. Listed below are the five series of stainless steel grades:

• 200 Series - Austenitic Cr-Ni-Mn Alloys
• 300 Series - Austenitic Cr-Ni Alloys (Note: This series includes 304 & 316 Grades)
• 400 Series - Ferritic and Martensitic Chromium Alloys
• 500 Series - Heat Resisting Chromium Alloys
• 600 Series - Martensitics Precipitation Hardening Alloys

+ Which stainless steel grade is considered medical grade (or is used in hospitals)?

There is not one medical grade stainless steel. Instead surgical stainless steel is a general term to describe grades of stainless steel used in medical facilites. The most common surgical stainless steels are austenitic 304 and austenitic 316.

• 304 stainless steel is regarded, the world over, as one of the most suitable materials for the manufacturing of medical devices in a variety of applications.
• 316 stainless steel provides increased resistance to chloride corrosion due to the addition of molybdenum. 316 is more expensive, but worth the extra cost for use in more acidic environments.

+ Which stainless steel grade does Blickman Industries use?

Blickman Industries uses austenitic 304 grade stainless steel, world reknowned for its use in the medical industry.

+ What makes 304 stainless steel magnetic or non-magnetic?

Due to the presence of nickel, 304 stainless steel is non-magnetic in its original, annealed conditions. Forming the metal brings out magnetizing properties. For MR conditional products, Blickman demagnetizes the final product via a solution annealing and Nitrogen quenching process.

+ What are temperature tolerances of 304 stainless steel?

304 stainless steel can tolerate temperatures up to 1,598 °F for short periods of time without ill effect, and temperatures up to 1,697 °F for extended periods of time. The melting point of 304 stainless steel is within the 2,550 °F – 2,650 °F range. Naturally, the closer the steel is to its melting point, the more tensile strength it loses. These tolerances are well above sanitation temperatures.

+ What is stainless steel resistant to?

Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion (physical breakdown of metal) and oxidation (electrochemical breakdown of metal).

+ Why is stainless steel called stainless?

Stainless steel is called stainless due to its resistance to corrosion and oxidation.

+ Does stainless steel rust?

No, stainless steel does not rust due to its resistance to oxidation.

+ Does stainless steel tarnish?

No, stainless steel does not tarnish due to its resistance to oxidation.

+ Does stainless steel chip?

No, stainless steel does not chip. It is a base metal, rather than a plating or coating.

+ Is stainless steel latex free?

Yes.

+ Stainless steel vs. chrome

• Corrosion: Stainless steel is far more resistant to corrosion than chrome. Stainless steel is a base metal that never chips or peels, while chrome is a plating or coating over a base metal and is subject to chipping peeling overtime.
• Strength: Stainless steel is far more durable than chrome. With outstanding performance in more aggressive environments, stainless steel is often used in hospital operating rooms. Chrome is a much lighter weight material that is often used in outpatient facilities.
• Appearance/Cleanliness: Appearance is quite similar but chrome is slightly shinier by comparison. Chrome is also more easily scratched and dirtied. Both stainless steel and chrome can be sanitized, but due to wear, chrome must be replaced more frequently.
• Cost: Although stainless steel is more expensive, it has a better return on investment. Stainless steel has a great value for outstanding long-term performance, whereas chrome is a valuable alternative for facilities on tighter budgets that can handle and treat equipment with care.
• Manufacturing: Stainless steel is manufactured in the US, while chrome is not.

+ Stainless steel vs. aluminum

• Corrosion: Both stainless steel and aluminum have high corrosion resistance. Aluminum does not rust similarly to stainless steel, but it does corrode in other ways. The most common type of corrosion on aluminum is pitting.
• Strength: Stainless steel is stronger than aluminum, however, aluminum has a higher strength to weight ratio. In other words, as a lighter-weight material, aluminum has significant strength.
• Appearance/Cleanliness: Aluminum has a similar appearance to stainless steel, but is more porous and prone to surface scratches and dents making it harder to clean.
• Cost: Although stainless steel is more expensive, it is known for its outstanding long-term performance in agressive environments. Both stainless steel and aluminum can be purchased at affordable prices and both are highly environmentally-efficient materials.

+ Where does stainless steel come from?

The process of making stainless steel begins with the extraction of chromite (an iron chromium oxide) from underground mines in a number of countries around the world. The United Kingdom is the primary country of stainless steel exports (23.4%). The remaining countries that make up the top 5 stainless steel exports include: Indonesia, Sweden, Italy, and the United States.

+ Where is stainless steel made?

Around the world. Blickman sources its stainless steel from within the United States.

+ How is stainless steel made?

Stainless steel is formed when its raw materials are melted together.

+ How is stainless steel medical equipment made?

Blickman creates quality medical equipment using the four key elements of stainless steel manufacturing: clean design, heavy gauge, heli-arc welding, and #4 finish.

+ Can stainless steel be welded?

Yes. Although stainless steel is a tough material it can be welded smooth with good manufacturing precision.

+ What finishes are used on stainless steel?

• Mill Finishes: These are the basic finishes for stainless steels and an additional finishing process is often required for most applications.
• Mechanically Polished and Brushed Finishes: Cuts the surface of the steel to a desirable degree for an enhanced shine.
• Patterned Finishes: Create patterned finish by pressing or rolling resulting in a stiffened sheet. This allows for use of a thinner gauge to potentially help with weight reduction or to save on costs.
• Colored Finish: The innate protective chromium-oxide layer allows for a chemical color to be inserted into the surface.
• Coated Finishes: Stainless steel can be coated in tin, aluminium, or titanium for multiple reasons.

+ What stainless steel finish does Blickman Industries use and why?

Blickman Industries uses an ASTM #4 polished finish for a smooth, easy-to-clean surface.

+ Can stainless steel be painted?

Yes. However, it is nonporous, making it ill-suited for regular primer and paint adhesion. Ask Blickman about pre-coating with powder-coated, antimicrobial paint.

+ Can stainless steel be recycled?

Yes. Steel is the most recylced material on the planet. It can be melted down and reused with no degradation in performance.

+ When and where was stainless steel invented?

Stainless steel was first developed in Europe in the early 20th century.

+ Who invented stainless steel?

Harry Brearley of Sheffield, England, is believed to be the inventor of stainless steel.

+ When and where was stainless steel first used in the medical industry?

The invention of stainless steel immediately led to applications in the medical industry across a variety of healthcare facilities. In the late 19th century, Joseph Lister, a British surgeon, was developing sanitary practices in medical settings. Soon after, when the invention of stainless steel came along in the early 20th century, healthcare facilities implimented stainless steel and which allowed patients to undergo medical treatments in reliably sanitary environments for the first time.

+ Why is stainless steel used in the medical industry?

Stainless steel has properties that are of high importance in the medical industry, such as high corrsion resistnace, withstanding harsh cleaning solutions and sanitizing chemicals, good formability, strength, and manufacturing precision.