From ancient weapons to modern structures like the Golden Gate Bridge, steel has been a sturdy foundation for human progress throughout the ages.
And then came stainless steel – a material that has revolutionized countless industries, from medicine and architecture to aerospace engineering.
It’s incredibly resilient, and can stand up to even the toughest conditions, making it a reliable choice for nameplates, data plates, and logo plates that’ll last for years.
But there’s a lot more to stainless steel than that. Here are some surprising facts you may not know!
1: Stainless Steel Saves the World
Too much? Yeah, fair enough, but let’s put it another way: Stainless steel is a fantastically green material. It’s fully recyclable. And its production doesn’t result in toxic waste.
In fact, it’s one of the most environmentally friendly metals produced. Up to 92% of it can be reused in the production of new stainless or carbon steel.
On average, 60% of any stainless steel product comes from recycled content. This makes it incredibly sustainable, and reduces the amount of waste that gets sent to landfills.
2: Stainless Steel Kills the Stink
You’re in the kitchen, cooking up a storm, and suddenly it hits you: A stench powerful enough to knock out your nose hairs!
You look down at your hands and realize they smell like a fish market on a hot summer day.
But with a stainless steel “soap” bar, you can rub that stench right off – you don’t have to worry about being the stinky chef in the kitchen. True, it can’t replace actual soap and water, but it does work wonders to reduce odors on your hands.
How does it work? Well, let’s just say it’s all to do with the chemistry between stinky foods (like fish, garlic, onions) and the metal. Those sulfur molecules responsible for the “pungent aromas” naturally bind to the stainless steel, leaving your hands smelling fresh as a daisy.
Even better, the stainless steel bar doesn’t retain the bad odor, so you can use it again and again! Smell ya later, garlic hands!
3: Stainless Steel Can Be Magnetic
For the most part, stainless steel is a non-magnetic material. However, did you know that this isn’t always the case?
The magnetic properties of stainless steel depend on its unique microstructure. Different grades of steel can have varying degrees of magnetism, which ultimately determines their ability to attract or repel other magnetic objects.
Look, delving into all the different microstructures could be a whole blog post in itself. And stainless steel breaks down into a ton of different grades, each featuring its own combination of alloys. But, for now, some of the most common are:
- Austenitic
- Martensitic
- Ferritic
Austenitic stainless steel is an example of a non-magnetic material. But martensitic stainless steel is magnetic.
Meanwhile, ferritic stainless steel lies somewhere in between the other two, displaying a weaker ferromagnetic effect than its martensitic counterpart.
Where Excellence Isn’t a Surprise
While some stainless steel facts that can be pretty surprising, its versatility isn’t – even after all these years, this material continues to impress.
If you want to take your stainless steel experience to the next level, contact Detroit Name Plate Etching Company – our expert knowledge in metals of all kinds can be used to create a unique product to fit for your needs.
For over a century, DNPE has been a trusted destination for businesses throughout Michigan and beyond. And when it comes to stainless steel products, Detroit Name Plate Etching is here for you. Contact us to request a quote.