From household appliances to industrial construction projects, stainless steel is one of the most popular metals on the market. This steel alloy is created by melting a variety of raw resources together, and it’s so widely used because it’s strong, durable, and resistant to corrosion. It’s one of the top products for steel suppliers to have on hand since it can be used in any of the following industries.

How Stainless Steel Is Used

1. Kitchenware

Manufacturers can process the metal into a variety of shapes, making it perfect for utensils and cookware. Different cutlery uses different versions of this steel, with knives using a tempered version that gives the blade its sharp edge. Items like spoons and forks use more ductile steel that is easier to shape, buff, and grind into the final product.

2. Construction

Structural steel appears in numerous large-scale projects, often found on the exterior of larger buildings as cladding that protects the edifice from impact damage. Inside, contractors use it for more decorative touches on handrails, countertops, and backsplashes. Many contractors like using it because it’s long-lasting, durable, and more environmentally friendly than other materials.

3. Food Production

From slaughterhouses to ice cream parlors, this material is broadly used to produce most of the food and beverages people consume. The corrosion resistance is ideal, but the most significant benefit is how easy it is to clean. Soap and water easily remove contaminants that make food unsafe, and the steel won’t alter the taste of the food it comes into contact with.

4. Power Plants

Stainless steel is used in numerous power generation systems because it’s corrosion-resistant even at incredibly high temperatures. Fossil-fuel power plants use it in flue gas desulfurization units, while nuclear-powered ones have adapted it for radiation containment. Stations that generate hydroelectricity often use the material because it won’t rust in the water.

5. Chemical Processing

Metal suppliers use a unique type of metal processing to create the special grades of steel suited for this industry. It’s used in everything from storage tanks to pipes, pumps, and valves because it resists corrosion at a broad range of temperatures. This makes it perfect for desalination plants, sewage processing facilities, and offshore oil rigs.

No matter what type of project you’re working on, if you need stainless steel to get the job done, contact the experts at American Metal Supply in Louisville, KY, and Cincinnati, OH. As one of the premier steel distributors in the area for more than 30 years, they’ve provided local companies with a comprehensive selection of supplies. Find what you need by calling (502) 634-4321 for Louisville or (513) 396-6600 for Cincinnati. Learn more about their products online.