The Difference Between Stainless Steel and Inox

Defining Stainless Steel and Inox

Stainless steel is a type of steel produced by combining molten steel with molten chromium. It typically contains around 10% chromium, alongside iron, and various other metals and non-metals. Other metallic elements include nickel, molybdenum, titanium, and copper, while carbon is an essential non-metal component.

The presence of chromium provides corrosion resistance by forming a protective layer against rust. Stainless steel doesn’t corrode, even when scratched, as the chromium covers the entire steel surface. It also exhibits corrosion resistance in standard environments at normal temperatures and pressures, and it can even resist corrosion by some types of acids. Due to this combination of metals, is highly durable. However, it is often more expensive than other steel types.

The production process of it begins with melting these two metals to create an alloy. Subsequently, the alloy is cooled and hardened. The surface of it is then treated with acid to remove impurities and create a smooth, shiny surface.

Exploring the History and Characteristics of Stainless Steel

In 1913, a British metallurgist researching ways to improve the performance of gun barrels accidentally discovered the corrosion resistance property by adding chromium to molten steel with low carbon content. Besides carbon and chromium, modern stainless steel may also contain nickel, molybdenum, and titanium, which enhance its corrosion resistance. To be considered that, chromium must comprise at least 12% of the alloy.

This process begins with the chromium reacting with oxygen from the air to create an invisible layer called a “passive film.” Chromium and oxygen have similar atomic sizes, allowing them to align on the metal’s surface to form a solid layer just a few atoms thick. If the metal surface is scratched or damaged in any way, more oxygen will appear, automatically repairing the surface by forming a protective layer against rust.

It’s essential to note that it has low resistance in environments with low oxygen levels. It (also known as Inox) exhibits higher corrosion resistance due to its chemical composition. However, corrosion resistance can vary depending on the specific composition and the environment, such as coastal areas or atmospheres containing iron or chlorine. It can react differently to corrosion, and different types of corrosion may occur.

To prevent and minimize its corrosion, chemical cleaning processes are utilized. This process removes iron contaminants (the primary cause of corrosion in stainless steel) and other oxides as well as potential inhibiting contaminants like weld residues that could interfere with the formation of the passive chromium oxide layer, protecting stainless steel (Inox) from corrosion.

There are four reasons to choose Inox products:

1. High Quality and Reliability: Inox is renowned for its high quality and reliability.
2. Modern Trend: Inox is a trendsetter in the material field, making it a great choice for various applications.
3. Reasonable Price: Inox is not only fascinating in terms of pricing but also in quality, especially when compared to other options.
4. Easy Maintenance: With Inox, you won’t have to worry about using brushes to clean it.

Inox products are used worldwide for their reliability and maintainability. The thin passive film on the surface helps Inox resist corrosion and eliminates the need for essential organic or metallic protective coatings. Despite these excellent features, regular maintenance is still recommended to keep Inox’s attractive appearance. Essentially, to clean and maintain the attractive appearance of Inox products, you only need to care for it like any other decorative material, such as glass.