{"id":492,"count":316,"description":"If you need an item that will be resistant to the elements, stainless steel is perfect. It comes in many different sections and thicknesses with differing properties to suit every job. Discover more about stainless steel with the help of Rapid Metals below.\r\n\r\n[expand title=\"Read More\"]\r\n<h2>What is Stainless Steel Made Of?<\/h2>\r\nIn broad terms, the composition of stainless steel isn\u2019t too different from standard steel. It\u2019s still primarily made from iron and carbon. The different is that in addition to these basic elements are others mixed into the alloy. Chromium is the key addition to give steel stainless properties, but nickel, nitrogen and molybdenum can also be added in varying quantities to alter the properties of stainless steel.\r\n<h2>How Is Stainless Steel Made?<\/h2>\r\nThe basic raw materials of steel, iron and carbon, are first melted in a furnace (usually an electric arc furnace in modern large-scale steel production). After many hours of heating the mixture becomes molten and is transferred to a vessel called a converter.\r\n\r\nAn oxygen\/argon gas mixture is injected into the molten steel in the converter to remove excess carbon. At this stage, the different elements needed for stainless steel are added to the molten steel, in the correct amounts and proportions to give the desired grade and properties of metal.\r\n\r\nThe mixture is stirred to further remove unwanted elements, improve the final product\u2019s consistency and to monitor its chemical properties.\r\n\r\nThe molten stainless steel is then formed. This can be done by pouring it into moulds (casting into blooms, billets, rods or tubes) or rolling formed steel to create other shapes such as wire, bar, plate, sheet and strip steel.\r\n<h2>Is Stainless Steel Ferrous?<\/h2>\r\nDespite its different chemical composition from standard steel, stainless steel is still a ferrous metal. Consequently, it is both machinable and tough, making it ideal for use in manufacturing and construction.\r\n<h2>What Are The Uses Of Stainless Steel?<\/h2>\r\nThe corrosion resistance of stainless steel makes it ideal for all sorts uses where resistance to weathering, corrosion and degradation are required. Areas where stainless steel is commonly included in structural and decorative elements for architecture and civil engineering, automotive and aerospace components, machine and production tools, culinary utensils, household fittings and medical instruments.\r\n<h2>Can You Weld Stainless Steel?<\/h2>\r\nStainless steel is an extremely weldable metal, and there are a variety of ways in which welding can be achieved. These methods include metal inert gas (MIG), tungsten inert gas (TIG), and manual metal arc (MMA) welding. Therefore, the welding of stainless steel can be carried out by both novices and professionals.\r\n<h2>Can You Weld Different Grades Of Stainless Steel Together?<\/h2>\r\nAs a rule of thumb, all stainless steel should be welded with the same grade of MIG wire, TIG wire, or welding rod, or a higher grade. This is because welding with a lower grade may result in cracking, breaking, and a lack of fusion.\r\n<h2>Buy Stainless Steel Online at Rapid Metals<\/h2>\r\nWondering where to buy stainless steel? Rapid Metals is a leading stockist of stainless steel, we supply a wide range of sections in-store. The bulk of our stock is of grades 303, 304 and 316 stainless steels. These have progressively higher chromium content \u2013 more chromium in the alloy makes the metal more corrosion-resistant but less machinable. We also have access to other hard-to-find specifications if you have a specific requirement and can\u2019t find what you need online. Simply call us on 02476 366888, and we\u2019ll be happy to help.\r\n\r\nWe stock and supply stainless steel in many different forms. These include angle and box section, flat bar and bar in round, square or hexagon section. You can buy stainless steel tube from us too, as well as sheet steel.\r\n\r\nWe supply stainless steel cut-to-size that can be ordered online for your convenience. To purchase, simply select the type of steel you need, input the size you require and add it to your basket.\r\n\r\nWhether you need to buy stainless steel in bulk for commercial use or a single piece for a specific hobby project, we can provide it. No job is too small at Rapid Metals.\r\n<h2>We\u2019re Ready to Help You<\/h2>\r\nWe are proud to be one of the most flexible stainless steel suppliers in the UK, so if you can\u2019t find the size you need online, <a href=\"https:\/\/rapidmetals.co.uk\/contact-us\/\">please get in touch<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[\/expand]","link":"https:\/\/www.rapidmetals.co.uk\/product-category\/stainless-steel\/","name":"Stainless Steel","slug":"stainless-steel","taxonomy":"product_cat","parent":0,"meta":[],"menu_order":116,"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Stainless Steel | Buy online | Cut to size | Rapid Metals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Find the stainless steel you need to complete your project with Rapid Metals. Many forms and grades. 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