Stainless Steel: A Wonderful Feat Of Engineering
Here at European Springs we understand the importance of using quality materials in our products, and one key material used in the production of our springs is stainless steel. Interestingly, like our springs this amazing material is itself the result of high quality engineering and craftsmanship. Here we take a quick look at the nature and history of this revolutionary material.
Stainless steel is a particular type of steel celebrated for its numerous attractive properties, such as its resistance to rust, which make it a very useful and versatile material. Stainless steel is an iron alloy, and there are strict rules for what exactly constitutes this important material, for example, it must contain a minimum of 10.5% chromium.
Whilst for hundreds of years scientists had been experimenting with and attempting to produce iron alloys with anti-corrosive properties, stainless steel is widely accepted to have been invented by the English metallurgist Harry Brearley at the beginning of the 20th century. Harry Brearley began researching new steels shortly before the outbreak of WWI and aimed to find a solution to the problem of the erosion of existing steels, typically caused by exposure to high temperatures. As part of his search Brearley began experimenting with adding chromium to steel to produce a number of different alloys. He was to produce a number of different variants, each containing different percentages of carbon and chromium. Eventually in August 1913 he was to make a significant discovery, namely, he created a steel with 12.8% chromium and 0.24% carbon, argued to be the first ever stainless steel
Today stainless steel in used for a number of different applications, from the cooking pans in your kitchen to the exhaust systems in your car. Furthermore stainless steel remains more popular than ever and according to recent reports stainless steel production increased by 10.6 % in the first half of 2014 .
Here at European Springs we are expert spring suppliers and produce an extensive range of perfectly crafted springs using top quality materials such as stainless steel.
For reliable and high-performance springs, choose European Springs. Our stainless steel springs are engineered to meet the most demanding requirements. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs and get a quote.
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