What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant and durable iron-based material that is particularly resistant to corrosion, chemical media and high temperatures thanks to alloying elements such as chromium, nickel or molybdenum. In rubber and plastics technology, stainless steel is often used as a carrier material for composite parts, e.g. for Rubber-metal compounds. Advantages are the high strength and chemical resistance.
Properties of stainless steel
Stainless steel is characterised by its high strength and excellent corrosion resistance, due to a high chromium content of at least 10.5%. Depending on the alloy, stainless steel is also heat resistant, acid-resistant or magnetic. It is easy to weld, easy to form, hygienic, food-safe and has a long service life, even under extreme environmental conditions. The modulus of elasticity of stainless steel is approx. 210 GPa. Tensile strength depending on the composition and processing is 500 MPa to 1100 MPa, hardened up to 1400 MPa.
Typical material groups:
- 1.4301 (AISI 304, also known as V2A): Standard stainless steel for food and medical technology
- 1.4404 (AISI 316L): Particularly resistant to acids and chlorides, e.g. for chemical or seawater applications
Application of stainless steel
Stainless steel is used in a wide range of industries, including
- Rubber-metal composite parts For aggressive media or hygiene applications
- Seals, Valve seats, Housing and screw connections
- Apparatus engineering, mechanical engineering and medical technology
- Food and pharmaceutical industry (due to corrosion resistance and cleaning properties)
- Construction (e.g. facade elements or railings)
The combination with rubber (e.g. FKM, EPDM, VMQ) enables components with a permanent sealing effect, chemical resistance and mechanical stability.