Stainless Steel : A Closer Look at Its Growing Popularity

  1. A pneumatic connector type known as push in fittings has been drawing attention in the instrumentation and plumbing fields, for being easy to attach and detach. Installation and application of the push-in coupling does not require the use of tools, nor the application of glue or solder. Push-in fittings therefore saves time and labor costs when connecting pipes in which gas, air or liquid can flow at controlled direction, pressure and volume.

Choosing to use stainless steel push-in fittings is highly recommended for piping and plumbing systems and low pressure applications. Mainly because such a type of coupling is rust-resistant, 100% recyclable and therefore sustainable.

In view of its strong resistance to the effects of oxidation, chemical applications and high heat, stainless steel fittings of any type are regarded as the most practical and eco-friendly solutions.

In the food and beverage industry as well as in pharmaceuticals, stainless steel pipes and fittings are highly desired because they are easy to clean and sanitize,

The Technology Behind Stainless Steel</stro

Stainless steel refers to a group of iron materials such as bronze, nickel or zinc, containing at least 10.5% chromium but less than 1.2% carbon. The combination of these metals and other metallic elements like titanium, molybdenum, manganese and niobium leads to the creation of alloys and a by-product called chromium oxide (CrO). The latter is a film-like substance covering the alloy, whilst disallowing oxygen and moisture from seeping in. Otherwise, without the barrier provided by CrO, the alloy would be susceptible to rust and corrosion.

What is a 304 Stainless Steel

Out of the 150 grades of stainless alloys, the most common form of stainless steel is the 304 grade. It has been proven worldwide as having excellent anti-corrosive properties even against oxidizing acids. It maintains high value as a recyclable material, as studies show that about 50% of the stainless steel in use were scrap stainless steel. The 304 stainless steel grade is described by the American Iron and Steel Institute as ideal for automobile trim and molding,wheel covers, electrical enclosures, kitchen equipment and utensils, water tanks and stainless pressure vessels, hardware and similar metal fixtures that require high resistance against corrosion, such as pipings, manifolds, fittings, hose clamp, pipes,tubes and plumbing components.
Actually, according to the alliance of stainless steel producing countries, the average recycled stainless steel materials in North America belong to the 300 graded series. The architecture and construction markets have historically used an estimated 75 to 85 percent average of recycled stainless steel.

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