Steel makes modern life possible, and it can be found everywhere. Steel products can be as small as the buttons and zippers in our clothing or as large as the towering monuments and skyscrapers that fill our major cities. It’s easy to take them for granted and rarely do we fully realize how ubiquitous stainless steel is in our lives.
It’s easy to see why stainless steel is everywhere. It’s incredibly strong, resistant to rust, and easy to maintain. It lasts for a lifetime and is completely recyclable. Practically every industry relies on stainless-steel coil manufacturers to keep their factories running.
Whenever we’re at home, at work, or out for fun, we’re surrounded by steel. Here are some of the most common ways we use stainless steel:
- Construction
If wood and brick are the materials of choice for our forefathers, stainless steel is the foundation of modern civilization. Long favored for its strength, durability, and flexibility, practically every modern building is composed of stainless steel. It can be seen inside, in the form of objects such as railings, surfaces, and sculptures. It also covers the exterior surfaces of many tall buildings.
Stainless steel was first used in architecture in the early 1920s. The Art Deco style became prominent during this period, and stainless steel was commonly used to build some of the most magnificent structures of this era, such as the Chrysler Building in New York City.
Since then, architects have favored stainless steel as a material in significant works of architecture. Some of the most prominent include the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the Thames Barrier in London, and the Helix Bridge in Singapore.
Stainless steel is also at the forefront of sustainability, with the material completely recyclable. Most steel products today are recycled, reducing the amount of metal that needs to be mined.
- Transportation
Another major industry that heavily uses stainless steel is transportation, including the three largest sectors: automotive industry, aerospace industry, and shipbuilding industry.
Stainless steel is often used for exhaust systems and aesthetic finishes such as grills and trims. It was first used in the 1930s by the Ford Motor Company for its concept models. While it was never mass-produced, the concept models paved the way for some common uses of steel in automobiles. In recent years, sustainability concerns and clean air standards have driven manufacturers to consider stainless steel as a material in main components.
- Food manufacturing
Stainless steel is a common material in food manufacturing and catering. Due to its ductility and flexibility, it is often used in making cutlery and other kitchen accessories. Depending on the grade, stainless steel can be turned into knives, grills, saucepans, kitchen sinks. It also used in making components for kitchen appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators.
Stainless-steel containers are also used in storage and kitchens. Unlike some materials, steel doesn’t affect flavor and composition. It’s also resistant to corrosive cleaning products and acidic food, such as citrus-derived juices. Many restaurants and kitchens also prefer stainless steel because it’s easy to clean and doesn’t absorb stains or odors.
These are just some of the most common uses of steel. Other industries that utilize steel include medical manufacturing, where it is a common material in surgical instruments and implants, and energy production, where its lightweight properties make it essential in the construction of offshore rigs and geothermal plants.
