Stainless steels are steels containing a minimum of 10.5% of Chromium and a maximum of 1.2% of Carbon. They usually contain Nickel, being differentiated the stainless with content below 2.5% of Nickel and those of content equal or superior to 2.5%.
These steels are characterized by the surface layer of chromium oxide that is generated due to the high content of Chromium, providing with, depending on the degree of alloy, resistance to corrosion, hot oxidation and creep.
Their most common applications are for parts that must be resistant to corrosive agents such as valves, shafts, pump components, surgical instruments, gauges, steel balls and parts for the chemical, textile and food industries.