Stainless steel is made of iron ore that is alloyed with chromium and other metals that make it resistant to corrosion. Other properties of stainless steel include strength and flexibility. Because it is easy to clean and keep sanitary, many industries depend on it. Most food processing equipment is made from stainless steel, as is medical and surgical equipment. Its flexibility makes it easy to shape, and for that reason, it is used in building construction, especially in the cladding where it can serve an aesthetic purpose.
There are many types of stainless steel that are distinguished by the different metals alloyed with the iron ore. Each type of stainless steel has different properties. Steel that contains chromium is the most resistant to corrosion while nickel adds a higher degree of malleability. A slightly higher percentage of carbon makes a chromium steel stronger while the strongest types of stainless steel contain metals like copper and aluminum.
When steel is fabricated, the intended product is considered prime steel. Secondary stainless steel is metal that cannot be sold as prime. Some examples include pieces that were incorrectly cut, or short pieces left over from a custom cut. Unattractive welding marks could also relegate a piece of steel to secondary status. However, secondary steel is still a useful product; it just may not meet the aesthetic standards required for its use.
Excess prime stainless steel is high quality; well cut steel that is not being used. The original customer may have ordered more that he or she needed and is storing the unused steel. There is a market for this product, so if you are storing excess steel, you may be able to sell it to a metal company who can pass it on to the right buyer.
Excess prime stainless steel can come in various forms including rolled sheets, coils, and pipes. There are many reasons to buy this product. For one thing, if you are considering using scrap metal for a project, excess prime steel is a high-quality option. It is easy to find pieces in different sizes, and the price is lower than that of custom cut stainless steel. Toma Metals Inc. is one company that deals in stainless steel. You can also connect them on Facebook for more updates.