Stainless steel pipe fittings in various industries for different applications

Since its development more than 100 years ago, stainless steel has become one of the most common and durable materials in the world and is now indispensable in a wide range of industries. This includes a number of applications dedicated to stainless steel fittings that benefit from the metal's many desirable properties.

Although steel has been around for centuries, it is susceptible to corrosion and has other drawbacks that have led scientists to find alternative alloys that can work better in harsh conditions. It is then understandable that iron-chromium mixtures offer excellent rust resistance.

What are stainless steel alloys made of?

By definition, stainless steel is an iron alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium. The types of alloys available on the market vary widely, and the exact chemical composition of each alloy varies. Alloying elements such as nickel, molybdenum, carbon, nitrogen, titanium and copper can improve the durability, formability and other properties of stainless steel.

In order to qualify as stainless steel, it must meet the requirements for corrosion resistance in a given environment. This resistance comes from the outer layer of chromium oxide of the metal. This microscopic surface film is known as the passivation layer because it naturally interacts with the oxygen present in the surrounding air and prevents subsequent corrosion. In addition, if the layer encounters any damage, such as scratches or nicks, it can repair itself.

What are the beneficial properties of stainless steel?

Obviously, the main characteristic of stainless steel is its resistance to corrosion. Different alloys offer different levels of resistance. For example, 304 stainless steel, probably the most popular stainless steel alloy in the world, offers all-around excellent corrosion resistance. However, when it comes to the marine environment, 304 is not well suited because it is particularly susceptible to chlorides, which are certainly present in seawater. Instead, applications in the marine environment should probably turn to stainless steel 316 fittings, which offer the added benefit of 2% molybdenum.

Stainless steel offers a variety of other benefits. Compared to ordinary steel, stainless steel alloys offer higher low-temperature strength, higher work toughness, greater strength and durability, higher ductility, more attractive appearance, and lower maintenance costs. With all this going on, it's no wonder stainless steel is so prevalent in so many industries, including pipe fittings.

Because each alloy behaves differently, it is important to be able to distinguish between them. Stainless steel alloys are divided into five different families, each with its own characteristics. The five families are austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, duplex, and precipitation hardening.

What are stainless steel pipe fittings applications?

The advantages of corrosion-resistant metals in pipe fittings should be obvious. This is why stainless steel is a popular choice for tubing applications. Fittings are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.

SS 304 fittings are one of the most commonly used fittings. This is because of its all-around corrosion resistance and other benefits. 304 also has strong chemical resistance, which is an added benefit for materials exposed to large amounts of water, especially in industrial environments.

A special application for tubing fittings is stainless steel pressure fittings. Stainless steel 316 fittings are made of solid chromium or, preferably, a combination of chromium and nickel. Alloys suitable for this form of tubing are usually from the ferritic and austenitic families. This type of tubing may be beneficial for corrosive or high temperature applications as well as high pressure environments.

Another common use for stainless steel fittings is sanitary tubing. For example, sanitary facilities are a key factor in the food, beverage and medical device industries. In addition to corrosion resistance, stainless steel is valued for its ease of cleaning and lack of loss of luster. astma A270 alloy is a popular choice for sanitary fittings.

Many uses of stainless steel fittings are used in high performance industries such as aerospace and engineering. Alloys based on chromium and nickel are highly heat resistant, which is an important factor in aircraft.

Our stainless steel fittings are widely used in construction work. Due to their ductility, they can be easily installed without any heat treatment. The total life of steel pipe fittings in pipelines is also estimated to be close to fifty years.