Stainless steel is a material we see and use every day. From kitchen tools to medical instruments and building materials, it plays a vital role in our modern lives. In this post, let’s explore how stainless steel is made, while picking up some useful English phrases along the way!
What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is an alloy mainly made of iron that contains at least 10.5% chromium, which helps prevent rust. Chromium forms a protective oxide layer on the surface that makes the material corrosion-resistant.
English Phrase:
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron that contains at least 10.5% chromium to prevent rust.
Main Ingredients of Stainless Steel
- Iron
- Chromium
- Nickel
- Molybdenum (for some types)
English Phrase:
The main ingredients of stainless steel are iron, chromium, and sometimes nickel or molybdenum.
The Stainless Steel Production Process
1. Melting the Raw Materials
Scrap iron and alloying elements are melted in an electric arc furnace at extremely high temperatures.
English Phrase:
The raw materials are melted in an electric furnace at extremely high temperatures.
2. Refining
Impurities like sulfur and carbon are removed by blowing oxygen into the molten metal.
English Phrase:
Refining removes impurities such as sulfur and carbon.
3. Casting
The molten stainless steel is poured into molds and allowed to solidify into slabs or billets.
English Phrase:
The molten steel is cast into molds to form solid shapes.
4. Hot and Cold Rolling
The steel is rolled at high temperatures (hot rolling) to reduce thickness, then further processed at room temperature (cold rolling) for precision.
English Phrase:
Hot and cold rolling processes are used to shape the steel into desired thickness and form.
5. Heat Treatment
Heat treatment (such as annealing) is used to improve the mechanical properties of the steel.
English Phrase:
Heat treatment improves the mechanical properties of stainless steel.
6. Surface Finishing
Processes like pickling and polishing are used to give the steel a clean, shiny, and smooth finish.
English Phrase:
Surface finishing gives the steel a clean and attractive appearance.
Characteristics of Stainless Steel
- Rust-resistant
- Heat-resistant
- High strength
- Attractive appearance
English Phrase:
Stainless steel is widely used for its durability and corrosion resistance.
Conclusion
Stainless steel is produced through a complex series of steps, resulting in a strong, versatile, and beautiful material. By learning how it’s made in English, you can expand your technical vocabulary and better understand the world around you.
Feel free to revisit and practice the phrases from this article!
