Definition of stainless steel: Iron based alloys containing more than 12% chromium are called stainless steel.

The most basic characteristic of stainless steel is its rust resistance under atmospheric conditions and corrosion resistance in various liquid media.

The meaning of stainless steel: Stainless steel is a general term for stainless steel and acid-resistant steel. Stainless steel refers to steel that is resistant to weak corrosive media such as atmosphere, steam and water, while acid-resistant steel refers to steel that is resistant to chemical etching media such as acid, alkali and salt.

There are great differences in alloying degree between stainless steel and acid-resistant steel. Although stainless steel is stainless, it is not necessarily acid resistant; Acid-resistant steels generally have stainless properties.

In the air or chemical corrosive medium can resist corrosion of a kind of high alloy steel, stainless steel is a beautiful surface and good corrosion resistance, do not have to go through plating and other surface treatment, and play the inherent surface properties of stainless steel, used in many aspects of steel, usually called stainless steel.

From the metallographic point of view, because stainless steel contains chromium and the surface of the formation of a very thin chromium film, this film is separated from the oxygen intrusion in the steel has a role in corrosion resistance. In order to maintain the corrosion resistance inherent in stainless steel, the steel must contain more than 12% chromium.