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Most recent blogs
Bridging the gap between superalloys & carbon steel
By Ankit Kalra | 03 September 2019
Corrosion is an expensive problem impacting all industrial sectors. While superalloys can offer a robust solution, in some instances special grades of stainless steels may offer a more economical alternative.
Stainless steel 304 vs 316 - how to select the right grade?
By Mike Haynes | 16 August 2019
Several austenitic stainless steel tube grades are suitable for a wide range of purposes, the two most common being 304 and 316. So how can you determine which is best suited to your project?
Stainless Steel – Durable, Sustainable and 100% Recyclable
By Avi Patel | 05 July 2018
Sustainability is defined by 3 Ps – People, Planet and Profit. To build a sustainable future, the materials, especially metals we use play a crucial role. And that’s because discarded or scrap metal do not decompose easily and that poses a serious risk to people and planet. To have a sustainable tomorrow, we need to use metals that are clean, durable and recyclable today.
Small size channel forming challenges
By Daniel Clark | 22 March 2018
There was a time when metal forming of any type was considered a difficult task due to the limited knowledge or proper equipment. However, advancements in science and technology have solved this problem and today there is a wide range of metal forming techniques available in the market.
Paris floods sink barge, stainless project on hold
By Joanne McIntyre | 15 February 2018
A historic barge moored on the Seine in Paris which was due to be renovated with the support of Alloy Corporation, NSSC and Nippon Yakin Kogyo, sank during recent flooding in the French capital.
Have you seen The Big Elk?
By Joanne McIntyre | 01 February 2018
This amazing sculpture - the world's largest of an elk - is made from highly polished 316 stainless steel and is designed to improve road safety.
Nano-texturing creates bacteria-killing spikes on stainless surfaces
By Joanne McIntyre | 25 January 2018
By using an electrochemical etching process on a common stainless steel alloy, researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have created a nanotextured surface that kills bacteria while not harming mammalian cells.
Nickel: part of the solution to combat climate change
By Joanne McIntyre | 15 January 2018
Did you know that nickel and nickel alloys play a crucial role in the production of renewable energy - enabling clean power to be a central part of our efforts to tackle global warming?
Grade 304: the workhorse of the stainless steel industry
By Joanne McIntyre | 17 November 2017
It doesn’t matter what you call it – 304, 1.4301, 18/8 or even V2A – most people in the business will know what you mean. There are two (or perhaps three) obvious reasons for this. Grade 304 was one of the first stainless steel grades developed, it quickly became the workhorse for the stainless steel industry and consumers, and it retains this pre-eminent position to this day.
Stainless fasteners ensure reliable and safe industrial assembly
By Joanne McIntyre | 02 November 2017
Anders Söderman is the Technical Director at Bumax AB up in Åshammar in Sweden. The company is a world leader in the production of stainless steel fasteners. Stainless Steel World talked to him about his work and his associated interest in corrosion resistant alloys.
Budd Metroliner researcher seeks information
By Joanne McIntyre | 26 October 2017
A researcher is writing a book about the stainless steel high speed 'Budd Metroliner' trains which were built in the 1960s in Philadelphia, USA. However the dissolution of the Budd company left little documentation and few people with personal recollections remain. Perhaps you can provide some information on this fascinating USDOT project from the past?
North Sea wind power hub to become reality
By Joanne McIntyre | 19 October 2017
There has been a lot of talk recently about the growth of wind power across Western Europe. One project in particular caught my eye recently due to both its size and ingenuity. The North Sea hub will be providing wind power to up to 100 million people by 2050.
South Africa: a focus on integrating the value chain
By Joanne McIntyre | 28 September 2017
South Africa’s stainless industry is centred on fabrication and value-adding activities. Given the tough economic climate it has endured over the past 18 months, Stainless Steel World spoke to two experts from the Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association, Executive Director Mr. John Tarboton and Market Intelligence Specialist Ms. Lesley Squires, about the current market situation.
3D scanning assists piping replacement
By Joanne McIntyre | 24 August 2017
In a recent large-scale project, high definition 3D and CT scanning technology was successfully deployed to design replacement piping in a nuclear power plant. The technology could offer significant advantages over current maintenance methodologies at power plants.
Metastable austenitic stainless steels
By Jan-Olof Nilsson | 10 August 2017
Number five in a series of articles throughout 2017 on the topic of the seven families of stainless steels; their characteristics, complementary properties and the wide variety of applications, from the smallest items for the human body, to large scale constructions in the process industry. This month looks at metastable austenitic stainless steels which are richer in carbon than traditional austenitic stainless steels.
How stainless steel helps withstand natural disasters
By Anna Alejo | 03 August 2017
Over the last six years deadly natural disasters have claimed hundreds of lives in the Philippines. Considered one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, it is vulnerable to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis.
Gum metals pave the way for new applications
By Joanne McIntyre | 27 July 2017
Metals which can be bent as gum pave the way for new industrial applications, for example in the aerospace industry.
Four-footed wisdom
By Joanne McIntyre | 06 July 2017
Sometimes inspiration can come from unexpected quarters, and whether you are contemplating your business or private life, some advice will always ring true.
Stainless mesh a good acoustic and aesthetic choice
By Joanne McIntyre | 29 June 2017
The Taylor Center for Performing Arts is a new addition to the Canadian Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada. Inspired by the natural beauty of the area, both the aesthetic and acoustic properties of the performance hall required careful material choice, with stainless steel wire mesh playing an important role.
A sunny forecast for renewables
By Joanne McIntyre | 22 June 2017
We hear a lot about renewable energy but is it really replacing fossil fuels? Oil is still historically cheap, solar has a reputation for being costly, and what about President Trumps' love of fossil fuels? The truth may just surprise you...
Ferritic stainless steels...almost immune to stress corrosion
By Jan-Olof Nilsson | 15 June 2017
The second in a series of eight columns throughout 2017 on the topic of the seven families of stainless steels; their characteristics, complementary properties and the wide variety of applications from the smallest of items destined for the human body to large scale constructions in the process industry. This article focuses on ferritic stainless steels which are so resistant to stress corrosion.
Top 5 welding safety hazards and how to avoid them
By Michael Pierce | 08 June 2017
Welding is not as hazardous as some people believe, given that you have taken all necessary safety precautions. However welders who ignore these preventive measures are prone to risks of injuries including: fire, electric shock, exposure to harmful gases and fumes and other potential hazards. Guest blogger Michael Pierce explains more.
High strength CRA ideal for landing gear
By Joanne McIntyre | 01 June 2017
A new high strength corrosion resistant alloy developed in Canada offers advantages over existing materials for aircraft landing gear and other demanding applications.
Amorphous steel alloy breaks records for strength
By Joanne McIntyre | 18 May 2017
In April 2016 a team of engineers announced it had developed and tested a type of steel with a record-breaking ability to withstand an impact without deforming permanently. The new steel alloy could be used in a wide range of applications, from drill bits, to body armour for soldiers, to meteor-resistant casings for satellites.
Microbiologically induced corrosion
By Arwind Kumar Dubey | 04 May 2017
In this short blog the characteristics of microbiological induced corrosion are outlined. The major factors are discussed which lead to its occurrence as well as units/equipment which are affected by MIC. Finally, a few steps are mentioned as to how to monitor and reduce its presence.
Lightweight solutions for vehicles
By Joanne McIntyre | 27 April 2017
Scientists from the renowned Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT) in Germany are working with material experts to develop future-oriented stainless steel solutions for the automotive industry.
Maintenance-free tunnel built to last 100 years
By Joanne McIntyre | 20 April 2017
The Holmestrand station is a prestigious development and part of a high speed railway development by NSB AS, the Norwegian state-owned railroad company, that will create a triangle from Oslo to south Norway and then up to Bergen. The use of duplex in the construction will ensure that it remains maintenance free and fully functioning for at least a century.
Norway unveils plans to build world’s first ship tunnel
By Matjaž Matošec | 13 April 2017
This ambitious project would enable ships to bypass the perilous waters of Norway’s western coast and holds great opportunities for stainless steel suppliers.
Outside corner TIG welding on steel: a step-by-step guide
By Joanne McIntyre | 06 April 2017
TIG, or Tungsten Inert Gas welding – more properly known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) – is a technique that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to supply current to the welding arc. Guest blogger Morgan Franklin has prepared a guide for mastering this technique.
In search of 'unobtainium'
By Matjaž Matošec | 30 March 2017
You won’t find it in the periodic table but may remember it from the 2009 film Avatar. Unobtainium: possessing all the properties except the all-important one.
Improving on the Iron Horse
By Joanne McIntyre | 23 March 2017
The cost effectiveness of stainless steel in the railway industry is now an accepted fact. There are significant cost and safety related benefits to choosing stainless steels.
Austenitic stainless steels - from kitchen sinks to fuel cell cars
By Jan-Olof Nilsson | 16 March 2017
This blog is the first in a series of eight columns during 2017 on the topic of the seven families of stainless steels; their characteristics, complementary properties and the astonishingly wide variety of applications ranging from tiny stents in the human body to large scale constructions in the process industry. It is natural to start with the family of austenitic stainless steels because of its large impact on our society.
What is Keyhole TIG?
By Joanne McIntyre | 07 March 2017
Guest blogger Ms Belinda Latz, Operations Manager at at K-TIG in Australia looks at Keyhole GTAW (known as K-TIG), a relatively new welding variant of the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process.
Stainless steel coaches for railway passenger safety
By Nirmal Mathur | 02 March 2017
Passenger safety has assumed critical importance in material selection for coach bodies used in India, with stainless steel becoming the preferred choice.
How stainless steel saves construction firms money
By Joanne McIntyre | 23 February 2017
This week guest blogger Mr Euan Garcia from Sanyo Seiki Stainless Steel Corporation discusses the excellent lifecycle cost characteristics of stainless steel in the construction industry.
Stainless steel rejuvenates Lillehammer Art Museum
By Matjaž Matošec | 16 February 2017
Crowned with a cantilevering cube wrapped in polished stainless steel, the recent expansion of the museum gives the institution a contemporary look.
Duplex lends strength to fifteenth-century palace
By Joanne McIntyre | 09 February 2017
Duplex stainless steel is helping to achieve an historically accurate copy of a fifteenth-century architectural treasure in Berlin.
Hydrogen Council promotes the perfect green fuel
By Joanne McIntyre | 02 February 2017
Great news for the hydrogen and fuel cell community at the beginning of 2017: thirteen leading energy, transport and industry companies have launched a global initiative to voice a united vision and long-term ambition for hydrogen to foster the energy transition.
Meeting the challenge of butt-welding stainless steel
By Joanne McIntyre | 26 January 2017
The challenge of welding is a topic that recurs frequently in Stainless Steel World and this week we’ve got a virtual tool that will help you achieve great results.
Natural gas dehydration
By Matjaž Matošec | 19 January 2017
Raw natural gas is saturated with water which must be removed to ensure safe transport. A new technology makes gas dehydration less costly and more efficient.
Put your back into it…exo-skeletons become a reality
By Joanne McIntyre | 12 January 2017
Move over Ripley, exo-skeleton technology has developed from alien-slaying to everyday use on the workshop floor.
Replacing glass with stainless steel
By Matjaž Matošec | 05 January 2017
In response to continually cracking glass bridge panels, the Chattanooga City Council recently voted to invest in a more durable material solution.
The importance of grade selection in architecture
By Matjaž Matošec | 14 December 2016
Stainless steel is a truly remarkable architectural material, provided that a suitable grade is selected for each individual project .
Molybdenum and tungsten in duplex stainless steels
By Joanne McIntyre | 08 December 2016
This week Jan-Olof Nilsson completes his series on the composition of duplex stainless steels with a look at chromium and the important role it plays.
Stainless steel sculptures flourish in India
By Nirmal Mathur | 01 December 2016
Stainless steel is finding its way into the national consciousness in the form of sculptures and art in many cities in India.
How many is too many?
By Joanne McIntyre | 24 November 2016
The development of new grades is a never ending process. While some argue there are too many grades, is too much choice ever really a problem?
Additive manufacturing offers production advantages
By Joanne McIntyre | 17 November 2016
There are many advantages in using additive manufacturing/digital parts transfer to produce stainless steel components.
Renewable energy is on the rise
By Matjaž Matošec | 03 November 2016
Renewables have surpassed coal to become the largest source of newly installed power capacity in the world.
Welding duplex remains a hot topic
By Joanne McIntyre | 27 October 2016
A highlight of the Duplex world Seminar this year was an acclaimed plenary from Lars Haldorsen of Statoil, who shared his knowledge on the challenges of welding duplexes.
Stainless steel as a green material
By Rick Edwards | 20 October 2016
100% recyclability, minimal CO2 emissions, long lifespan and low maintenance of stainless steel are major contributors to its green credentials.
Low-cost, light weight titanium
By Joanne McIntyre | 06 October 2016
An improved titanium alloy — stronger than any titanium alloy on the market — gets its strength from the novel way atoms are arranged to form a special nanostructure.
Expansion of the metro rail system in India
By Nirmal Mathur | 29 September 2016
India is making large investments in the country’s metro rail system, which promises to give a big boost to the stainless steel industry.
Chromium in duplex stainless steels
By Jan-Olof Nilsson | 21 September 2016
Jan-Olof Nilsson continues his series on the composition of duplex stainless steels with a look at chromium and the important role it plays.
Fostering the spirit of community
By Matjaž Matošec | 15 September 2016
The exchange of information, knowledge, ideas and experience is essential for any professional community to thrive and remain vibrant. The stainless steel community is no exception.
A lasting reminder
By Joanne McIntyre | 08 September 2016
When Ronald Westerhuis was commissioned to produce a national monument, he chose stainless steel to create a sculpture that will be beautiful, respectful and long lasting.
Postlude to Rio: Stainless Steel in Sports Equipment
By Matjaž Matošec | 25 August 2016
Strength, corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal are some of the characteristics that make stainless steel ideally suited to a range of sports equipment.
‘Skilled India’ and Stainless Steel
By Nirmal Mathur | 10 August 2016
India is facing a skilling challenge of vast proportions, which includes the entire product chain of the stainless steel industry. To overcome this challenge, nationwide training programmes are planned or already underway.
Stainless rebar dramatically extends life expectancy
By Joanne McIntyre | 28 July 2016
By using a combination of stainless steel and carbon rebar during construction, the life expectancy of a structure can be extended by a factor of ten.
Timing is everything
By Joanne McIntyre | 14 July 2016
“The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese” - Willie Nelson, American singer, songwriter and activist.
ITER – Unlimited energy
By Joanne McIntyre | 30 June 2016
One million components, ten million parts…the ITER Tokamak will be the largest and most power fusion device in the world.
Tackling Food and Water Waste with Stainless Steel
By Matjaž Matošec | 23 June 2016
The food and beverage industry is heavily reliant on stainless steel, with food and water waste creating further demand for the material.
Urbanisation Holds Huge Promise for Stainless Steel
By Matjaž Matošec | 09 June 2016
By 2050, population growth and urbanisation are expected to more than double the amount of stainless steel used in architecture, building and construction.
Filtration fit to protect our oceans
By Joanne McIntyre | 02 June 2016
With two thirds of the worlds’ goods transported by sea, the threat of infestation of marine environments with foreign organisms calls for robust filtration materials.
The role of nickel and manganese in duplexes
By Jan-Olof Nilsson | 26 May 2016
In a series of four articles Jan-Olof Nilsson will describe the role of nickel, manganese, chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen in the design of duplex stainless steels.
Stainless Steel for Food Industry
By Nirmal Mathur | 19 May 2016
The Indian food processing industry is poised for growth and that in turn is likely to raise demand for stainless steel.
Iranian market offers massive potential
By Joanne McIntyre | 12 May 2016
Following the lifting of UN sanctions against Iran in January, producers of stainless steels and alloys are eager to re-enter this massive market.
The Power of the End User
By Matjaž Matošec | 28 April 2016
Product development, manufacture, marketing and supply are distinct processes, but they all work towards the same goal: to satisfy and attract end users.
Steel Producers Unite in Fight against Fake Products
By Matjaž Matošec | 14 April 2016
The spread of counterfeit products has become a global problem affecting many industries, including that of stainless steel. To fight this harmful practice, a group of reputable pipe manufacturers has recently established a new initiative.
UK steel industry in crisis
By Joanne McIntyre | 07 April 2016
The impending sales of Tata Steel UK is a devastating blow to the UK’s steel industry and raises questions about the government’s handling of the crisis.
Quenching World’s Thirst by Turning Seas into Fountains of Fresh Water
By Matjaž Matošec | 31 March 2016
With fresh water scarcity affecting populations around the globe, desalination is gaining in importance. Stainless steel helps make this costly process viable.
Will China’s new 5 year plan reform its stainless industry?
By Joanne McIntyre | 24 March 2016
The new five year plan promises moderate growth and reforms of the stainless industry which currently suffers from massive over capacity.
Stainless steel for stainless water
By Matjaž Matošec | 17 March 2016
Although widely considered a basic human right, universal access to clean drinking water remains a challenge. Stainless steel is part of the solution.
Handling Stock of Fickle Nickel
By Matjaž Matošec | 03 March 2016
What to do with a stock of nickel alloys at times of low nickel price: sit on it or sell it? A recent LinkedIn discussion provides some clues to this conundrum.
Nitrogen + Syngas 2016
By Joanne McIntyre | 25 February 2016
The global nitrogen market has taken a negative turn and prices have fallen to global cost floor set by Chinese urea producers.
Turkey and Stainless Steel
By Matjaž Matošec | 18 February 2016
Bridging Europe and Asia, Turkey is a country with rich history, culture and natural resources. Add to this a fast-growing economy and you get a land of great opportunities for stainless steel.
The prospects for stainless steel in 2016?
By John Butterfield | 11 February 2016
In a recent article in Stainless Steel World magazine, James Chater talked about how the world economy seems to have hits the skids again in 2016. Prospects do not appear good with already some countries moving into recession whilst the effects of fiscal expansion are also wearing off. The situation is further complicated by over-production, which is affecting not only stainless steel producers but also some of the markets they serve. So where will the most viable markets be in the coming years
High-Performance Alloys in (Bio)Pharmaceutical Industry
By Matjaž Matošec | 04 February 2016
The production of pharmaceuticals must strictly adhere to regulatory and performance requirements. As these are becoming more and more stringent, high-performance alloys containing molybdenum and/or nickel are increasingly used for process equipment.
Welding Grade 91 with dissimilar metals
By Joanne McIntyre | 28 January 2016
A project started in late 2013 has examined the integrity of welding Grade 91 (high chromium alloy steel) to stainless steel grades 304 and 316.
Flats Explained
By Matjaž Matošec | 21 January 2016
Stainless steel comes in various shapes which can be grouped into larger families. Sheet, coil and plate are among the product types forming the family of flats. What do they have in common and what sets them apart?
Pioneering research into multiphase flow
By Joanne McIntyre | 14 January 2016
A pioneering joint industry project (JIP) into the dynamic forces affecting the integrity of piping systems, particularly through multiphase flow, is underway.
How clean are your stainless steels welds? Are there methods and procedures to ensure this?
By John Butterfield | 17 December 2015
In this article, Steven Webb of Cougartron looks at how stainless steel is only as corrosion resistant as the quality of the welding it contains.
Nickel Alloys and Their Many Uses
By Matjaž Matošec | 09 December 2015
Rapidly growing world population and urbanization drive the need for high-performance materials that are capable of delivering greater efficiency while operating in tougher conditions. Nickel alloys are one such family of materials.
A bright future dawning for India’s stainless industry!
By John Butterfield | 03 December 2015
The Indian stainless steel industry is a rapidly maturing sector facing encouraging times as the country’s government introduces initiatives that will further stimulate the domestic market. Read further about a remarkable story in progress.
Corrosion-Resistant Alloys: Five Remarkable Facts
By Joanne McIntyre | 26 November 2015
This week, guest blogger Jessica Kane provides an insight into some interesting things you may not yet know about stainless steels.
The Durability of Stainless Steel
By Matjaž Matošec | 19 November 2015
Among the most attractive properties of stainless steel are its durability and resistance to corrosion, making this material a commodity without which our lives are difficult to imagine. Its benefits, however, extend beyond the utilitarian.
Architectural marvel shines in Singapore bay
By Joanne McIntyre | 12 November 2015
Built in the shape of a massive lotus flower the external stainless steel composite material of the Singapore Art Science Museum is both durable and beautiful.
3D printing/Additive manufacturing rapidly expanding
By Joanne McIntyre | 29 October 2015
A recent article looked at what is happening in the fairly new field of 3D printing of nickel alloys and superalloys.
Chinese chemical and nuclear industry overview
By Joanne McIntyre | 22 October 2015
The explosive growth in production capacity means the Chinese market is hard-pressed to keep up and absorb increased production rates.
Duplex families and applications: Part 3 reviewed
By Joanne McIntyre | 15 October 2015
The final article in this fascinating series by Jacques Charles looks at the lean duplex grades and presents some conclusions.
The growing family of ferritics
By Matjaž Matošec | 08 October 2015
Widely seen as an attractive alternative to more traditional austenitics, ferritic stainless steels are gaining in popularity and, consequently, in variety.
Aerospace: Necessity as the mother of invention
By Matjaž Matošec | 01 October 2015
The aerospace industry is a major consumer of special steels and as such one of the driving forces behind the development of new stainless steel alloys.
Australia set to become the world’s largest exporter of natural gas?
By John Butterfield | 24 September 2015
Is Australia set to become the world’s largest exporter of natural gas? This question was posed recently in Stainless Steel World magazine. The gas produced in Australia will be converted to LNG and shipped to China, Japan and other Asian countries. This Australian–Asian interdependence is emerging as a major long-term trend, despite the current slowdown in China and world-wide slump in oil and gas prices.
Duplex families and applications: Part 2 reviewed
By Joanne McIntyre | 17 September 2015
The second part of a 3-part review of duplex families and their applications takes a look at the main duplex developments since 1991.
Shiny façades and the issues of glare and solar energy
By Matjaž Matošec | 10 September 2015
Highly reflective materials offer eye-catching façade solutions but also entail some risks. Glare and solar energy reflected off the surface are among them.
Getting nuclear back on track
By Joanne McIntyre | 03 September 2015
Nuclear power generation is recovering from the impact of the Fukushima accident, to the benefit of stainless steel suppliers.
Duplex families and applications: a review in 3 parts
By Joanne McIntyre | 27 August 2015
Duplexes have been around for over 80 years, but only took off commercially post-1950s. What does the future hold? A 3-part review reveals all…
Industry 4.0: A game changer?
By Matjaž Matošec | 20 August 2015
Synonymous with the fourth industrial revolution, Industry 4.0 has the potential to transform industrial production. Can it impact the stainless steel industry?
St. Louis’ Gateway Arch reaches the grand old age of fifty: a historical quantifying assessment
By John Butterfield | 13 August 2015
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis was made out of stainless steel fifty years ago. It seems at the time the most logical choice in order to achieve its desired longevity, not to mention the necessary aesthetic requirements of the architects. Today it is celebrated for its elegant symbolism and incredible size but at the time of its build it was also innovative and visionary, being the world’s first large structural application of stainless steel.
Value for money; an insider’s view of procurement
By Joanne McIntyre | 06 August 2015
A successful procurement strategy requires flexibility, reliability, accuracy and common sense.
Alloys 945 & 945X: an ultimate corrosion defence
By John Butterfield | 23 July 2015
Ever increasing demands for oil and gas have meant that operators are pushed to explore more and more hostile and corrosive environments – higher temperatures, deeper, and sourer atmospheres – in order to find new supplies. These harsh conditions also place increasingly stringent conditions on the types of stainless steel alloys that can be stand up to these environments. Could Incoloy Alloy 945 and 945X be the new best defense in tackling corrosion problems under these conditions?
Tubes pipes & fittings find alternative markets
By Joanne McIntyre | 16 July 2015
Cancelled projects due to low oil prices have forced the tubes pipes & fittings market to search elsewhere for business.
Tubes pipes & fittings find alternative markets
By Joanne McIntyre | 16 July 2015
Cancelled projects due to low oil prices have forced the tubes pipes & fittings market to search elsewhere for business.
Stainless India: Production growth vs. consumption potential
By Matjaž Matošec | 09 July 2015
The Indian stainless steel market is flourishing, but production growth outstrips that of consumption. Can the country turn this trend around?
Expansions in the duplex market?
By John Butterfield | 02 July 2015
According to recent research carried out for the Stainless Steel World magazine, duplex stainless steels still have only a tiny share of the market for stainless steels. However, customers are increasingly drawn to it because of its favourable strength-to-weight ratio, which allow materials savings of up to 50% compared with austenitics. Its use is also likely to increase because of the material’s strength and corrosion resistance prospects.
3D printing technology will transform your business
By Jolanda Heunen | 25 June 2015
3D scanning, 3D printing and additive manufacturing are terms that you will hear more and more in the future. Yes: also in the world of stainless steel.
Desalination market raises demand for duplexes
By Joanne McIntyre | 18 June 2015
Unexpectedly heavy rainfall in recent years stifled desalination projects; now water demand is rising again and new projects will benefit duplex in particular.
What’s in a name?
By Joanne McIntyre | 11 June 2015
Unless you’re a metallurgist, navigating the complexities of stainless steel terminology can be confusing. A recent article provided an easily understood guide.
Fifty grades of stainless steel
By Jolanda Heunen | 04 June 2015
From a potential list of about 200, the British Stainless Steel Association (BSSA) selected fifty grades of stainless steel.
New ISSF publications on the applications of stainless steel
By Jolanda Heunen | 28 May 2015
The International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) launched a series of new publications on the application of stainless steel in various industries.
Super-hydrophobic metals now a reality
By Joanne McIntyre | 21 May 2015
Scientists at the University of Rochester (USA) have used lasers to make metals ultra water repellent, opening a world of possibilities for these amazing materials.
Need for nickel
By Jolanda Heunen | 13 May 2015
Nickel compounds are used in all sorts of products that we daily rely on. The rechargeable battery technology for electric vehicles is one very important example hereof.
A revolutionary, new lightweight steel for the car industry?
By John Butterfield | 07 May 2015
Materials Scientist Dr. Sang-Heon Kim from South Korea has produced a material which has the strength and lightness of titanium alloys but at possibly only 1/10 the cost.
Recycling of CRAs during decommissioning of nuclear plants
By Joanne McIntyre | 30 April 2015
Nuclear energy is often criticized for producing vast amounts of contaminated waste, but did you know almost everything in a decommissioned plant is recycled?
Rare earth elements
By Jolanda Heunen | 23 April 2015
With names like ‘to lie hidden’ and ‘hard to get’, it’s not hard to guess where the designation rare earth elements stems from. But how are ‘rare earths’ used?
Controlling duplex stainless steel edge cracking
By Joanne McIntyre | 16 April 2015
Edge cracking can occur as a hot rolling defect during duplex production; Stainless Steel World recently published a technical paper on solving this problem.
Reaching for the skies…the soaring potential of 3D printing technology
By Joanne McIntyre | 09 April 2015
The practical application of 3D printing technology is progressing rapidly and it will eventually have a wide ranging effect on the stainless steel industry.
Stainless steel in renewable energy applications
By Jolanda Heunen | 02 April 2015
Renewable energy technologies are becoming more and more important, and stainless steel is a much seen metal in the new generation plants.
Can mankind survive without stainless steels?
By Joanne McIntyre | 26 March 2015
Stainless steels have a large impact upon our lives but are they really indispensable? Expert Jan Olof Nilsson certainly thinks so and argues a good case.
FLNG, the world’s biggest floating structure
By Joanne McIntyre | 19 March 2015
Made from big amounts of stainless steels, including duplex grades, and with a life expectancy of fifty years the FLNG is the largest LNG processing plant in the world.
Flow Control Exchange rocks Rio!
By Joanne McIntyre | 12 March 2015
On 3 & 4 March the inaugural Flow Control Exchange Conference & Exhibition kicked off in sunny Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Surface treatment for a stainless future in the food industry
By Jolanda Heunen | 05 March 2015
In the food processing and catering industry hygiene is of utmost importance and for this reason stainless steel is widely used in these industries. However, not just any stainless steel will be right for the job.
Want to improve your welding performance?
By David Sear | 24 February 2015
Stainless Steel World Editor David Sear’s eyes were opened during a recent visit to TWI’s HQ in England. As he found out, there is a lot of research and engineering going into developing new and highly efficient welding techniques.
Blue-energy, renewable energy of the future?
By Jolanda Heunen | 24 February 2015
Renewable energy is the energy of the future. Sources such as the sun, wind, and tidal power are already well-known for delivering green energy, and now got company from a relatively new form: blue-energy.
Turkey...the land of opportunity?
By Joanne McIntyre | 18 February 2015
Turkey is one of the countries with the highest production growth rate of stainless steels in the past decade. Therefore some think success in Turkey’s stainless steel business is almost guaranteed.