Stainless steel is the generic name for the widely popular family of corrosion-resistant metal alloys. There are several different types of stainless steel, but they have properties in common. When it comes to austenitic vs. martensitic, for example, the one commonality that they all share is a 10.5% minimum chromium content. Once chromium is alloyed to steel it forms a protective film on the steel surface, preventing any contact with oxygen. Depending on the material needs, other elements such as nickel, molybdenum, or titanium can be added to improve corrosion resistance and to provide additional necessary properties that can enhance the performance of the metal.
