Archives: FAQs

All steel is iron based, but stainless steel contains chromium at 10% or more by weight. Chromium, provides corrosion resistance and a polished appearance, making it highly resistant to rust and staining, while ordinary steel does not have these properties, making it susceptible to corrosion and staining.  Ordinary steel is used in a wide range… Read more »

Stainless steel’s non-corrosive characteristic gives it a long lifespan. With the addition of nickel, the material survives even longer and in several types of environments. By adding molybdenum and nitrogen, stainless gains improved pitting and crevice corrosion resistance. Stainless steel has a high strength-to-weight ratio even at high temperatures. Adding alloys to stainless steel helps… Read more »

Stainless steels are classified according to their metallurgical structure: austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, precipitation hardening, and duplex. Austenitic stainless steels contain chromium and nickel. They are hardened only through cold working and are non-magnetic although some may become magnetic by cold working. Austenitic stainless steels are identified as T300 series stainless steels (typical alloys T304, T316)…. Read more »

Stainless steel finds diverse applications, including cookware, cutlery, sinks, aerospace components, medical instruments, oil and gas pipelines, beverage containers, and laboratory equipment. It is chosen for its resistance to corrosion and heat. Specifically, austenitic stainless steels excel in heat exchangers, medical devices,food and beverage machinery, chemical equipment, marine equipment and nuclear power.  These applications showcase… Read more »

Grades 304 and 316 stainless steel are the most commonly used in marine settings, with 316 particularly renowned for its high corrosion resistance in aggressive marine environments. Stainless steel forms a protective oxide layer on its surface, which acts as a barrier against corrosion, even when exposed to salt water. This oxide layer is self-repairing… Read more »

Stainless steel’s durability and extended life mean that it requires fewer replacements, reducing the disposal of materials and energy consumption associated with the manufacturing of new materials. By reducing material waste, conserving resources, decreasing energy consumption and minimizing carbon emissions, it supports a more eco-conscious and cost effective approach aligning with sustainability goals for projects… Read more »

Stainless steel’s inherent properties allow it to maintain a sterile condition without requiring additional coatings or treatments. Its surface remains smooth and non-porous, resistant to bacteria and other contaminants.

Stainless steel is  available in bar, wire, tubing, pipe, strip, fittings, fasteners, sheet and plate form. (Eagle supplies bar, wire, tubing and pipe)

Stainless steel can be either magnetic or non-magnetic, depending on its composition. Austenitic Stainless Steel: This group, which includes grades like 304 and 316, is non-magnetic.  Ferritic Stainless Steel: Ferritic stainless steels, such as 430, are typically magnetic. Martensitic Stainless Steel: Martensitic stainless steels, like 410 and 420, are also typically magnetic. It’s important to… Read more »

The “gauge” of stainless steel refers to the thickness. Gauge is represented numerically. For stainless steel, as the gauge number increases the material thickness decreases. This means 14 gauge is thicker than 16 gauge.  The gauge is used to determine the thickness of the tube wall, which is a critical factor in its strength, durability,… Read more »