Stainless steel is a ferrous metal as it contains iron.
Ferrous metals mostly contain Iron. They have small amounts of other metals or elements added, to give the required properties. Ferrous metals are magnetic and give little resistance to corrosion. Ferrous stainless steel allows for the following:
- Weldability and Fabrication: An iron base makes stainless steel compatible with typical steel fabrication and welding processes.
- Recyclability: Like other ferrous metals, stainless steel is highly recyclable, contributing to sustainable manufacturing practices.
- Magnetic Separation: Ferrous stainless steels can be separated from non-ferrous metals using magnetic separation techniques, useful in recycling and sorting operations.
- Mechanical Properties: The iron content provides strength and toughness, which are essential in structural and mechanical applications. For example, the iron in stainless steel allows for dairy tube to withstand high pressure liquid flows.