STAINLESS STEEL

Hokitika Guardian, 22 January 1920, Page 1

STAINLESS STEEL

Just before the war a Sheffield metallurgist discovered that it steel weremade with a large proportion of chromium it acquired a high resistance to corrosive agents without its other pioperties being materially affected. From this point the manufacture of articles requiring the strength and other qualities of cast steel, in addition to such non-corrosible properties, lias been developed. Perhaps the most popular application of the process is in the case of table cutlery. Steel table-knives and forks are now made which do not rust or become stained by water, vinegar, salt, fruit juices, or any of the substances which ordinarily affect cutlery made from carbon steel. A common demonstration in England is one showing a lemon being cut by a knife, the juice drying on t.ne blade without any sign of staining. The fact that such a knife is merely wiped clean in the same

way as glassware is, not only obviates the drudgery of knife cleaning as usually done, but preserves the life of the article, as most knife-cleaning processes "are wearing processes. An objection sometimes raised is that such knives do not cut as well as carbon steel knives. This may be so in cases where quality has been sacrificed to cheapness, but it is only necessary to state that such goods'as surgical knives arc now produced in this way to show that the de-

fect is not inherent in the process. Other uses to which chrome steel has been put include harness fittings, slaps’ propellers, and the combustion heads of automobile ngines. Generally speaking, as compared with carbon steel, the now material possesses tlio qualities of requiring less attention and having a longer life, while it also possesses greater strength as compared with bronze alloys, which are generally used to resist corrosion. Many experiments are being made to extend the applications of stainless steel, and some promise results that, can only ho described ns revolutionary, entire industries being involved.