The Versatility of Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a highly versatile material that has applications in many different areas. Indeed, a lot of people have probably realized its presence in several different areas of life. This metal is made "stainless" by the amount of chromium contained in the steel. This trace substance provides a layer of oxide that guards against corrosion. This feature, along with a few other benefits, means that stainless steel is used in many ways, from domestic situations to the field of civil engineering.

Using stainless steel has many benefits beside its resistance to corrosion. It can also withstand very high and low temperatures, is fast and easy to make, and is durable enough to last for many years. Many people are familiar with stainless steel through kitchen appliances like sinks, saucepans and cutlery. At the same time, this reliable material is used in architecture for structural supports, reinforcement, masonry supports, and more. Its strength makes it ideal for use in architecture.

Another beneficial quality of stainless steel is that it is easy to clean. This makes it perfect for use in the medical field, where cleanliness and efficiency are both highly important. It can be found in surgical instruments and MRI scanners, among others. Its durability means it is well suited to use in piping that needs to stay in place over many years. This also makes it a natural choice for hardware like springs, fasteners and wire. This material can last reliably for a long time with little maintenance.

Stainless steel also has an aesthetically appealing look, which is why it can be found in many home and restaurant kitchens. It is also used in fixtures like door and window fittings. The simple, clean and polished look can be the perfect accent for many homes. It is often available with different finishes that can modify the look to suit whatever environment it has been used in. Whether you want something shiny and chrome, or something brushed and matte, stainless steel can fit your requirements.

Stainless steel is one of those things that has become so ubiquitous that we hardly notice it anymore. However, its many benefits soon become apparent to anyone who looks into it for potential use. No matter the final goal in mind, whether it is a faucet or a scalpel, stainless steel might be the perfect material to use. This material is also highly recyclable, which makes it an environmentally conscious choice as well. The next time someone wonders what stainless steel is used for, you will be able to tell them all about its ever present nature, as well as why we use it so much.

Learn more about stainless steel and aluminum recycling in San Jose, by visiting this website.

Modern Art

Crushed aluminum cans become a work of art. Combining rustic laddered boards and brightly colored discarded cans, this grid makes something old, new again. Sparking both interest and conversation, this recycling masterpiece is sure to garner attention.

Why You Should Teach Your Children to Recycle

Recycling is becoming more and more important with each passing year, as landfills grow more populated with recyclable trash. With landfills reaching capacity all over the country, upkeep costs continue to rise, and more than that, the materials in landfills give off methane gas, contributing to air pollution.

Strategizing for sustainable electronics

Federal agencies have embraced the National Strategy for Electronics Stewardship (NSES) and its goals by completing projects that make electronics purchasing, management and disposal more efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly... read more

Making a Statement

When it comes to graffiti, this wall makes a statement for the environment. A variation on the well-known symbol, this artist rendered green and white arrows and bold black letters proclaiming recycle, reduce, and reuse on concrete.

Recycling Scrap Iron

Scrap metal is defined within two distinct categories: ferrous (containing iron) and non-ferrous (not containing iron). Ferrous metals are strong and durable, such as steel, cast iron, or wrought iron. These metals are used mostly in construction, though their magnetic properties also make them good materials for things like stoves and refrigerators. While ferrous metals are susceptible to rust, non-ferrous are less likely to oxidize, and their malleability and non-magnetic properties make them good choices for things like wiring and electronics. Because of all their different applications, it's important that the two be separated during the recycling process.

1.    Inspection

When scrap metal arrives at a recycling plant, it is screened for radiation before it's even unloaded. If it's clean, it's transported to a conveyor belt, where it's screened an additional time in case any radiation was missed.

2.    Fragmentation
A large piece of machinery called a hammer mill breaks down the scrap metal into pieces the size of your fist and the fragments are shaken down into another conveyor belt.

3.    Separation

Then, a magnetic drum above the conveyor belt attracts any ferrous materials (since ferrous metals are magnetic), and the rest remains below. Any non-metal material is sucked up at this point, so that only metal remains.

4.    Recreation

The ferrous metals are inspected one more time for any problematic materials, and then it's sent to steel mills to be engineered into new steel.

In the end, iron metals have many important applications, and without them, skyscrapers and bridges wouldn’t be nearly as sturdy.

For more information on recycling in San Jose visit this website.

Processing as a priority

Jake Anderson and Millennium Recycling focus on comprehensive collection and detail-oriented processing to offer recycling services to South Dakota... read more