Troubleshooter

What’s The Deal With Stainless Steel?

- Steve Zimmerman

More than 400 years ago, Sheffield, England, became renowned for its steel-working, fine cutlery, and swords. Over the decades and centuries, local artisans continued to refine the process of converting iron ore into workable alloys. In the early 1900s, a research lab in Sheffield worked on finding ways to eliminate rust in gun barrels. The head of the laboratory happened to notice that, unlike the other samples, a discarded sample from a previous test had not rusted yet. They quickly determined that by adding chromium to the steel alloy the metal could be made far more resistant to rusting than ever. Two months later, in the summer of 1912, they produced a stainless steel casting for the first time. Initially they called it “rustless steel” but for marketing reasons, soon changed it to stainless.

Many consider stainless steel to be a technological marvel. This material has had a major impact in many critical industries, including food handling, medical supplies, and, of course, boats. Stainless steel refers to a family of alloys, with critical differences within that group. The stainless steel bolt might not be the same alloy as the cleat it holds. The cleat will not be the same alloy as the stainless propeller shaft. Knowing the differences among the choices can make the difference between cruising and sinking. If you are buying a component made out of stainless, you will hear a variety of confusing terms, such as 18-8, 304 or 316, Aquamet 22, and more. Understanding these terms will help you make smart choices.

THE STAINLESS RECIPE BOOK