Different Grades of Stainless Steel for Foodservice Industry

1. Different Grades of Stainless Steel for Foodservice Industry Steel is everywhere, from kitchen to construction and everywhere you can see. An alloy of different metals, stainless steel is stronger and versatile than steel and finds a wide range of applications across industries. It’s more durable and offers more power and strength to any article or structure made out of it. While everyone knows about stainless steel, very few or only industry experts talk about different grades of the material. By adding or removing different elements from steel, engineers are able to create different varieties of the alloy to bring changes to their properties and uses. This is the way different grades of steel are created for use in a wide range of applications such as from construction to kitchen equipment. Different grades of stainless steel are also used in foodservice establishments. Different grades of the material have their qualities and specifications. Therefore, it is crucial to understand grades before approaching stainless steel suppliers for the material.

2. Stainless steel grades There are different types of stainless steel, and they greatly in terms of characteristics and uses. In order to differentiate between various types, they are basically divided into grades. Industries use different types of grading systems (which vary in different countries, in different settings). For foodservice industry, SAE grade and flatware grades are used. Flatware grade Flatware grading system is widely used in the foodservice industry to organize stainless steel. The system basically uses ratios to describe the levels of various elements present in the steel. The most common elements used in making food grade steel are nickel and chromium. These elements impact the corrosion resistance, magnetism, as well as shine of the steel. The ratios used are: 18/0, 18/8, and 18/10. There’s yet another ratio, 13/0 used in the food grade stainless steel which are common for making food grade dinner and dessert knives. 13/0 stainless steel is softer than other stainless steel grades. While this grading system is common to describe flatware, it may also be used for pans, pots, and other types of food grade cookware. SAE grade SAE international, an engineering organization known for developing standards for manufacturing industries, uses this type of grading system. The system uses whole numbers to differentiate between different steel grades and their types. This grading system may also refer to the AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute) system. AISI system is now regulated by SAE International. Understanding of steel grades before consulting carbon steel suppliers helps making an informed purchase. Source URL: https://bit.ly/2VANlqz