Stainless steel is an alloy, or blend of selective metal ingrediants, primarily iron, chromium and nickel. Sometimes small amounts of other metals are added to give some further special performance characteristics. The result is not one; but a family of iron-base alloys made up of over fifty differemt possible compositions. Each has these specific properties; toughness, corrosion resistance and easy cleanability.

Geerpres uses, for the vast majority of its stainless steel products 18-8 Type 304 stainless steel.

The “18-8” refers to the minumum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel content, which produces a highly corrosion resistant non-magnetic material. 18-8 stainless steel is also called nickel steel or “surgical stainless” because of its wide-spread use in medical products.

The “Type 304” refers to the other ingredients in the alloy, notably the amount of carbon --- approximately .8% --- which produces the best quality of stainless steel for superior drawing ability and very tough welds.

If you have a question about Geerpres Stainless products that is not answered here, please email us and we will be happy to answer your question.