History Of Stainless Steel

The birth of steel dates back to about 4,000 years ago, when iron-based weapons began to replace bronze due to their increased strength. For thousands of years, people have been using steel as a foundation without knowing why it is better than its alternatives. Major breakthroughs occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as steel began to be produced commercially.

In 1856, Henry Bessemer proposed a new method of reducing carbon content by introducing oxygen into molten iron. This led to various developments in steel, and the United States Steel Company was born in 1901. In 1904, French scientist Leon Gillet developed an alloy mixture to make stainless steel. In 1913, Harry Brearley documented the process, noted corrosion resistance, and patented the first martensite.

Originally known as "stainless steel", stainless steel soon started making waves in the market due to its shiny finish and enormous strength. It's a true technological marvel that has truly modernized industries such as transportation and medicine. Its enormous benefits make everyday life easier in ways we didn't even think of.

Most people hear the word stainless steel or the word stainless and their mind jumps to the new refrigerator or kitchen appliance they just checked out in the catalog. However, stainless steel is used in thousands of different applications, from aerospace to medical markets, and for very specific reasons.