Body Panels, Highlights, Accessories: Stainless Steel in the Auto Industry

Stainless steel has been a silent yet consistent player in different industries for decades. Its inherent beauty and strong resistance to corrosion – which gave it the name – have ensured its role in history as one of the most important materials ever manufactured.

Stainless Steel in the Automotive Industry

In automotive design and manufacturing, stainless steel has enjoyed a cult following by both original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and aftermarket makers alike for a long time, and its applications in this industry are showing no signs of slowing down.

Most people probably believe that stainless is used mostly for accessories designed for vehicles, but the beginnings of this alloy in the automotive industry were far loftier, as a matter of fact.

Building Car Bodies

Realizing perhaps the potential of this special type of steel, Ford worked with the Allegheny Ludlum Corporation as early as the 1930s to tinker with the possibility of using it to build automobile bodies. They were mildly successful. The Cadillac Eldorado Brougham of 1957 and 1958 featured a roof made with the alloy.

The DeLorean DMC-12, which you'll probably recognize as the car in "Back to the Future", sported body panels made with stainless steel type 304 covering the glass-reinforced plastic monocoque. Even the Porsche Cayman uses this steel for its aft body panel because its curves make it impossible for conventional steel to maintain its integrity during formation.

Manufacturing Highlights and Accessories

Whatever level of success stainless steel may have achieved in car manufacturing, its place in the creation of highlights and accessories is set in, well, steel.

SUVs and pickup trucks usually sport nudge bars and bull bars made with stainless alloys. Side steps, rear steps (for pickups), and running boards are commonly built using this strong steel. Some vans and RVs have small ladders leading to the roof made of stainless. In some cases, clients ask for a stainless replacement for their vehicle's bumpers. Some vehicle highlights — such as door handles, grilles, and mag wheels — are also made of stainless steel.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to some accessories and highlights: one supporting stainless steel, and the other chrome. Stainless typically costs more, but it will retain its beauty and integrity far longer with minimal care, and won't chip or deteriorate easily, which is the problem with the cheaper, chromed steel alternatives. As always, stainless steel's resistance to corrosion wins it brownie points.

Whether you're working in a large company operating in the automotive industry, or a tinkerer in a garage who's adept at using different materials for customizing rides, the good news is it's not difficult to find stainless steel suppliers for your needs.


A word of warning, though: there is such a thing as knockoff stainless steel, and you know what that means. Stay away from material that's unreliable, no matter how low the prices may be. The history of stainless steel in the automotive industry deserves far more respect than that.

Grenen Men's Stainless Steel Mesh Wristwatch Review

Fossil AM4364 Stainless Steel Watch - Stainless Steel Blog

Have you noticed that men's wrist watches are getting thicker and thicker? To rebel against the clunky watch trend, you should check out brands like Skagen--the Danish watchmaker. Scandinavian designs feature common articles done in an uncommonly sparse and clean way. Naturally, Skagen makes thin, streamlined, and superbly comfortable watches. When I came across Skagen's Grenen brand at a Kohls department store in Tallahassee, Florida, I was excited. Grenen brings simple, sleek, Scandinavian watch design from Skagen to the poor huddled masses at affordable department store prices.

Should I use the Stainless Steel Watches

I chose the Grenen Stainless Steel Mesh Watch (model M - 24XLBBB) which retails at full price for around $85. However, I found mine on sale for far less. My Grenen watch features a slim Japanese quartz movement, an all stainless steel case, and a fine stainless steel mesh band. It's all done with a deep black finish that evokes ninjas, tuxedos, and the night. For another affordable thin dress watch, consider the Hamlin Ultra Thin Stainless Steel Dress Watch.

Is This Burberry Watch Real Or Fake? - Stainless Steel Blog

The Grenen Stainless Steel Mesh Watch has a minimalist design centered around a traditional round case measuring one and a half inches in diameter. In contrast to clunky watches from makers like Invicta, the Grenen case is a wafer thin quarter inch thick. The watch features a raised track with silver-tone Arabic numerals for 1 through 12. Inside the track of the numbers, the face is slightly recessed. A small portal reveals the date at just above the six o'clock position. Just below 12 o'clock, there is a small white logo, the Grenen name and Denmark. Just above the date portal, tiny white letters remind the wearer that this thin watch is made of steel. The watch hands have thin inserts of luminous material. The layout is sparse, functional, and effective.

This Grenen watch has a thin, fine, steel mesh band that almost imperceptibly tapers from 7/8 of an inch wide at the case pins down to about half an inch at the clasp. Fine mesh bands are very comfortable because they don't catch and pull arm hairs. The fold-over clasp with safety has smooth surfaces and doesn't cut into your flesh if you rest the weight of your wrist on the clasp while typing, computing, or doing other general office tasks. The fold-over clasp ensures that the watch stays securely fastened to your wrist.

I need help figuring out the value of this watch

I found only a three minor drawbacks with my Grenen. First, the crystal tends to show fingerprints and I find myself wiping it off regularly. Second, the mesh band seems a little delicate when compared to traditional watch bands. Third, the date portal is very small and can be a little difficult to read. Since I rotate several watches during the week and keep the watch cased when it's not in use, I doubt that I'll ever wear out this Grenen watch.

Since the thin case fits neatly under any dress shirt cuff and the Grenen is comfortable to wear while using a keyboard, I'd say that this watch is nearly perfect for the office. If a man needs a watch for a formal occasion such as his prom or wedding day, this Grenen is clearly an affordable wristwatch option that looks rich and sophisticated. Its sleek Scandinavian design and black finish give the watch a polished look that would work well with a tuxedo or suit. In a world where less is often less, this Grenen wristwatch clearly offers more.

Sources:
Kohls.com

How to make a Stainless Steel Countertops

The stainless steel countertop occupies a wide niche in kitchen décor. Capable of elegance and utility, this material looks just at home in a modern apartment as it does in an industrial setting. 

Stainless steel has a sleek aesthetic that, with the a little maintenance, always looks new. It strikes a minimalistic presence in the proper setting, and its basic appearance ensures that it will never go out of style. 

Conversely, it can be custom-brushed with intricate, sophisticated designs. Finally, stainless steel is renowned for its durability and ease of upkeep.

Yield strength sus inox 201, 304 and 630

Yield strength sus inox 201, 304 and 630