Automotive industry and transport

The volumes of transported goods and materials have increased sharply over recent years. On the other hand, there is a pressure to minimise costs and ensure maximum safety (some of materials and liquids transported are extremely hazardous). The solution to both problems are specially designed containers and tanks.

In order to reduce costs, stainless steel multi-purpose containers are used, which can store milk on the journey to one destination and turpentine on the way back. All it takes is to simply clean and disinfect them. Because of the versatile use of the containers, only high-alloy steel is used (usually 1.4404 or higher). 

In the automotive industry, stainless steel finds the widest application in the production of exhaust and catalytic converter tubes, which are made of either ferritic or austenitic grades. Each car requires about 10-20 kg of stainless steel for body parts or the so-called crumple zone.

The structures of public transport vehicles (trams, buses) are also largely made of stainless steel.

The following stainless steel grades are used in the automotive industry and transport: 1.4509, 1.4521, 1.4828, 1.4513, 1.4301/1.4307, 1.4000, 1.4003, 1.4318, 1.4371, 1.4310, 1.4401/1.4404, 1.4571

Main features required from the material depending on the specific application: heat and creep resistance, favourable price/corrosion resistance ratio, high strength and low weight.