Rozsdamentes

Rozsdamentes means stainless steel in Hungarian. It refers to iron-based alloys that contain chromium at least about 10.5 percent, which forms a thin, stable chromium oxide layer on the surface. This passive film gives the metal resistance to corrosion, staining, and rust in many environments. Some grades also include nickel, molybdenum, or nitrogen to improve formability, strength, or resistance to specific corrosive agents.

Stainless steels are broadly classified into four groups by their microstructure: austenitic (most common; e.g., grades 304 and 316), ferritic (e.g., 430), martensitic (e.g., 410, 420), and duplex (e.g., 2205). Austenitic steels typically contain nickel and are highly formable and weldable but can be less hard; ferritic steels are magnetic and generally less expensive; martensitic steels can be hardened by heat treatment and offer higher hardness; duplex steels combine ferritic and austenitic features for strength and corrosion resistance.

Common properties include high corrosion resistance, good ductility, and relatively high temperature tolerance; they are non-porous and easy to clean, which makes them suitable for kitchens, medical devices, and food processing. However, stainless steels are not immune to corrosion; in highly acidic or chloride-rich environments, certain grades can pit or crevice, and some forms can be magnetized depending on the microstructure.

Manufacture and finishing involve alloying iron with chromium and other elements, followed by rolling, annealing, pickling, and often passivation to enrich the surface chromium oxide layer. Finishes range from polished and brushed to matte or decorative coatings. Common applications include cookware, sinks, architectural facades, chemical plants, and automotive and medical fields.