6. Cladding and surfacing

It is the passive layer on the surface of stainless steel that gives it its corrosion resistance. In a number of specific cases, it is therefore more cost-effective to use only a thin layer of stainless steel relative to the total thickness of the material.

This principle is used in certain pressure vessels, in which mechanical strength is provided by low-alloy steel, and corrosion resistance by a thin layer of stainless steel that adheres perfectly to the thick metal substrate, located on the inside of the vessel.

In other cases, stainless steel—again chosen for its corrosion resistance—is combined with a material such as aluminum, which is known for its ability to conduct heat quickly. This combination is used in the heat-diffusing bases of cookware. Stainless steel is placed on the inside of the cookware, given its suitability for contact...