It is, of course, the rust-resisting characteristic which gives stainless steel its name. However, soon after its discovery, it was realised that the material had many more valuable properties which make it suitable for a vast range of diverse uses. In fact, the number of uses to which stainless steel can be put are almost limitless, a point which can be illustrated with just a few examples:

In the home:
         Cutlery, dishes and other tableware
         Kitchen sinks
         Pans and cookware
         Ovens and barbeques
         Garden equipment and furniture

For more information on the uses of stainless steel in the home and in the office, see Home & Office Uses.

In the town:
         Bus shelters, telephone booths and other street furniture
         Building facades
         Lifts and escalators
         Subway trains and station infrastructure

For more information on the uses of stainless steel in the building industry, see Architecture, Building and Construction.

In industry:
         Equipment for the manufacture of food products and pharmaceuticals
         Plant for the treatment of potable and waste water
         Chemical and petro-chemical plant
         Components for automotive and aero engines
         Fuel and chemical tankers

For more information on the uses of stainless steel in industry, see Industrial Applications.