Stainless steel has considerable resistance to corrosion, particularly in moist environments or in fresh water. Its corrosion-resistant property is given by its alloying elements, mainly chrome, that passivate and protect the underlying metal from external chemical elements.
Stainless steel usual usually contains less than 1.2% carbon.
Stainless steel alloys can be subdivided into 4 main groups: ferritic stainless steel, austenitic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel and two-phase austenitic-ferritic steel or duplex. The most widely used alloys are: 304, 304 L, 316, 316 L, 316 Ti, 430, 321, 309, 310 and 409.

Stainless steel plates, strips and pipes can undergo different processes that change their appearance. They can be hot-rolled, cold-rolled, brushed, polished, annealed, etc.

Stainless steel is commercialised in the form of: plates, strips, bars, pipes, different profiles, connectors and screws.