Debunking Stainless Steel Myths in Australian Manufacturing
In Australian manufacturing, stainless steel is synonymous with durability, corrosion resistance, and premium quality. It’s used everywhere — from switchboard enclosures and transport fittings to mining, defence, and food processing.
But despite its popularity, misconceptions still surround stainless steel. Some assume it’s completely rust-proof or that any magnetic reaction means poor quality. The truth is more nuanced — and understanding it can save costly mistakes in design, sourcing, and long-term performance.
Let’s clear up the most common stainless steel myths.
Myth 1: Stainless Steel Doesn’t Rust
The truth: Stainless steel is corrosion resistant, not corrosion proof.
Stainless steel’s resistance comes from its chromium content. When exposed to oxygen, chromium forms a thin, invisible passive layer that protects the metal beneath.
However, this layer can be damaged by:
- Salt exposure (especially near coastal areas or transport applications)
- Contaminants like iron filings from grinding or fabrication
- Low-grade alloys used in unsuitable environments
When the passive layer is compromised, small rust spots — or “tea staining” — can appear. The good news? With proper grade selection and surface maintenance, these effects can be prevented or reversed.
Selectlok tip: For outdoor and coastal environments, grades like 316 stainless steel provide stronger corrosion resistance than 304.
Myth 2: If It’s Magnetic, It’s Not Stainless Steel
The truth: Some stainless steels are magnetic — and that’s perfectly normal.
Stainless steel comes in several families, each with different structures:
- Austenitic (300 series) – Non-magnetic in annealed condition, slightly magnetic after forming or welding.
- Ferritic and martensitic (400 series) – Naturally magnetic due to their crystal structure.
So, a magnet sticking to your stainless hardware doesn’t mean it’s “fake.” It likely just belongs to a different grade family with its own advantages, like higher strength or lower cost.
Selectlok tip: Don’t rely on magnetism alone to identify quality — check the grade specifications and application suitability.
Myth 3: All Stainless Steel Performs the Same
The truth: Different grades serve different purposes.
There are over 150 grades of stainless steel, and not all are created equal. For example:
- 304 is versatile and cost-effective for general indoor use.
- 316 resists corrosion in marine or chemical settings.
- 430 offers good value and formability for internal components.
Choosing the right grade based on exposure, temperature, and stress is critical. Using a lower-grade alloy in a harsh environment may lead to premature corrosion — a common pitfall we see in industrial hardware applications.
Selectlok tip: Match material choice to the environment — especially in outdoor, coastal, or high-moisture areas.
Myth 4: Surface Finish Doesn’t Matter
The truth: Surface finish directly affects corrosion resistance.
A rough or contaminated surface traps moisture and chlorides, accelerating corrosion. Polished or passivated surfaces, on the other hand, allow the protective chromium oxide layer to regenerate more effectively.
That’s why finishing processes like electropolishing and passivation are often recommended in high-performance environments such as food-grade manufacturing or defence.
Myth 5: All “Stainless” Hardware Is the Same Quality
The truth: Not all stainless steel products are manufactured to the same standards.
Imported or unverified stainless hardware can sometimes use lower chromium or nickel content, compromising both strength and corrosion resistance.
Selectlok partners only with trusted global manufacturers and verifies all product grades — ensuring consistent quality across our hinges, locks, handles, and fastening hardware.
Final Thoughts
Understanding stainless steel isn’t just about chemistry — it’s about performance and longevity.
At Selectlok, we’re committed to helping customers choose the right hardware materials for their application — backed by quality assurance and local expertise.