Stainless steel is an iron alloy that has a minimum Chromium content of 10.5 per cent. The Chromium content produces a thin chromium oxide film on the steel’s surface called a passivation layer. This layer prevents corrosion from occurring on the steel surface; the greater the amount of Chromium in the steel, the greater the corrosion resistance.

The steel also contains varied amounts of other elements such as Carbon, Silicon and Manganese. Other elements can be added to increase corrosion resistance (Nickel) and formability (Molybdenum).