Stainless steel, with its combined advantages of corrosion resistance, high strength and toughness, and ease of processing, has long transcended the category of ‘basic materials’ to become an indispensable commodity underpinning the stable operation of sectors including construction, industry, public services, and high-end manufacturing. From urban landmarks to microscopic medical devices, from traditional chemical equipment to core components of new energy systems, the breadth and depth of its applications continue to expand with technological advancements, injecting robust momentum into diverse industries.In architecture and infrastructure, stainless steel embodies both durability and aesthetics. In large public buildings, 304 stainless steel curtain walls have become iconic elements. The curved facade of Beijing Daxing International Airport's terminal, crafted from brushed 304 stainless steel, not only withstands northern winds, sand, and acid rain erosion but also visually complements the glass curtain walls, establishing itself as an urban landmark. The stainless steel roof trusses of Shanghai Tower achieve complex arcs through ‘cold-rolling + welding’ techniques, balancing structural stability with wind load resistance for a service life exceeding 50 years. In municipal engineering, stainless steel's weather resistance proves particularly advantageous: 316L stainless steel pipes in urban water supply networks feature smooth inner walls resistant to scaling, eliminating water contamination from rusting cast iron pipes and extending maintenance intervals from 3 to 15 years. Bridge guardrails utilise 201 stainless steel, balancing weather resistance with cost control. The stainless steel railings on Chongqing's Jialing River Bridge retain their original lustre and strength after a decade of exposure to wind and rain.Within industrial manufacturing, stainless steel serves as the solution provider for demanding conditions. In the chemical sector, distinct grades precisely address complex requirements: 316L stainless steel, enhanced with molybdenum, offers superior pitting corrosion resistance, making it the preferred choice for transporting corrosive media like sulphuric and acetic acids; 2205 duplex stainless steel combines high strength with resistance to stress corrosion cracking, making it suitable for chemical reactors. It can withstand temperatures up to 120°C and pressures of 1.6MPa, addressing the frequent replacement issues associated with traditional carbon steel equipment. Within mechanical manufacturing, martensitic stainless steel 410, leveraging its heat-treatable hardening properties, serves as the core material for precision components like valve cores and gears. A heavy machinery manufacturer achieved a 30% increase in wear resistance and a 25% reduction in equipment failure rates by employing 410 stainless steel for excavator hydraulic valves. Within the automotive sector, stainless steel applications have expanded beyond conventional exhaust pipes into new energy domains: 304L stainless steel battery casings for new energy vehicles combine electromagnetic shielding with impact resistance. One manufacturer's calculations indicate a 40% improvement in battery pack safety compared to aluminium alloy casings. Charging point connectors utilise 316 stainless steel to withstand outdoor humidity and salt spray environments, extending service life to eight years.In daily life and consumer sectors, stainless steel serves as a guardian of ‘safety and convenience’. In kitchen settings, 304 stainless steel is ubiquitous: sinks formed through seamless deep-drawing processes resist scratches and facilitate easy cleaning, remaining rust-free even with prolonged detergent exposure. Woks and soup pots feature 304 stainless steel bases treated with multi-layer composite technology for uniform heat distribution, meeting food contact safety standards and eliminating heavy metal leaching risks. Within household goods, stainless steel applications grow increasingly diverse: thermos flasks feature 304 stainless steel liners, where vacuum insulation combined with electropolishing extends heat retention beyond 12 hours; bathroom towel rails and shelving utilise 430 stainless steel, offering strong magnetic properties and cost-effectiveness suited to humid environments. In healthcare, stainless steel's sterility is paramount: surgical instruments like scalpels and forceps employ 304 stainless steel, maintaining shape and rust resistance after 134°C sterilisation to ensure surgical safety. Hospital bed rails and trolleys utilise 316L stainless steel, which withstands disinfectant corrosion and facilitates sterilisation, reducing cross-infection risks.Within emerging industries, stainless steel is pioneering new high-end applications. In hydrogen storage and transport, super duplex stainless steel 2507, renowned for its exceptional resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, serves as the core material for high-pressure hydrogen storage tanks. Hydrogen storage tanks manufactured by a certain energy company using this grade can withstand pressures of 70MPa, meeting the range requirements for hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks. In semiconductor manufacturing, ultra-thin 304L stainless steel strips below 0.1mm, precision-rolled and electrolytically polished, serve as critical components in wafer carriers. Their surface roughness is controlled below Ra0.02μm to prevent particle contamination of wafers. In offshore wind power applications, TOPS ultra-corrosion-resistant stainless steel is utilised for tower flanges. Enhanced salt spray resistance is achieved through high-chromium smelting technology. Data from a wind power enterprise indicates that adopting this material reduces flange maintenance costs by 60% and extends equipment operational lifespan.