The "blooms" of stainless steel refer to large, semi-finished steel products that are produced during
the initial stages of the steel manufacturing process. After steel is melted, it is cast into large
rectangular shapes known as blooms. These blooms are then further processed through rolling or forging
to create a variety of finished products such as bars, plates, or structural components. In the context
of stainless steel, blooms contain a high percentage of chromium and other alloying elements, which give
stainless steel its characteristic corrosion resistance and strength.
The term "blooms" can also be used in the context of color changes on stainless steel surfaces when exposed
to high temperatures. This is a result of oxidation, which can cause the surface to form a thin oxide layer
that exhibits different colors, such as gold, blue, or purple. While these colorations do not affect the
material's structural integrity, they can be an aesthetic concern, especially in applications where the
stainless steel’s appearance is important.