Muneer Ahmed Khan, Proprietor, Excel Industries highlights the critical role of stainless steel in manufacturing durable and corrosion-resistant components, the use of grades 304 and 316, adherence to global standards, and innovations like AI-driven manufacturing.
How does stainless steel contribute to the performance of your key products?
Stainless steel significantly enhances the performance and durability of our products due to its exceptional corrosion resistance, strength, and versatility. It resists rust and wear in harsh environments, ensuring reliable operations. Its high strength-to-weight ratio supports robust designs without adding bulk, which is especially critical in structural beams and automotive components. Additionally, it reduces maintenance costs and extends product lifespan. We primarily use stainless steel for manufacturing shafts utilized in the chemical, oil, and gas industries.
Can you please tell me about the specific grades and finishes that are used in what you manufacture and how it is critical to your requirement?
We use common stainless steel grades like 304 and 316. For 304, we use both 304 and 304L, the latter being low-carbon steel, which we prefer. Similarly, we utilize 316 and 316L. Grade 304 is ideal for construction and food processing due to its excellent corrosion resistance and permeability. Grade 316, which contains molybdenum, is preferred in applications requiring resistance to chemical corrosion and high temperatures, such as automotive exhaust systems. Both grades ensure long service life and superior performance.
How do these evolving quality standards and certifications influence your choice of stainless steel grades?
We manufacture components based on customer requirements and designs while adhering to standards like ISO 9001 and ASTM specifications to ensure performance and safety. We depend on certified material suppliers and acquire 3.1 and 3.2 certificates. Additionally, material samples are tested in NABL-accredited labs for critical parameters such as tensile strength, yield strength, and impact resistance. Corrosion resistance tests are conducted, particularly for products used in harsh chemical environments. We also comply with NEST certification standards for chemical and marine applications.
Would you like to tell us about any kind of innovations that you are doing in your organisation that are beneficial for your customers?
Although we do not design products ourselves, we manufacture according to customer drawings. At times, we suggest corrections if we identify errors. For applications requiring higher strength, we recommend stronger grades or increased thickness, such as using higher-strength steel instead of 316L. Additionally, we are adopting technologies like 3D printing and AI-driven manufacturing, all implemented in-house to improve efficiency and precision.
Any kind of sustainability initiatives that you may have adopted?
Around 25–30% of our raw material becomes scrap, which is 100% recyclable. We segregate scrap like 304L and 316L into separate bins and sell it back to stainless steel manufacturers. This supports a circular economy model, enabling the reuse and recycling of materials. It is an energy-efficient process that minimizes waste and aligns with sustainable production practices.
How do you foresee the new tariff system? How do you see that affecting your line of work or the stainless steel industry altogether?
Stainless steel prices fluctuate like gold, primarily due to changes in the costs of nickel and chromium, which are largely imported. These price variations, along with import duties, affect our pricing and profit margins. Despite manufacturing over ₹5 crore worth of stainless steel components annually, we face pressure due to intense competition and tariffs. While we prefer Indian-made materials, the base elements are still imported, which continues to influence cost structures adversely.
