The development of use of stainless steel in car exhaust systems started in the USA and Germany in the 1980’s with the catalytic converters, then spread out in all the Automotive Industries , with also usage in all components of the exhaust line from manifolds to tail pipes. The prevalent grade for pipes and converters shell is the low-grade 409 Ti; this has brought a large usage of grade 409Cb welding wire for the components of the exhaust line, as well as use of 409Cb large size wire for exhaust systems hangers. Some exhaust lines make use of ferritic grade 439, and hence welding wire 439 Cb. There are several other applications, including:

• Knitted mesh is used in exhaust line spacers, support matts, and muffler packing.
• “Silencer steel wool”: stripped from ferritic grade 434 drawn wire
• Other car uses include the following:
• Air bag safety systems: knitted fine wire pads are used as filters to protect the air bag from explosive cartridge residues.
• Fine stainless wire braiding for reinforcing and protecting gasoline and brake hoses
• Different stainless steel wires utilized in a wide range of operational purposes
• Windshield wiper flat stainless steel wire