Outokumpu stainless steel is used to make crucial components in Miele’s world-leading washers and driers. Miele’s washing machines have the longest product lives of all competing appliances according to independent German WfK Cleaning Technology Institute. Miele’s machines tested by WfK were the only ones to operate faultlessly after 5 000 wash cycles. This equals about 20 years of normal use.
Outokumpu's stainless steel spins in Miele's washing machines
Since the founding of Miele over a hundred years ago, Miele has persistently pursued market leadership, which requires impeccable performance from every component and material. In washers and dryers, the best and most sustainable appliances use stainless steel in parts that come in touch with water and moisture. To maintain their market leadership, Miele relies on leading material suppliers and has accordingly turned to Outokumpu.
“Only the best European quality is good enough for Miele. Outokumpu supplies that quality,” comments Miele. Outokumpu’s stainless steel range meets the requirements of Miele with a full range of stainless steel used in washing-machine and tumble-dryer drums.
After product tests and trial runs in 2011, Miele and Outokumpu started regular deliveries in 2012, with the intention to increase the deliveries over the next few years to build Outokumpu a significant supplier for Miele.
Outokumpu supplies Miele with ferritic stainless steel for the drums of washing machines and tumble-dryers as well as austenitic stainless steel for dryers. Ferritic stainless steel comprises non-nickel stainless steel alloys with varying chromium content, which largely determines the alloy’s corrosion resistance. Ferritic stainless steel is the optimal choice for a wide range of applications. Outokumpu’s ferritic product range includes all commonly used grades and covers the main uses of the material.