As a sheet metal fabrication company, we have worked with various materials for a range of different sectors. One of our most commonly used materials is stainless steel due to its many unique properties and benefits. Our latest blog post outlines the different benefits of stainless steel.
Why Choose Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is used in everything from household appliances to structural buildings. It is everywhere because it is a highly versatile metal that can be used in various sectors.
One of the main reasons people choose stainless steel is that it is a corrosion-resistant alloy; it’s also strong, easy to use, and sustainable. To understand why you should choose stainless steel, it’s important to understand the benefits that make stainless steel ideal for so many projects.
Benefits of Stainless Steel
Corrosion Resistance
One of stainless steel’s biggest benefits is that it is corrosion-resistant when specified and maintained correctly. This is due to its chromium content, which makes it highly resistant to rust and corrosion. The chromium content forms a passive oxide layer on the surface of the metal, protecting it from corrosion. This makes it an ideal choice for situations where exposure to moisture and harsh environments is a concern. Certain harsh environments and contaminants can affect the lifetime of stainless steel, but as long as it is well maintained and kept free of contaminants, it can be highly corrosion resistant.
Strength
Stainless steel is a highly tough and durable material with high impact. It is ideally suited for buildings, bridges, and monuments because it can tolerate large loads and environmental pressures. It also has a high strength-to-weight ratio.
Easy to use
Stainless steel has a low susceptibility to brittleness at high and low temperatures, making it easy to use. This makes it ideal for bending, cutting, and welding because it can easily hold its shape and be welded more easily at its melting point.
Environmentally Friendly
A benefit often overlooked is the environmental friendliness of stainless steel. Stainless steel is a highly recyclable material typically made from high quantities of scrap metal. This means the need to mine the rarer materials that make up stainless steel is significantly reduced. A 2022 study has shown that, on average, 95% of stainless steel is recycled once it reaches the end of its life.
Hygienic
Stainless steel is straightforward to clean and sanitise. Its sheen-like, non-porous surface means dirt and bacteria struggle to stick to it. On the odd occasion that they do, they can easily be wiped away. The ease of cleaning makes stainless steel the ideal material for environments where hygiene is paramount, such as professional kitchens, laboratories and hospitals.
Aesthetic Appearance
Stainless steel is an attractive metal that maintains its aesthetic over time. Once you have installed it, it does not need to be treated, coated, or painted to protect or maintain its appearance. It’s available in many surface finishes, such as polished, brushed, mirror finish, etc. Each gives it a different, long-lasting, high-quality finish.
Long Term Value
The initial cost of stainless steel may seem high, but when you consider the longevity of the part, the prices don’t seem so bad. Stainless steel can last over 50 years, depending on factors such as grade and the environment. For example, the Nickel Institute states that a component used in an aerospace application such as rocket engines may last 25 years or more, whereas stainless steel used in petrochemical processing is more likely to last 10-15 years.
Maintenance for stainless steel is also low, so you won’t have to spend much money or time ensuring it keeps its appearance.
Temperature Resistant
Stainless steel can resist even the most extreme temperatures, which is why it is often the material of choice for things like boilers and water valves. Some grades of stainless steel can withstand temperatures up to 1150°C. Stainless steel performs well in not just hot temperatures; some grades can even handle temperatures as low as 196°C.
Custom Stainless Steel Fabrication
As you can see, there are some great benefits to choosing stainless steel for your next fabrication project, from longevity and sustainability to its resistance to corrosion and aesthetic appearance. If you would like to discuss your stainless steel requirements for your next metal fabrication project, please call us on 01765 522 222 or email sales@dmdesignfabrication.co.uk, and we will be more than happy to discuss your needs.