Why Stainless Steel is Ideal For Metal Fabrication Projects
Engineers and designers frequently underestimate the benefits of stainless steel, owing to its higher cost. However, the advantages of stainless steel generally outweigh the initial expenditure since the material may provide the most value over the life of a metal fabrication project.
What is Stainless Steel?
The British Stainless Steel Association defines stainless steel as “an iron alloy containing a minimum of 10.5 per cent chromium.” Chromium creates a thin coating of oxide on the surface of the steel known as the “passive layer.” The chromium in the steel is what makes it corrosion-resistant.
Carbon, Silicon and Manganese are also present in various proportions in stainless steel. Other elements, like nickel and molybdenum, may provide additional benefits such as improved formability and corrosion resistance.
What Are the Advantages of Using Stainless Steel in Fabrication Projects?
Stainless steel has its drawbacks: there is a high initial cost, the metal must be handled with high-quality equipment and welding may be challenging; nonetheless, the benefits exceed the drawbacks when working with this trustworthy metal.
Depending on your business, stainless steel can provide various distinct advantages for metal fabrication projects, including (but not limited to):
Resistance to Corrosion
The ability to resist corrosion affects the entire value and long-term investment of working with stainless steel. While varying degrees of alloy affect corrosion in different conditions, chromium permits the steel to stay corrosion resistant. Lower grades of alloy work well in moist environments. A higher alloy grade is preferable for usage near acid and alkaline solutions.
Sustainability
Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, making it an excellent choice for companies who want to implement sustainability and eco-friendliness in their productions.
In fact, scrap materials have been used to make more than half of all stainless steel materials available today. Furthermore, its production does not result in toxic run-offs
Ease of use
A professional metal fabricator should have no trouble fabricating your goods out of stainless steel. Stainless steel is simple to weld, cut and stamp with the correct tools.
Benefits for hygiene
Stainless steel is straightforward to clean. This makes it ideal for applications requiring hygienic conditions, such as commercial kitchens, pharmaceutical research and food and beverage processing.
Fire and Heat Resistance
The resistance to fire and heat adds value to the long-term investment in stainless steel. Using high chromium and nickel-alloyed grades of stainless steel allows you to use it successfully in boilers, valves, feedwater heaters and other heat exchangers.
Metal Fabrication Projects That Benefit the Most From Stainless Steel
Hospitals and Kitchens — Due to its corrosion resistance, stainless steel is the finest choice for hygiene and safety-focused places like kitchens and hospitals.
Applications needing a high strength-to-weight ratio — Steel withstands heat and chemical damage better than other materials. Steel is used in skyscrapers and industrial equipment due to its strength and durability.
When appearance is critical – Stainless steel is used in appliances and restaurant equipment because it retains its outer appearance after extensive use. Architects employ stainless steel for the exteriors of their buildings because the metal retains its lustre even after years of exposure to abrasives in the wind and chemicals in rainfall.
Conclusion
For many metal fabrication tasks, stainless steel is a good choice. It’s robust, long-lasting and attractive. It is more heat resistant and less prone to corrosion than metals such as copper or aluminium. It is available in several grades, allowing it to be adapted for a wide range of applications.
CSM Fabrication Welding is a team of metal fabricators providing quality fabricating and welding works for any fabrication needs. If you are looking for professional stainless steel fabricators in Perth for high-quality fabrication solutions, work with us today!