Stainless steel has quickly become one of the most commonly used metals in the fabrication industry. For the uninitiated, stainless steel is an ideal material for the fabrication & rigging used in commercial, industrial, and residential projects.
Unfortunately, many engineers & designers still hesitate to choose stainless steel for fabrication work because of its higher cost. But you should know that the benefits of stainless steel, especially for fabrication purposes, far outweigh the initial investment.
If you’re considering to use stainless steel for a fabrication job but are not sure if it’s a wise decision, you have come to the right place.
In this post, we’ve explained what is stainless steel, its types, and the top reasons why you should consider using it for fabrication jobs.
What is Stainless Steel?
In simplest terms, stainless steel is an alloy of iron that comes with approximately 10.5% chromium. The chromium basically produces a thin layer of oxide on the passive layer of the steel.
In fact, chromium allows the steel to be corrosion-resistant, which in turn forms a durable and invisible surface.
Types of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel comes in five different varieties, each with its own unique properties:
Ferritic — Ferritic steels are made with chromium and have low carbon content. They are not suitable for welding but are great for marine applications as they resist corrosion from seawater and are magnetic.
Austenitic — Austenitic steels are the most widely used and can be easily shaped and welded. They get their strength from added nickel, manganese, and nitrogen.
Martensitic —Martensitic steels are used in applications that require high strength and moderate corrosion resistance. They are often used in knives, cutting tools, and medical equipment.
Duplex — Duplex steels have exceptional strength and resistance to corrosion cracking. They can be moderately formed and welded.
Precipitation Hardening — Precipitation hardening steels can be shaped into intricate designs and are made stronger with the addition of copper, niobium, and aluminum.
7 Reasons Why Stainless Steel is Best for Fabrication Work
Now that you know what stainless steel is and its different types, it’s time to look at the main reasons why it is best for fabrication.
Easy to Work with
When it comes to a fabrication project, stainless steel is among the easiest metal to work with. However, you need to make sure that the fabricator you’ve hired for the job is not using outdated machinery.
For optimum results, it is recommended to utilize modern, top-of-the-line equipment that makes it easy to cut, wield, etc.
Ideal for Hygienic Products
Unlike other metals, stainless steel is extremely easy to clean, making it an ideal candidate for applications that require high standards for sanitary environments including commercial kitchens, food or beverage processing, and pharmaceutical research.
Corrosion Resistant
The primary USP of stainless steel is its inherent ability to prevent rust. If you’re looking to manufacture rust-free products, stainless steel is your best bet. It is resistant to corrosion, which in turn boosts its overall value and long-term investment ROI.
Furthermore, the chromium present in the stainless steel keeps it resistant to corrosion, while the various alloy levels impact corrosion in different environments.
For example, if you’re using stainless steel for welding purposes, make sure to lower the alloy grades. It will help to reduce the risk of cracking and warping. Similarly, if the application of stainless steel involves the use of acid or alkaline solutions, a higher grade of alloy works best.
Temperature Resistant
Along with corrosion resistibility, stainless steel is equally capable to withstand heat, making it an ideal candidate for applications that may be subjected to extremely high temperatures such as boilers, water heaters, valves, and other heat exchangers to name a few.
Maintenance Free
The long-term ROI of stainless steel is the life cycle cost. Unlike most metals, stainless steel is a maintenance-free metal that enables you to manufacture a great product for your customers.
Because of this quality, stainless steel is highly-preferred in food processing, houseware appliances, pharmaceutical as well as medical equipment.
Sustainable
Another benefit of stainless steel is that most people Stainless steel is not only best for long-term use, but it’s also recyclable. So, if your company takes the environmental impact of manufacturing efforts seriously, utilizing stainless steel is a great way to mitigate the impact.
Aesthetic Appearance
Last but not least, stainless steel is perceived as an elegant, appealing, and modern material.
In fact, many people see stainless steel as a sense of purity and have proven its worth by standing the test of time.
Because of this, stainless steel has become more popular than ever as an ornamental & functional choice for residential as well as commercial projects across the globe.
Furthermore, stainless steel is considered to be a material that complements and works perfectly well with most other types of metals, styles, and even colors.
End Note
As you have just learned, there are many reasons to choose stainless steel that must not be overlooked or dismissed.
That said, if you’re planning to invest in stainless steel, we recommend Vishwa Stainless to make your partner. We’re a leading stainless steel bright bars manufacturer in India.
With our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, we supply stainless steel products as per your industry specifications, and dimensions, and customize them as per your business requirements.
Please visit our website for more information on our products and for any stainless steel bright bars requirements, feel free to get in touch with us.
Read More:
- Applications And Uses Of Stainless Steel In Oil And Gas Industry
- Stainless Steel Uses and Applications in Aviation and Aerospace Industry
- Applications And Uses of Stainless Steel Bright Square Bars
