7 Advantages of Stainless Steel

Understanding the qualities and advantages of stainless steel that make it an ideal material is crucial to fully understanding the benefits of stainless steel as a material used across a variety of sectors.

1. CORROSION RESISTANCE
The fact that stainless steel pipe is incredibly resistant to corrosion is one of its best and most recognised qualities. It was described as the first “stainless steel” when it was first produced. The main factor that gave stainless steel this property and was considered the most important development was the addition of chromium. Since then, stainless steel has evolved considerably and is available in a wide variety of forms and grades. We often use grade 316 stainless steel, which has a molybdenum content of 3%. This increases its ability to resist corrosion from industrial acids, alkalis and saline environments.

2. RESISTANCE TO HEAT AND FIRE
Stainless steel has this property due to its resistance to oxidation even at high temperatures. This allows it to successfully maintain its strength in harsh and extreme temperature situations. When it comes to fire resistance and fire prevention, chromium again plays an important role, making stainless steel a fantastic choice of material.

3. HYGIENE
A benefit of stainless steel pipework that you may not immediately think of, but is actually very true and significant, has to do with hygiene. Because it is so easy to clean and sanitise, stainless steel is a very hygienic material. Its smooth, shiny and non-porous surface makes it difficult for germs, dirt and other contaminants to grow on its exterior. Stainless steel’s ease of cleaning and maintenance makes it an excellent choice in environments where strict cleanliness is essential.

4. STRENGTH AND IMPACT RESISTANCE
Stainless steel is a material with high strength and impact resistance. Stainless steel has a low susceptibility to embrittlement at both high and low temperatures, which contributes to this. This not only ensures that the material retains its shape, but also makes it easier to weld, cut, construct, etc. when the material is molten, as we do when making balustrades, for example. Due to its strength in extremely cold working conditions, it’s also a material that is often used in cryogenic applications, proving once again how robust it is.

5. APPEARANCE
Another common reason for choosing stainless steel is its attractive appearance, which is a little more subtle but no less important. Stainless steel has long been regarded as a stylish, seductive and contemporary material. For many, it is a material with a brightness that resonates with a sense of purity. It is a material that has stood the test of time and, if anything, has grown in popularity as a useful and decorative option in homes and commercial buildings around the world. It is also a material that works well with and enhances most other materials, designs and colours.

6. SUSTAINABILITY
The fact that stainless steel is a highly sustainable material is another benefit that receives little attention but is crucial on a global scale. Around 70% of scrap metal is typically used to make stainless steel, which means it’s based on materials that are not being used. In addition, it can be reused when its original purpose is no longer needed as it is 100% recyclable in its original form.

7. LONG TERM BENEFITS
The total life cycle cost of the material compares favourably when the durability of stainless steel is taken into account, as well as all the other characteristics mentioned above. As a result of the increased rivalry between suppliers brought about by its increasing prevalence in our culture, pricing is now more competitive than ever. This, coupled with the fact that stainless steel requires incredibly little maintenance, means that using it as your preferred material will provide excellent returns.