Top 5 Benefits of Stainless Steel Piping

Stainless steel piping is a robust and structural piece of equipment. It is generally used in a vertical web consisting of top and bottom flanges. It increases the strength of the structure in which it is used. There are three main types of stainless steel tubes – extruded, hot rolled and laser welded. These tubes are available in a variety of grades. Of the various grades of stainless steel, the grade most commonly used to make stainless steel tubing is grade 304 stainless steel. Stainless Steel Pipes have a dull grey appearance with a mill finish. One of the most important applications of 304 stainless steel pipes is to provide strength, corrosion resistance, toughness and various other properties of 304 grade pipes.

Stainless Steel 304 and 304L Tubes are used to manufacture braces, structural supporting pieces of equipment like braces, tanks, building houses, machines etc.

Here are some of the advantages of 304 stainless steel tubes:
1. Strength:
Stainless steel is a chromium based alloy known for its incredible anti-rust properties. But along with this, stainless steel alloys are also used for their incredible strength. 304 Stainless Steel has incredible strength and durability. Its strength is one of the most sought after characteristics of grade 304 SS. Stainless steel 304L pipes and 304 pipes are solid and retain their strength at extreme temperatures.

2. Sanitisation:
Stainless Steel 304, 304L and almost any grade of stainless steel is brilliantly corrosion resistant. As a result of this property, grade 304 stainless steel tubing also has the ability to resist the growth and spread of microbes and dirt on the surface of the tubing. As a result, it is often used in applications where sanitisation and cleanliness monitoring is a primary requirement. In addition, 304 stainless steel pipes are incredibly easy to maintain. They are very easy to clean. This is why 304 stainless steel pipes are used in hospitals, kitchens, food processing plants, etc. where cleanliness is a requirement.

3. Corrosion resistance:
As its name suggests, stainless steel is a material that resists rust and corrosion even under extreme temperature and weather conditions, including high pressure areas. The chromium present in stainless steel reacts with oxygen to form a chromium oxide film or layer that is deposited on the surface of the metal. This layer protects the pipes from corrosion. It is a self-repairing layer that does not require maintenance or refurbishment.

But what makes grade 304 different is the addition of molybdenum to the alloy composition, making it an austenitic grade of stainless steel. Austenitic steel has improved corrosion resistance. Therefore, for applications in extreme conditions, 304 stainless steel tubing is an ideal choice.

4. Recyclability:
304 stainless steel pipes are fully recyclable. Once it has outlived or fulfilled its useful life, it can be recycled and re-forged. When stainless steel is recycled, it does not lose any of its properties. All of its chemical, physical and mechanical properties are retained. Approximately 70% of existing stainless steel artefacts are made from recycled material.

5. Durability:
Although 304 stainless steel pipes are light, they are strong. They don’t succumb to external weights and pressures. It is therefore said to be one of the most durable materials. 304 stainless steel pipes can withstand both extreme temperatures and extreme pressures.