Reasons to Invest in Quality Stainless Steel Pipes
With so many different types of materials in the market, it might be daunting to pick one for your business applications. This is especially true since each material comes with its own set of pros and cons. In a bid to help you make the right decision, we spoke to one expert from Arch City Steel and obtained some incredible insights into why you should invest in quality stainless steel pipes.
Industrial process piping can be made from fiberglass, wood, aluminum, copper, plastic, concrete, and steel. However, stainless steel stands out on many levels for different reasons, as discussed in this article. But first, let’s look at what stainless steel material is.
What is stainless steel?
Steel is an alloy of carbon and steel. Stainless steel contains more than 10.5% chromium, less than 1.2% carbon, among other alloys like nickel, nitrogen, and manganese. Although it must contain 10.5% chromium or more, the rations and components vary depending on the grade requested and the steel’s intended use. This is why you will hear of names like:
- Austenitic stainless steel
- Martensitic stainless steel
- Ferritic stain steel
- Precipitation hardening stainless steel
- Duplex stainless steel
All these types of steels have different specification depending on the composition. With that in mind, let us look at some of the top reasons why you should invest in quality stainless steel pipes, according to our expert from Arch City Steel.
Corrosion resistance
One of the main reasons businesses and individuals invest in quality stainless steel pipes and products is corrosion resistance. Unlike other metals like iron or aluminum, stainless steel products do not rust or corrode in atmospheric or pure water environments. High-alloyed grades can even resist corrosion in most alkaline, chlorine, and acid bearing environments. This makes them a highly appealing option for processing companies and in other applications too. The fact that it doesn’t corrode means it will last long. It also translates to pure products because the corrosion can introduce impurities.
Heat resistance
Most industrial applications involve heat and fire processes. Such environments need materials that can withstand the temperatures without deforming or melting. The special high nickel and chromium-alloyed grades resist scaling and maintain high strength even in high-temperature environments. Stainless steel pipes are widely used in boilers, super-heaters, heat exchangers, valves, feedwater heaters, aerospace applications, etc.
Superior durability
As an entrepreneur who has a cost-saving mentality, you likely are looking for a pipe that will not only serve you well for now but one that will last for years to come. Stainless steel is one such material. Even lightweight stainless steel is still very tough and won’t buckle under tremendous weight. This makes stainless steel one of the most long-lasting metals available today. It can withstand cold and hot temperatures, endure weight, and weather extremes. And since you won’t be replacing it as often as you would other types of materials, you get to enjoy the cost-saving and peace of mind. So, although stainless steel pipes might cost you more than other materials, you are guaranteed that it will serve you for a long time and preserve its value.
It’s hygienic
Stainless steel features top among the cleanest materials – not just for its looks, but because it doesn’t support bacteria and other organisms. Stainless steel pipes are also easy to clean and maintain. All you have to do is to swab the surface with an all-purpose cleaner. You can even apply a quick polish for the shine. Its hygienic qualities make it an ideal choice for kitchens, food companies, and hospitals where cleanliness is critical.
Easy to fabricate
Stainless steel material’s ease of fabrication means that it can be bent cut welded, machined, and assembled. This makes it diverse, as it can be used in different applications.
Aesthetic value
When aesthetics count, you want to get a material that won’t interfere with the look. Stainless steel pipes are your best because they come in appealing colors. Besides, the fact that they are easy to clean and maintain allows you to retain the original look for years.
Easily available
Last but not least is availability. Many entrepreneurs might not think about this, but it is a critical aspect when considering materials. Steel is relatively commonplace, so you will not have difficulty finding stainless steel pipes on sale. So, if you don’t have any other reason to buy an alternative material, then it might be worth purchase stainless steel pipe as your default option.
Conclusion
Stainless steel’s ability to resist stains and corrosion combined with it being a low-maintenance metal makes it a perfect choice for your application. Although stainless steel pipes tend to be more expensive than other materials like aluminum, you can reiterate that its long term value gives you better ROI than other materials.