Walk around any city and you'll see stainless steel everywhere - from building exteriors to subway railings to commercial kitchens. As per experts at Martain Stanless Steel, stainless steel is clearly in high demand today for construction and manufacturing. But why exactly is this strong, shiny metal so popular for modern fabrications? Let's look at the unique properties that make stainless steel fabrications a top choice of builders, designers and metalworkers nowadays.
What is Stainless Steel?
First, what is stainless steel? It's a special type of steel alloy made by adding chromium, nickel and other elements. This mixture makes stainless steel highly rust and corrosion resistant, unlike regular carbon steel which quickly shows wear.
Stainless steel also retains strength and durability like other steels. But it maintains a clean, attractive appearance with minimal maintenance. These characteristics make stainless steel ideal for long-lasting indoor and outdoor applications.
Resists Rust and Corrosion
Stainless steel's biggest claim to fame is its resistance to rust and corrosion. The metal contains enough chromium to form a thin "passive" layer of oxidation on the surface when exposed to oxygen. This chromium oxide barrier prevents further rusting underneath.
While ordinary steel needs frequent painting or other coatings to look nice, stainless steel retains its smooth sheen for decades even in harsh outdoor environments like coastal areas. This inherent corrosion resistance saves money on repairs, refinishing and replacements over time.
Handles Temperature Extremes
Stainless steel performs exceptionally in both hot and cold conditions - ideal for outdoor structures and equipment exposed to weather fluctuations. Stainless stands up to molten temperatures on commercial cooking surfaces. Yet it also endures frigid cold without becoming brittle and cracking.
From dishes and appliances in home kitchens to huge industrial mixing vats, stainless steel provides reliable service and sanitary cleanliness across a wide temperature range. Whether boiling, freezing or anything in between, stainless holds strong.
Easy to Sterilize and Clean
Stainless steel's nonporous surface easily shrugs off grease, grime and residues from food, chemicals and other contaminants. This makes stainless steel ideal for hygienic environments like commercial kitchens and medical facilities where impervious sanitary conditions are essential.
Stainless equipment and surfaces can be sterilized repeatedly using harsh cleaning agents and disinfectants without damage. This prevents cross-contamination and allows meeting strict cleanliness standards for health and safety.
Withstands Heavy Use and Traffic
Stainless steel is well-suited for high traffic areas thanks to its legendary durability and damage resistance. Stainless maintains its smooth scratch-free finish through years of busy public use and contact.
That's why stainless is the top choice for transit applications like subway car interiors and airport terminals. Busy stores, stadiums, hospitals and other institutions also utilize stainlessto withstand constant contact and cleaning without showing excessive wear.
Provides Modern, Attractive Look
Along with its functional advantages, stainless steel simply looks great. The sleek metallic luster and clean lines of stainless steel fabrications give projects a contemporary style.
Stainless adds aesthetic appeal to everything from office lobby wall panels to upscale restaurant decor to industrial equipment housings. Its versatile look blends with any surrounding decor, whether traditional or modern. And it keeps looking freshly polished for decades with minimal upkeep.
Conclusion
Overall, stainless steel brings the total package of exceptional performance, easy care and lasting visual appeal that designers, builders and metal fabricators seek for all types of applications today. With both form and function covered, it's easy to see why demand for stainless steel fabrications keeps increasing.