Why stainless steel should be the first choice for your new product
Stainless steel has been an industry staple for more than fifty years and stainless manufacturing is now used for everything from tables to food conveyors and boot washers. Why is it that stainless steel has proved so popular for such a variety of products, and why should you consider it for your next product release?
What is stainless steel?
What makes stainless steel different from other types of steel is that it is low in carbon and contains chromium at least 10.5% by weight. Adding the chromium creates the stainless corrosion resistant properties of the metal. A self healing chromium oxide film is formed on the surface of steel which regenerates on contact with oxygen. Other elements, such as nickel are also often added to the steel to create a bright, lustrous appearance for the metal.
Here are the top four advantages that come with using stainless manufacturing for your product.
1. Stainless steel looks great
It seems obvious to say it, but you can't avoid the conclusion that a bright, shiny stainless steel surface looks fantastic. Why would you choose a dull, grey appearance when you can have a product that looks attractive and shiny?
2. Stainless steel is chemical and bacteria resistant
Stainless steel has become the material of choice for both hospitals and food processing centres everywhere. It is resistant to dyestuffs, organic chemicals, nitric acid, and even sulphuric acid in moderate concentrations. The surface of the metal is easy to clean and is tricky for bacteria to survive on which makes it an ideal material for situations where hygiene is of first importance.
3. Stainless steel is entirely recyclable
If you are looking for a way to enhance your environmental credentials than you can't do better than embrace stainless manufacturing. Stainless steel can be reused with ease, indeed, at least half of all stainless steel used in production today comes from remelted scrap products.
4. Stainless steel offers the best value
It may not be immediately obvious but stainless steel is often the value for money choice. It's true that you will pay slightly more for stainless steel in upfront costs, but that isn't the only way to consider costs. When you work out the total spend over the lifetime of the product then it's easy to see the advantages of stainless manufacturing. Not only do stainless steel products last longer than other options but they also require less maintenance so total costs are always less when you choose stainless steel.