Best Uses for Stainless Steel in Sheet Metal Fabrication
If there’s a metal more commonly used than stainless steel in metal fabrication, we haven’t heard of it. And that’s for good reason. More than any other metal, stainless steel’s diversity of applications ranges from cookware and hardware pieces all the way to the exteriors of commercial and residential buildings. With over 150 grades of stainless steel available, there’s little wonder it can be used for so many different things.
Stainless steel is generally used in high aesthetic applications. Keeping the material in good shape during the manufacturing process can be a challenge. When Meta Fab uses stainless steel, we protect the material in various ways. One is the use of urethane film protection. You can read more about that, here.
If you have a metal fabrication project or idea, no matter how big or small, keep reading to find out stainless steel’s most common uses.
Energy Industry
When we discuss the energy industry, we’re talking about oil, gas, and chemicals. Because work in these industries involves high heat and toxic substances that can be rather corrosive, stainless steel is the metal of choice. High-grade stainless steel is preferable for valves, pipes, and storage tanks to name a few.
For especially demanding applications, super duplex stainless steel is touted for its tremendous durability. This metal can be produced in large sheets which contributes to its structural integrity and minimizes the need for excessive welding.
Green energy industries have also begun using stainless steel more and more due to its durability and resistance to corrosion in water.
Food
Stainless steel is the preferred metal for food prep equipment. Less ductile grades are great for the manufacture of sharp knife blades, while more ductile grades are used for pots and pans because of the metal’s ability to be molded into different shapes.
Refrigerators and other food storage equipment are also commonly made of stainless steel as it’s durable and doesn’t affect food’s flavor.
Another benefit of stainless steel is that it’s a lot easier to clean than other metals which is all too important to keep food from becoming contaminated.
Medical Industry
Stainless steel’s ability to be kept clean makes it incredibly useful for the medical industry also.
Its most common uses are in dental and surgical tools, operating tables, and MRI scanners.
Transportation Industry
Ford Motor Company first used stainless steel in automobile production in the 1930s. The metal’s use has continued to grow and has become the standard in the construction of grills, exhaust systems, and other structural parts.
Aside from cars, stainless steel is also the accepted standard for refuse vehicles, shipping containers, and long-haul trucks.
Architecture
Popularized during the art-deco period, stainless steel has proven a great choice for both commercial and residential buildings.
Due to its lightweight and resistance to corrosion, it’s used specifically in the cladding for building exteriors. On the inside, stainless steel can be found in countertops, backsplashes, and handrails.
This metal has also become popular in the age of sustainability as it’s often constructed of recycled material and is easily cleaned and maintained.
Final Thoughts
There’s no question that stainless steel is here to stay. As history has proven, its applications are suitable for a wide variety of industries and projects. If you have questions about how stainless steel can be to best suit your metal fabrication needs, give us a call at MetaFab today or email us through our contact form!