The Benefits of Stainless Steel Pipes
Stainless steel is everywhere. You probably own a few stainless steel appliances. Maybe your silverware is made from stainless steel. When you go to work, the handrail on the stairs might be made out of stainless steel. It’s no wonder it’s everywhere, though. It has numerous applications and several beneficial properties. For this reason, the pipes in your home might be made with stainless steel, too. Even the fittings and flanges on the pipes are probably made with the same material.
To give you a better understanding of the benefits of stainless steel pipes, we’re going to take a look at:
- How is Stainless Steel Made?
- Stainless Steel Resists Corrosion
- Stainless Steel is Temperature Resistant
- It’s Easy to Fabricate Stainless Steel
- Stainless Steel Looks Aesthetically Pleasing
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How is Stainless Steel Made?
Stainless steel is made with a mixture of molten steel and chromium. After it cools, the resulting solid metal combination is treated with acid. This process will eliminate any impurities remaining in the stainless steel. Furthermore, stainless steel will at least be ten percent chromium.
Stainless Steel Resists Corrosion
Corrosion resistance is, perhaps, one best-known advantages of stainless steel piping. This is the biggest reasons chromium is added to the metal mixture in the first place.
As we mentioned above, the stainless steel is ten percent chromium at the very least. When it’s exposed to oxygen, a process known as “passivation” occurs. This creates a thin water and air resistant layer on the steel. This helps the stainless steel resist corrosion, so you can count on it to last you for an incredibly long time. In fact, it will last for years.
This, however, does come with a caveat. If the stainless steel pipes are in a location where they do not have access to oxygen, then they will not be able to resist corrosion as well as they could under normal circumstances.
Stainless Steel is Temperature Resistant
While this might only be true for certain grades, it is possible to find stainless steel designed to last in extreme temperatures.
For piping, this is vitally important. These pipes could be placed in an area of exceptionally high heat, or an area where they’re exposed to frigid temperatures. In either case, these kinds of stainless steel pipes maintain their durability.
It’s Easy to Fabricate Stainless Steel
Stainless steel makes pipe creation easy. It can be cut and formed with relative ease, helping expedite the process of making and delivering orders of pipes. If you need to start on a project quickly, then stainless steel is the right material to choose.
Stainless Steel Looks Aesthetically Pleasing
Whether it’s simply the shimmering surface, or the numerous kinds of finishes to choose from, it’s apparent stainless steel looks quite spectacular. Additionally, maintaining it is easy. Overall, it makes for a good choice of material for piping.