News 5 Benefits of Stainless Steel for Sheet Metal Fabrication
While it is not always the most popular choice for sheet metal fabrication, stainless steel offers many benefits that make it well worth the higher cost. These range from being easy to work worth, resistant to rust, suitability for hygiene products, low-maintenance, temperature resistance, and overall sustainability.
Stainless steel is an iron alloy that has a minimum of 10.5% chromium. This is what provides a thin layer of oxide on the surface of the steel, making the metal resistant to corrosion, while also ensuring a smooth, durable, invisible surface. It is often overlooked due to its cost. In this guide, we share some of the reasons that stainless steel is a worthwhile investment for sheet metal fabrication.
Advantages of Stainless Steel for Sheet Metal Fabrication
Some of the biggest advantages of using stainless steel for sheet metal fabrication projects include the following:
It’s easy to use. This metal can be used for a wide range of projects. It is easy to cut, weld, bend and manipulate, making it a good choice for fabrication projects - especially if you are using modern tools.
It’s corrosion-resistant. A major benefit of this metal is its corrosion resistance. This has a big impact on the overall value of the finished project. For wet applications, a lower alloy stainless steel will be highly effective.
It’s ideal for hygiene applications. As it has a smooth surface, stainless steel is easy to clean. This makes it an excellent choice for applications requiring high hygiene levels, including products in food, pharmaceutical or consumable sectors.
It’s low-maintenance. Due to its durability, this metal has an excellent long-term value. It will not require regular maintenance - in some cases, it may not require any maintenance at all.
It’s able to withstand high temperatures. For applications that are typically subjected to high temperatures, this metal is a good choice. This is due to its high heat threshold.
You can see just how versatile stainless steel is with the help of quality laser cutting and sheet metal fabrication systems from Bystronic.