Stainless Steel and Galvanized Steel are two of the most commonly used metal for production. They have some similar characteristics and only a few difference, especially in their composition. But their application is quite specific. But many industrialists face a dilemma when they have to choose either one of them. That’s why today we’ll explain who should use Stainless Steel and for whom, Galvanized Steel is best.  But before that, you should know their significant characteristics and why they behave is such way. Both stainless steel and mild steel can choose to be cut by laser cutting, or bent by our bending  and rolling  machines.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is also known as Inox steel and it an alloy of 10.5 percent Chromium & Iron. Iron is its main component but the added Chromium creates an extra thin Chromium Oxide layer on the surface of the iron. This layer is known as the Passive Layer, which is the signature characteristics of stainless steel. This passive layer prevents any corrosion over the metal surface. And the more Chromium is mixed to the alloy, the more resistance against corrosion and oxidation becomes inevitable. Besides, there are other elements like Silicone, Manganese, and a good amount of Carbon added to the Stainless Steel. Besides, Molybdenum & Nickel are also added to enhance formidability and few other useful characteristics.

For extreme resistance to corrosion and flawless finish, Stainless steel is used in pharmaceutical and culinary industries. Stainless steel is way better than galvanized steel in terms of the surface appeal. The physical composition of stainless steel makes it long lasting and that’s why stainless steel is used in those industries where the product needs to maintain its integrity for a long time. The lack of any type of rust or layer keeps the surface smooth and shiny for a long time. In short, stainless steel is much more durable and strong than galvanized steel.

That’s why many industries use stainless steel as their raw material for production. Here are some of the most common applications of stainless steel in different industries where the manufacturers understand stainless steels potential.

Applications of Stainless Steel

Architecture: Architectural use of stainless steel is not new. For stainless steels anti-vandal characteristics and the low-cost maintenance, they are being used in modern architectural infrastructures. Mainly stainless steel is used for roofing, cladding, and facades in houses. Nowadays, stainless steel is proving itself to be quite efficient as the main structure for buildings because of its durability.

Cutlery: As mentioned earlier, stainless steel is completely rust proof and that’s why they have smooth and clean surface. Because of its shiny and appealing surface, stainless stereo is being used as the main raw material in the cutlery industry.

Power generation: The resistance again corrosion in hot temperature is a useful characteristic if stainless steel. That’s why power generation industry uses stainless steel for their ventilation shafts and in gas and steam tribune. The stainless steels with low cobalt are the ones to be used in nuclear power plants.

Chemical, Oil, gas industry: One of the industries with their constant want for stainless steel is chemical, oil, and gas processing. In this industry, starting from the tubes and pipes up to the storage tanks where gas, chemical or oil is stored, are made of stainless steel. Especially stainless steel’s 304 grade is of great importance to the industry and that’s why it is considered to be in the most important sector for stainless steel.

Automotive: Stainless steel is used in automobile industry for its low impact on the environment, low maintenance cost, and the minimum life-cycle cost. They are used to make the vehicles structures, exhaust system, catalytic converter, etc. And it seems like, the use of stainless steel in the automotive industry will most likely to increase.

Medical: Surgical tools for operation needs to stay hygienic. That means they can’t have any rust on its body. That’s why stainless steel is a preferred for Surgical equipment.

Sculpture: Metal sculptures are a form of art. This art is also backed up by the use of stainless steel. Many designers chose to use stainless steel for the sculptures because of its durability and

Bridges: Like building a structural frame, stainless steel can also be used in bridges where they need a material that is long lasting yet cost-efficient.

When you shouldn’t use Stainless Steel

In places where two pieces of steel parts may need to collide or rub together, stainless steel should not be used. Because friction breaks down the passive layer of stainless steel, making it lose the resistance to corrosion. Another place where stainless steel won’t be an ideal choice is the place with chlorine. Chlorine also breaks the oxide layer that removes stainless steels’ “stainless” part. So any places with chlorine bleach isn’t an ideal place for stainless steel to keep its integrity.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel is simply a carbon steel variation that is dipped in molten zinc. The process is called dipping and that’s why galvanized steel is often referred to as dipped steel. The main benefit of galvanized steel is they are corrosion resistant like stainless steel.

Due to the added layer of Zinc, Galvanized steel is mostly used in places near water. Because the layer of zinc prevents carbon in the steel to react with salt water. So no chances of rusting. That’s why, workstations around 5 miles radius of the coast, should use galvanized steel.

Application of Galvanized Steel

Construction: Galvanized sheet metal is used for verandas, support beam, street furniture, staircases, ladders, industrial walkaways, fence, handrail, ductwork, canopies, building frames, balcony, awing, etc.

Electronics: To make computer cabesings & the precision instruments rust- and moisture-free, manufacturers use galvanized steel.

Bolts, Nuts, Nails: Galvanized steel is used to produce nails, nuts, and bolts to make them rust proof.

Piping: Galvanized pilings have been replacing lead and iron in cold water plumbing since the early 20th century. Because galvanized pilings can maintain its integrity for 70 years on average in such conditions.

Playground Equipment: Kids play equipment like swing sets, jungle gyms, bicycle racks are made of galvanized steel for its resistance against rust.

Transportation: Aircrafts and cars have a rather large demand for galvanized steel. The manufacturers use galvanized steel to make spring housing, seating, roofing, parking brakes, oil pans, fenders, hoods, etc.

Wire Rope: Another common use of galvanized steel is in high stressed wire ropes.

When you shouldn’t use Galvanized Steel?

Although galvanized steel is much effective against water and humid atmosphere, it loses its resistance against rust when it maintains regular contact with salt water. Besides, Galvanized steel nails shouldn’t be used while building a cedar fence. Because the naturally occurring enzymes in cedar react with zinc, making black stains on the fence.

Which one should you choose?

Galvanized steel and stainless is very similar when it comes to their characteristics like rust-resistance. But stainless steel is much more efficient in protecting the metal than galvanized steel because the outer zinc layer will eventually wear off.

Besides, stainless steel is much more durable than galvanized regular carbon steel. So, stainless steel is the clear champion here.

But if you have a small project at hand or want to cut a slack from your manufacturing/production cost, galvanized steel can be your pick. Because galvanized steel is much cheaper than stainless steel.steel is much cheaper than stainless steel.