Stainless Steel Plate

​Over the years, consumer and industrial demands have led to the development of corrosion-resistant metals for a variety of products. Carbon steel, which was commonly used for years, is prone to rust, which means users had to deal with refinishing the material often or watch as corrosion destroyed the metal.
 
Stainless steel is well-known for its resistance to corrosion, and the various forms of stainless steel also require a minimum of maintenance, which is a boon for users of all types. In a world where conservation is increasingly important, it’s important to note that stainless is recyclable. That means the need for future mining and processing is reduced.
 
In addition, stainless steel plate is available in a variety of grades to meet the needs of countless users. However, there are 15 grades most often sought by manufacturers. Here are just a few of the common uses of the metal.
 
Medical Products
 
Because of its resistance to corrosion and ease of cleaning, stainless is recommended for numerous medical products. Medical instruments are generally produced of stainless, and patients are likely to see a wide variety of equipment in medical settings that are constructed, at least in part, of some form of stainless.
 
Construction Products
 
Because of its unique look, stainless steel is used to enhance the look of buildings everywhere. Its minimal maintenance requirements mean the product can be used in both interior and exterior settings to create customized, dramatic effects.
 
One current design trend uses stainless plate to reflect light, which means buildings use more natural light. That, in turn, means energy demands are reduced and building operating costs go down. When “green” building is a goal, stainless delivers a variety of benefits for owners.
 
Heavy Industries
 
Many industries use harsh chemicals that degrade carbon steel quickly. The oil and gas industries, along with numerous chemical industries, use specific grades of the metal in their processing and storage facilities. They find that stainless reduces replacement costs and reduces the potential for leaks and contamination.
 
For example, offshore drilling platforms use a great deal of stainless to resist corrosion related to moving and highly corrosive crude oil. Stainless also resists corrosion from salt water, making it ideal for use in those offshore rigs.
 
A stainless steel provider can supply large sheets of the required grade metal to make the construction of tanks and other equipment easier. Fewer welds reduce initial construction costs and minimize the potential for leaks and weak points later.
 
Transportation Industries
 
Automotive and trucking industries make extensive use of stainless to enhance the lifespans of vehicles and reduce maintenance. Rusted components can easily sideline a vehicle, and manufacturers also realize safety can become an issue when carbon steel components of vehicles begin to rust.
 
As an example, in the past, exhaust parts were made using carbon steel that rusted within a short time. Stainless steel exhaust components, like catalytic converters, last for years before needing to be replaced. Replacement costs are lowered, and a vehicle’s occupants are protected from carbon monoxide issues.
 
Remember that, because of its strength, relatively thin sheets of stainless can be used for many applications. Bulk tanker trailers are a good example. Stainless is sanitary and easy to maintain. In addition, payloads can be higher and overall weights reduced. In the transportation industry, reducing a vehicle’s weight even a few pounds can save a lot of fuel over the vehicle’s life.
 
Food Providers
 
Restaurants routinely use stainless for kitchen equipment as it’s easy to sanitize quickly throughout the day. Restaurant codes require stainless or similar materials in many settings, which means many companies are now providing all the stainless equipment most food suppliers need.
 
Remember that food production facilities must abide by many of the same sanitation regulations as restaurants. Production lines in food processing plants use stainless materials throughout those facilities to ensure consumer safety.
 
Changes Due to the Pandemic
 
It’s likely the use of stainless materials will increase as a result of the current pandemic. Enforcement agencies will be looking for new and innovative ways to enhance the safety of people in a wide variety of settings. Where wood, plastics, or other materials may have been considered acceptable in the past, stainless may be recommended or even required in the future.
 
Again, that’s primarily because of ease of cleaning and lack of porosity of stainless. It’s far easier to eliminate viruses when cleaning is quick and easy for users. While it remains to be seen how many industries will ultimately be impacted by changes directly related to the current pandemic, it’s likely changes will occur.
Obtaining Stainless
 
Stainless suppliers make it easy for anyone needing materials to obtain exactly what they need. With stainless available in a variety of finishes, it’s generally a simple process to find the best option for a specific use.
 
Stainless steel plate can be obtained in a grainy, non-reflective, or mill finish. As alluded to earlier, stainless plate is available in different grades to meet a user’s needs. In addition, the material can be had in numerous stock sizes or custom cut to meet a user’s unique needs.
 
Keeping Costs Under Control
 
Every business looks for ways to keep costs under control. While stainless isn’t inexpensive, the metal’s positive attributes make it the best option for a wide variety of uses. Remember that initial cost is only one aspect of any product’s long-term cost.
 
Using stainless reduces expenses in a variety of instances. Because stainless resists corrosion, it lasts years longer than carbon steel. During those years, stainless also requires less maintenance. Since there is no rust, stainless doesn’t require frequent refinishing.
 
Labor is a significant part of most organizations’ budgets. When cleaning and other maintenance are reduced, labor costs go down. That’s a savings that goes on throughout the metal’s useful life.
 
Get Advice Now
 
If you’re exploring using stainless steel sheets for your business needs, take the time now to contact an expert to determine which grade of stainless would best fit your needs. Experts are always ready to answer questions and guide purchasing choices