From the smallest zipper to the largest skyscraper, stainless steel is an essential part of modern life. Stainless steel is now commonly used in modern construction. It is used in the exterior cladding for large high impact buildings and can be seen in the interiors too in the form of handrails, counter tops, backsplashes and more.
There are over 150 grades of stainless steel, of which 15 are commonly used in everyday applications. Stainless steel is made in various forms including plates, bars, sheets and tubes.
There are several benefits inherent in stainless steel that make it perfect for construction. Once the possibility of working with stainless steel in architecture and civil engineering projects was introduced, it quickly became a go-to material, especially as more and more developments were made with stainless steel alloys. In modern construction, certain core properties of the material have made it indispensable.
Stainless steel is a metal that has been used in the architecture industry for a long time. In the past, it was mainly used as an exterior material to make buildings more durable and vandal-proof.
Nowadays, architects are using stainless steel in many different ways. It can be seen in facades, roofs, windows, and even furniture.
One of the reasons why stainless steel is so popular among architects is because it doesn't corrode easily as other metals do over time. This makes it an attractive option for people who want their buildings to last a long time without having to worry about costly repairs.
This matters, because studies have shown that corrosion resistance is one of the greatest drags on the global economy every year. Using proven materials such as stainless steel in engineering projects can go a long way to reducing that number, and making our buildings and structures more durable in the long term.
Each grade of stainless steel has a slightly different chemical composition and consequently a distinct physical appearance. The 300 series of stainless steel is the most common with 304 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel being the most prevalent grades.The composition of 300-series stainless steel grades makes it especially useful in the construction, automotive, and aerospace industries. Two other common grades are 409 stainless steel and 430 stainless steel.
Grade 304 represents 50% of the steel produced around the world. Grade 304 contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, which makes it aesthetically pleasing as well as durable. Its one weakness is saline, so grade 304 can pit or crevice when used near salt water. We stock 304 stainless steel sheet, 304 stainless steel plate, 304 stainless steel bar, and 304 stainless steel tube.
The second most commonly produced steel, grade 316 contains 2-3% molybdenum. Consequently, it’s more resistant to saline and thus better for coastal environments. Many surgical supplies are also get made from grade 316 stainless steel. Qinghe Steel supplies 316 stainless steel plate sheets, 316 stainless steel coil strips, 316 stainless steel bars, 316 stainless steel pipes, etc.
Ferritic steel, grade 430 forms easily but does not resist extreme temperatures or corrosion well. It’s often used for decorative purposes. It is less expensive than grade 304 since it does not contain nickel. 430 stainless steel sheet is routinely stocked.
Qinghe Steel is specialized in the steel spot trade. We pride ourselves on our ability to not only provide the exact product that you need to the exact specifications, but doing so quickly and without any hassle. Our sales team is made of experienced technical professionals. That’s why Qinghe Steel is recognized as China’s leading supplier of stainless steel products. Please contact us today to learn more about Qinghe Steel’s commitment to service.
