Which is better, galvanized steel or stainless steel?
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Customers often want to know which is better, which is more expensive, galvanized steel or stainless steel? Which is more resistant to the elements? The simple fact is that in any situation, both types of steel are good choices. The following is the basic knowledge about galvanized steel and stainless steel, you can use these basic knowledge to make the best choice.
What is galvanized steel?
The economical and practical galvanized steel material is coated with a thin layer of zinc. The zinc coating of galvanized steel protects the steel underneath from rust. It is used to make nuts, bolts, screws and nails, which will not degrade when exposed to the weather. The zinc coating of galvanized steel can be very waterproof-as long as it is not salt water. Welders who use structural steel can use galvanized steel, although they need to prevent inhalation of fumes. Zinc plating is a cost-effective method that can help protect metals that will be exposed to potentially corrosive elements. Galvanized steel and stainless steel are also used in applications that require strong, corrosion-resistant metals. Because too much zinc may be toxic, and both acid and heat may mobilize zinc. Where the dark gray sequins of galvanized steel are not ideal, they present a shinier and more adaptable beauty. Aluminum and stainless steel cost more each, and their mechanical properties are different from steel. For applications where mechanical properties, aesthetics, or metal weight are important, more expensive materials may be the best choice. In other places where standard steel functions are required, economical and practical galvanized steel materials are ideal for low-cost weatherproofing.
What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is made by adding chromium to molten steel. It is extremely strong and resistant to rust due to contact with water (or even salt water). Welding stainless steel is a professional skill. When heating and cooling stainless steel, welders must exercise more control. They must pay special attention to matching the filler material with the steel being welded. Engineers and architects need to keep up with the differences in stainless steel types. Austenitic stainless steel is a product you might use in the machine shop. Ferritic stainless steel is a cheaper product used in easily replaceable applications such as car exhaust pipes. Wear-resistant martensitic steel is used for surfacing welding. Duplex stainless steel combines the molecular structure of austenitic and ferritic stainless steel, but it is difficult to use. Precipitation hardening stainless steel is made by adding another rare metal (such as niobium) to obtain higher strength, and is usually used in aerospace applications. Galvanized steel and stainless steel are very different in price. The more complex the alloy, the greater the general strength, the higher the price, and the greater the labor cost. Generally speaking, galvanized steel is more ductile than stainless steel, and the zinc coating of galvanized steel is easier to process. Stainless steel is stronger and more corrosion resistant than economical and practical galvanized steel materials.
Which steel is durable?
The price of economical and practical galvanized steel material is almost the same as that of untreated structural steel. The cost of stainless steel is four to five times that of galvanized steel and untreated structural steel. Niobium alloys are even more expensive. When you look closely at the characteristics of these two steels, you will find that galvanized steel and stainless steel are very different from each other. Both types of steel are suitable for a large number of products, but one type is always a better choice than the other. In some cases, you need to stay away from stainless steel. The product can tolerate salt water, but will rapidly degrade after contact with chlorinated water. You also need a design that avoids any friction between two stainless steel parts. They can weld themselves together. As important as galvanized steel, in some cases, the choice of galvanized steel requires additional consideration. Generally, steel should be welded before galvanizing, not after galvanizing. Galvanized welded steel will burn off the protective layer at the weld. After welding, it may be necessary to re-galvanize the zinc coating of galvanized steel to protect the joint.
If you are building a rocket to send space forces to Mars, you may need to use stainless steel. If you get a contract to build an ocean-going submarine, you also need stainless steel. But for the most practical steel applications on land, in terms of material and labor costs and project life, economical and practical galvanized steel materials are your most economical choice.
Tags: galvanized steel and stainless steel, economical and practical galvanized steel material, The zinc coating of galvanized steel
