There are a number of metals that may be utilized within the metal fabrication process, and one that sometimes doesn’t get its just due is stainless steel. Some of this stems from prior generations, where fabricating stainless steel was a bit more difficult than it is today — but in modern times, stainless steel offers numerous specific benefits and should be strongly considered as a material for various fabrication needs.
At Cypress Metals, we work with a number of different metals for our fabrication services, which are utilized by clients for everything from chimneys and cupolas to bay window covers and numerous other needs. In this two-part blog series, we’ll go over some of the basics on why stainless steel is so beneficial for many fabrication projects, and why you should consider it.
Corrosion Resistance
First and foremost, because of the high chromium content within stainless steel, it offers natural corrosion resistance. This is one of the key reasons why it’s often utilized in food service and medical applications, where cleanliness and preventing the spread of germs and bacteria is essential.
Additionally, unlike some other metals that may offer corrosion resistance (such as aluminum), stainless steel can withstand a wide range of temperatures and still maintain that resistance.
Aesthetic Appeal
Another big selling point for stainless steel is the fact that it offers a clean, polished look. This makes it ideal for applications where appearance is important, such as in architecture or retail settings.
Additionally, because it’s so easy to keep clean, stainless steel can help give the impression of a well-maintained facility — even if it’s not being regularly cleaned! For large facilities where maintenance staff may not be able to clean every nook and cranny on a daily basis, stainless steel can help give the impression of a clean environment.
Full Recyclability
For many businesses, individuals and other entities, the theme of sustainability is important. Fortunately, stainless steel is fully recyclable — meaning that when the time comes to replace it, the old material can be melted down and reused in other applications.
Additionally, because stainless steel doesn’t corrode or break down over time, it can last for decades without needing to be replaced. This means that once you’ve invested in stainless steel products, you likely won’t need to replace them for many years (if not decades), further reducing your environmental impact.
There are many other reasons why stainless steel is such a beneficial product for fabrication needs — but these are some of the key ones. In our next blog post, we’ll go over a few other areas to consider here. To learn more about this or any of our custom metal fabrication, laser cutting or other services, speak to the pros at Cypress Metals today.