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Stainless Steel Advantages

Posted by Susanna Morse on

APM Hexseal offers a variety of materials for our sealing solutions to suit the requirements of any application. However, stainless steel is our default material as it provides many benefits when compared to other common metals, making it ideal for various sealing applications across many industries.

Stainless Steel Fasteners

Advantages of Stainless Steel

There are many advantages of stainless steel, one of the most obvious being its resistance to corrosion. This ability comes from 10.5% of its weight being made up of chromium, which creates an invisible chromium-oxide film on the surface, giving it the ability to self repair in the presence of oxygen. Corrosion resistance can be enhanced by increasing the chromium content or by adding other elements such as nickel, molybdenum, and titanium.

Stainless steel has a number of other advantages, including:

  • Longer Life Span
  • Strength
  • Temperature Resistance
  • 100% Recyclable
  • Low Cost
  • Aesthetic Appeal
  • High Quality
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hygiene

These combined advantages make stainless steel ideal for use in fasteners, screws, and other sealing applications.

Stainless Steel vs. Other Common Metals

There are many other metals that offer different features for use in sealing applications; however stainless steel offers many benefits over these. These metals include:

  • Other Grades of Steel. Steel can contain trace amounts of other elements such as manganese, chromium, nickel, and more, that each affect the properties of the alloy. Steel is a hard, strong, durable, and malleable alloy composed of iron and carbon.
  • Aluminum. Similar to stainless steel, aluminum offers corrosion resistance; however it is weaker against certain elements. This nonmagnetic metal is 1/3 the weight of steel, is ductile with high heat, and offers electric conductivity.
  • Chrome. Chrome offers corrosion resistance and a pleasant appearance, but it is an expensive alloy to use.
  • Silicon Bronze. Made up of silicon, tin, and copper, this material is often used in marine environments due to its corrosion resistance and high strength; however, it is an expensive material.
  • Copper. Copper is nonmagnetic and offers corrosion resistance, heat and electrical conductivity, and low to average strength. Strength can be increased by adding other metals.
  • Brass. Brass is a nonmagnetic alloy that offers electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and low to average strength.
  • Titanium. Titanium is a gray, low density, lightweight, corrosion resistant, and high strength metal.

Applications of Stainless Steel

The features of stainless steel make it suitable for fastening solutions in a variety of industries, including:

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  • Chemical, Processing, Oil & Gas. These industries have large demands and often turn to stainless steel for use in tanks, pipes, pumps, and valves. Certain grades of stainless steel have been specifically developed to increase corrosion resistance in more extreme temperatures, making them suitable for use in desalination plants, sewage plants, offshore oil rigs, harbor supports, and ship propellers.
  • Power Generation. Stainless steel is valuable in the power generation industry due to its corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures. The nuclear power industry uses large amounts of stainless steel for power generation and radiation containment. It is used for special louvered ventilation shafts to seal off plants in the case of emergency, and it is also used for steam and gas turbines.
  • Food Production. Stainless steel is ideal for sealing in food production as it offers easy cleaning and doesn’t impart a taste to food it comes into contact with.
  • Construction. The construction industry turns to stainless steel for cladding, roofing, and facades in buildings. The cost-effectiveness of stainless steel also makes it attractive for the construction of public transport, ticket machines, and street furniture.
  • Medical. Stainless steel offers sanitary and easy-to-clean qualities making it ideal in the medical industry for applications in implants, artificial hips, orthopedic beds, cabinets, and examination machines.
  • Automotive. Stainless steel is a low maintenance metal with a low environmental impact, making it ideal for use in the automotive industry for applications such as exhaust systems and catalytic converters.

Stainless Steel Sealing Solution From APM Hexseal

Stainless steel is a versatile, cost-effective, and long-lasting material. APM Hexseal offers stainless steel sealing solutions suitable for many applications. Our products are used by over 200,000 customers, making us an experienced and reliable option for your sealing needs. With any questions or to get started on your stainless steel sealing solutions, ask the experts at APM Hexseal.

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