You should know that there is a difference between typical steel and stainless steel. Stainless steel is made by adding chromium to low carbon steel. Chromium forms a chromium oxide film on steel, which protects it from rust or corrosion. The chromium oxide film has self-healing properties that prevent stainless steel from getting damaged.

Grades of Stainless Steel

During the manufacture of stainless steel, other elements like nitrogen, nickel, manganese and molybdenum can be added to increase the corrosion-resistant properties of steel. Depending on the element added, you can come across different grades of stainless steel. For example, you can come across 300 series stainless steel austenitic chromium, which includes the addition of nickel, molybdenum and manganese alloys.

You can also come across 200 series austenitic chromium, which mostly includes the addition of nickel alloys; 400 series stainless steel, which consists of ferric and martensitic chromium alloys; 500 series, which consists of heat-resisting alloys and 600 series, which consists of martensitic hardening alloys. You just have to consider your applications and what series covers them.

Benefits of Stainless Steel for Drainage Grates

Drainage grates help drain wastewater, which consists of chemicals that could damage them; you need to ensure they can withstand corrosion, heat or any kind of damage. Stainless steel has these qualities and more:

Corrosion and Heat Resistance

From the sections above, you can see how stainless steel is manufactured to be corrosion and heat resistant. You just have to choose the series that is strong enough to withstand your conditions. Remember that you usually pour hot water in drains, so you need them to be heat resistant.

Hygiene

Wastewater passes through your drain system, and you want to ensure you have an easy time cleaning it. Stainless steel is easy to clean, and that is why it is considered a hygienic material for kitchen, hospital and food processing plant equipment and systems.

Price

Compared to other strong, durable, heat- and corrosion-resistant materials, stainless steel is considered the cheapest. The good thing about it is that because it is physically versatile, it can be made thin and still be strong, something referred to as a strength to weight advantage; this saves on costs. However, how thin or thick you want it to be should depend on your applications.

Aesthetics

Stainless steel grates have a shiny silver look that makes them visually appealing and clean. Dirt does not seem to stick on them, and if it does, you can easily clean it off. They also match the aesthetics of any room, be it a kitchen or bathroom.

Contact providers of stainless steel drainage grates to learn more.