Stainless steel household products are gaining in popularity. Where once stainless steel silverware was the most commonly used stainless steel product in the home, we now see cookware, appliances, sinks, tubs, and even spas and swimming pools made from this unique material. The aesthetic allure of this alloy is an obvious benefit of stainless steel, yet there are many other benefits it offers.
One of the more interesting benefits of stainless steel is that the alloy is self-healing. All metals and alloys are susceptible to oxidation, which can result in rust. However, the oxide layer that forms on stainless steel forms a tight bond with the material, and retains its natural color instead of shedding, as is often seen in other materials as rust.
Other benefits of stainless steel include:
Hygienic Properties
A non-porous and easy to clean material, stainless steel is widely used in hospitals, kitchens, and food and pharmaceutical production areas.
Corrosion Resistant
All stainless steels have high corrosion resistant properties. Lower grades resist corrosion in atmospheric conditions (rust proof). Higher grades of the alloy can resist the corrosive effects of most acids, alkaline solutions, and chloride bearing environments.
Extreme Temperature Resistance
Many grades will resist scaling and maintain high strength at very high temperatures, and some grades are extremely durable at freezing temperatures.
Longevity
Because stainless steel is corrosion resistant, self-healing, durable and doesn’t need additional finishes to extend its usability, it tends to last a long time. When doing a life cycle cost benefit analysis, the alloy is often less expensive than other materials.
Strength
The cold work hardening process that some stainless steel goes through allows it to be used in design at reduced thicknesses that otherwise might not be possible with other materials. This reduces weight and cost. Some stainless steels are heat treated to make extremely strong parts and components.
Sustainability
The long-lasting and anti-corrosive properties, durability, and recycling opportunities offered by stainless steel make it an environmentally friendly material. Fifty-percent of all stainless steel is manufactured from scrap metal, and it is 100% recyclable.
Low maintenance, durable, long-lasting, hygienic, and aesthetically appealing, stainless steel has many benefits that contribute to its popularity, and make it a favorite among those who own stainless steel products.
If you are building a home, remodeling a kitchen or bath, or just want to upgrade, clickhere to check out some of the of the stainless steel sinks, tubs, and spas and pools Diamond Spa offers in our new digital brochure.
