Top 2 Stainless Steel Grade To Use In Railings
08 December, 2018
With the advent of modern, sleek and vertical architecture in cities, the railing system is the most important factor as a part of the structural design. Not only do the railings have to be aesthetically pleasing but also deliver safety by satisfying structural requirements. Traditionally aluminum, cast iron, and carbon steel handrails were used which would deteriorate quickly in presence of harsh weather conditions like pollution or heavy public use. Hence it is important to choose the right stainless steel grade to use in the railing. But before that ask these questions:
- Is the railing required to be installed externally or internally?
- If external, what is the weather condition?
- Will it be exposed to a lot of public traffic?
Stainless steel handrails are a very popular choice, thanks largely to the benefits they offer. At Suncity Sheet Pvt Ltd. we manufacture stainless steel which can be used for making stainless steel railings. easy fabrication, versatility, and customizable design make it popular. The advantages of using a stainless steel railing are:
- High durability
- Easy Maintenance
- Affordability
- Aesthetic appeal
- Design Diversity
There are many differences between the various types of steel and choosing the correct type of steel for railings is important. There are two types of stainless steel which dominate in the design and manufacturing of railing systems.
1) 304 – Grade Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is much easier to maintain and doesn’t require a protective coating but is more expensive than carbon steel. Grade 304 stainless steel contains 18 % chromium and 8% nickel which makes it corrosion resistant to rust. Many other alloys may be present as well, each producing a particular grade of stainless steel created for specific purposes. No protective coating is necessary for steel of this grade.
Grade 304 stainless steel can be utilized in indoor as well as outdoor applications performs where conditions are not overly harsh or extreme, or where the railing system is protected from the environment. Maintaining a grade 304 stainless steel railing system is easier than carbon steel systems. While grade 304 stainless costs more than carbon steel, it requires far less maintenance and upkeep.
2) 201 – Grade Stainless Steel
Stainless steel grade 201 is an alloy that partially contains the nickel and increased quantities of manganese and nitrogen. It is most cheaper forms of stainless steel as compared to other grades due to the low nickel content. Grade 201 is an austenitic metal because it is a non-magnetic stainless steel that contains high levels of chromium and nickel and low levels of carbon.
Grade 201 stainless steel has a variety of useful qualities and is ideal for structures that are prone to corrosive forces such as salt water. Grade 201 can substitute grade 301 in many applications, but is less corrosion resistant than its counterpart, particularly in chemical environments. Due to high nitrogen content in grade 201, it provides higher yield strength and toughness than type 301 steel, especially at low temperatures and therefore is ideal in railings where there are maximum wear and tear.
Grade 201 can be used to produce a range of household appliances like stainless wash basin, cooking utensils, washing machines, curtain railings, staircases, etc. It is not recommended for structural outdoor applications because of its susceptibility to pitting and corrosion in case there is less scope of maintenance.
Suncity Sheets Pvt. Ltd. is the world’s most renowned stainless steel products manufacturing company for various industrial applications. Our special range of stainless steel pipes for railings and baluster are a highly-appreciated product in the market.
To know more about our product range visit our website: www.suncitysheets.com
