Galvanized and stainless steel are two general materials in pipe and pipe fittings manufactured, and each has different benefits and drawbacks. Galvanized steel increases corrosion resistance by applying a zinc coating on the surface of the carbon steel, making it for outdoor or wet environments. However, the properties may decline in high-temperature environments or extreme conditions. Compared with stainless steel, chromium and other alloy elements in stainless steel have better corrosion and high-temperature resistance and are more suitable for food processing and medical equipment manufacturing, which demand strict hygienic standards. Choose galvanized or stainless steel fittings according to different application requirements, cost, environmental concerns, etc.
When choosing between galvanized and stainless steel materials, here are some of their main differences and applicable scenarios:
1. Material composition
Our factory mainly produces pipes and fittings made from high-quality stainless and galvanized steel. Their performance varies greatly in disparate applications and environments. Please select the products that are best suited for your project and can perform at maximum performance.
Galvanized pipe fittings:
Galvanized material is usually carbon steel or iron with a galvanized coating to prevent corrosion. Its main components include:
Iron: The base material, usually carbon steel.
Zinc: A coating that protects against corrosion.
Stainless Steel pipe fittings:
Stainless steel is mainly composed of iron, chromium (usually at least 10.5%), and other elements (such as nickel) and has natural corrosion resistance. It is an alloy used primarily to resist oxidation and corrosion. Its main components include:
Iron: the base material.
Chromium: At least 10.5% to provide corrosion resistance.
Nickel: It adds toughness and corrosion resistance, commonly found in types of stainless steel such as 304 and 316.
Other elements, such as molybdenum, titanium, and aluminum, depend on the specific type of alloy.
2. Corrosion resistance
Galvanized:
Relying on the galvanized coating to form a protective film on the surface can effectively prevent pipe and fittings corrosion. It is suitable for moderately corrosive environments, but the galvanized coating may damaged in extreme environments.
Stainless Steel Material:
Due to chromium content, stainless steel has stronger corrosion resistance. Chromium reacts with oxygen to form a self-healing passive film, making stainless steel more durable than galvanized pipes and fittings and more suitable for high humidity or corrosive chemical environments.
3. Durability
Galvanized pipe fittings:
In manufacturing, protect against corrosion on the surface of carbon steel pipe coating galvanized. However, this galvanized coating may rust due to corrosion in extreme moisture or salt spray conditions. The service life of galvanized steel pipe usually extends up to 10 to 20 years, especially according to the situation and maintenance conditions.
Stainless Steel pipe fittings:
The high chrome content in stainless steel pipe fittings offers excellent anti-corrosion and strength properties. They can resist multiple chemical substances, oxidation, and high temperatures, making them more outstanding in severe environments. The service life of stainless steel pipes usually can exceed 25 years or longer.
Stainless steel pipe fittings are more durable than galvanized steel, especially in harsh or highly corrosive environments. Please consider the environment and multiple factors when purchasing to choose the most suitable one.
4. Appearance
Galvanized Steel:
They usually appear silver-gray with a galvanized coating to prevent corrosion.
A little bit raw in welded or cut parts.
Galvanized steel may undergo oxidation in a humid environment to impact appearance.
Stainless Steel:
Smooth and shiny surface, usually showing silver or polish effect.
Stainless steel does not easily change color and oxidation following situation changes.
5. Cost
Galvanized pipe:
The galvanized pipe is cheaper than stainless steel and more suitable for limited-budget projects.
Although galvanized pipe is cheap, it has long-term costs due to it needing frequent maintenance or replacement in corrosive applications.
Stainless Steel pipe:
Stainless steel pipe is somewhat expensive due to the higher process and material cost than galvanized pipe.
Stainless steel pipes do not need frequent maintenance because of their durable and high corrosion resistance properties, have more service life, and reduce the total cost.
6. Application Scenarios
Galvanized pipe and fittings:
Galvanized pipes and fittings are often building materials because of their strength and economics.
Suitable for tubes and drainage systems, especially in conditions that do not need long-term contact with corrosion substances.
They are in outdoor facilities because of anti-corrosion protection.
Using galvanized fittings as auto parts can reduce cost and enhance durability.
Stainless Steel pipes and fittings:
Their superior anti-corrosion and ease of cleaning lead are popular in food processing, medical apparatus and instruments, chemical industry, and other applications.
Stainless steel pipes and fittings are popular in home improvement because of their beautiful surface.
They can used in ship applications and others due to their salt spray resistance.
7. Summary
If the project has a limited budget and the environment is less corrosive, you can choose galvanized materials.
If you need a longer life, low maintenance, and strong corrosion resistance solution, it is recommended to use stainless steel.
