Introduction
When you plan to buy steel, you would have often found yourself confused between the two types of Steel – Galvanized and Stainless Steel- which look identical but have substantial differences.
In this article, we are going to make you understand the differences between Galvanized and Stainless Steel in the simplest way possible. We hope, after going through this blog, you will be able to make a clear decision on which best steel type to choose.
Although the Galvanized and Stainless steel looks the same, they are different in terms of composition, weight, strength, and application.
To understand the differences between two steel types, first, let’s understand what are these two top-quality steel types:
What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless Steel, is a type of iron-based alloy that is made by adding a minimum of 10% of chromium to it. Also, as the name suggests, this steel does not stain. It also possesses the properties to make it unaffected by rust, corrosion, and oxidization.
There are different types of stainless steel divided into five major families- Austenitic, Duplex, Ferritic, Martensitic, and Precipitation Hardening. This is the reason why stainless is denoted with grades. To learn more about Stainless Steel, its properties, types, and the industries that use it, Click Here.
What is Galvanized Steel?
Galvanized Steel, on the other hand, is simply a carbon steel variation that is dipped in molten zinc to protect it from the chemical damage that is caused by different types of agents. It is also often referred to as Dipped Steel.
What are the differences Between Stainless and Galvanized Steel?
Now, let’s try to understand the differences between the two based on a variety of factors like:
- Price– As compared to Stainless Steel, Galvanized Steel is cheaper and is easily available.
- Strength– Stainless Steel is stronger than Galvanized Steel since it contains chromium, which is stronger and more durable than zinc-covered steel.
- Protecting Shield– Stainless Steel is protected with the help of its chromium component against rust whereas Galvanized steel has zinc covering to shield steel from rusting.
- Applications– Stainless steel is normally used in making tools, buildings, monuments, skyscrapers, bridges, sculptures, kitchen utensils, pipelines, automobiles, machinery. And Galvanized Steel is used in making buildings and homes, pipes and fittings, framing and constructing, ornamental fencing, nuts, nails, washing machines, bolts, dishwashers, etc.
- Life– Stainless Steel has a longer life comparatively since zinc coating in Galvanized Steel can deplete due to scratches, or the salts in hard water.
- Recycling– Stainless Steel can be recycled many times. And even Galvanized Steel can be recycled but it always needs to be dipped in zinc to provide the same performance.
Conclusion
Now you must have understood that these two types may look similar but are different from one another and both have their own set of advantages to serve an individual’s purpose.
There isn’t a clear one single answer as to which type of steel is best to serve your purpose since both types have their advantages and disadvantages.
But in general, we can say Stainless Steel is a better option to go for metal that is strong, erosion, and rustproof. It is more efficient in protecting the metal than galvanized steel because the outer zinc layer in Galvanized Steel will eventually wear off.
But when it comes to cost-effectiveness, Galvanized steel scores better since it can be fabricated and manipulated like normal steel. Galvanized steel is protective zinc covering and is very strong.
Now, we are sure with the above clear differences between the two steel types, you are in a good position to make an informed decision with regards to your selection to serve your purpose and its application. And if you are looking for reliable Stainless Steel Manufacturers, Stockists, or traders in your area, you can check out Enggpro’s global network of Metal Manufacturers and Suppliers here.
At Enggpro, the Supplier offers a wide range of metals for a variety of applications. Our stock includes Stainless Steel, Alloy Steel, Duplex Steel, Galvanized Steel, Aluminium, Brass, Bronze, Copper, and many more.
Hot rolled and cold rolled steel is available in a wide range of shapes including bars, tubes, sheets, coils, and plates. For more information, log onto Enggpro.com today.
