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    What Are The Benefits of Stainless Steel

    Why Use Stainless Steel?

    Sta-Lok has used stainless steel in the manufacture of wire rope fittings, wire rope assemblies and tie rod systems since 1973. There are a number of benefits of stainless steel, which include: durability, corrosion, cleanliness and aesthetics. We cover each of these in-depth below. 

    Generally appreciated as “Marine Grade” due to its overall corrosion resistance properties. 316 stainless steel is aesthetically pleasing whilst offering better mechanical properties and uses when compared to other materials. If you want to understand why stainless steel is used so widely in fabrication, rigging, cable manufacturing, and more, finding out about the properties and composition of stainless steel is essential. Keep reading to find out more from the team at Sta-Lok.

    What is 316 Stainless Steel?

    316 grade stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel, composed of:

    • 16% chromium,
    • 10% nickel and
    • 2% molybdenum.

    The final ingredient, molybdenum, is added to protect the stainless against the elements, such as salt water, and increases corrosion resistance. This makes 316 Stainless Steel a great choice for offshore and marine applications, as it can withstand the environmental conditions of coastal locations. 316 stainless steel isn’t the cheapest steel option on the market, however it will reduce long-term costs due to its reliability, strength and corrosion resistance – particularly if the application is outdoors.

    What Are The Benefits of 316 Stainless Steel?

    Corrosion resistance

    Stainless steel is exceptionally resistant to corrosion, making it particularly suitable for marine-grade applications. Due to its chemical composition, stainless steel forms a thin, transparent oxide layer on its surface. This passive film is unique in that it can self-repair quickly if damaged, ensuring continued protection against corrosion. This ability to repair allows the metal to resist both corrosion and rust even in harsh environments. As a result, stainless steel requires no additional coating or protection to maintain its appearance, even after extended exposure to marine conditions.

    Cleanliness & Hygiene

    Stainless steel is one of the most hygienic materials available and naturally inhibits the growth of bacteria, mould, and other pathogens. Its smooth, non-porous surface prevents contaminants from embedding, ensuring that dirt and bacteria can be easily wiped away. This property, combined with its resistance to harsh cleaning chemicals, makes stainless steel incredibly low-maintenance and simple to keep clean and sanitise. In marine environments, where equipment and surfaces are exposed to saltwater and fluctuating temperatures, stainless steel retains its hygienic properties without corroding or degrading. The ease of maintenance and long-lasting cleanliness make stainless steel the material of choice in environments where sanitation is paramount.

    Durability

    The 300 series of stainless steel offers a high toughness and strength rating, making it ideal for high and low temperature environments and weather extremes. The austenitic microstructure in all 300 series stainless steel makes the material resistant to brittleness across extreme temperatures, which is great for a range of marine and other industrial applications.

    Aesthetic appearance

    Stainless steel is available in a variety of surface finishes, allowing you the freedom to incorporate a necessary functional material in an aesthetically pleasing way. The bright, easily maintained surface of stainless steel provides lasting looks and a modern and attractive appearance. Coupled with low maintenance requirements, low environmental impact and high corrosion resistance, stainless steel could be the perfect solution for your application.

    Sustainability

    Truly sustainable materials should not only meet their intended design life, but also be recaptured and recycled at the end of their use. Stainless steel’s long lifespan is one of the key reasons it is selected, particularly for marine-grade applications, where durability in harsh environments is crucial. However, even stainless steel will eventually reach the end of its useful life. One of its many advantages is that stainless steel is 100% recyclable. This means that once its initial purpose is fulfilled, the primary alloying elements can be efficiently recaptured and reused, reducing waste and promoting a circular economy.

    The UK, USA, and the World Green Building Councils recognise the significant environmental benefits of using materials with high recycled content, awarding points for their use in green building rating systems. In marine industries, where sustainability is becoming increasingly important, the ability to recycle stainless steel contributes to its appeal as a sustainable choice. On average, stainless steel contains 60% recycled content, with some manufacturers now producing steel with up to 80% reclaimed material. This not only reduces the environmental impact but also supports the global shift towards greener, more sustainable construction and manufacturing practices.

    Manufacturing Products From 316 Stainless Steel

    As a premium UK manufacturer, Sta-Lok is committed to producing its products in an ethical and eco-friendly manner, ensuring that sustainability is at the heart of its operations. Specialising in marine-grade fittings and components, Sta-Lok not only delivers high-quality stainless steel solutions but also recycles 100% of all stainless steel waste generated during the manufacturing process. This dedication to recycling aligns with the company’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint, contributing to the sustainability of both its products and the wider marine industry.

    To learn more about Sta-Lok’s supply of premium stainless steel products and how they can support your marine-grade needs, contact us today.

    Phone Number01206 390 773

    Email Address[email protected]

    The Benefits of Stainless Steel

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