Before you choose the type of steel to use for your hinges, consider these four advantages of stainless steel over other metals.
Using stainless steel for hinges has a number of long-term advantages over other materials. In many man-made and natural situations, stainless steel hinges have much better resistance to rust (oxidation) and corrosion.
Stainless steel, in addition to having a gleaming, smooth surface, has changed practically every industry, including transportation, medical, the food industry, and, most critically, construction. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular applications we see.
Aesthetic Appeal
Hinges aren’t usually hidden within doors or on objects where the consumer can’t see them. They are sometimes positioned front and center, where everyone can see them, and the maker places a premium on aesthetics in these circumstances.
A wide range of surface treatments is available for stainless steel hinges. They have a high-quality aesthetically pleasant look and are easy to maintain a high degree of shine. Stainless steel is also simple to clean, making it the preferred material for pharmaceutical, food, kitchen, and medical hinges. When considering lifespan costs, stainless steel is an economical option due to its longevity and low maintenance. To discover more about the many types of finishes available, click here.
Low and High Temperature Resistance
Stainless Steel 304 Hinges are a simple option for situations that require low or high temperature resistance. Even at extremely high temperatures, certain graded stainless steel is known to resist scaling while preserving its high enduring strength. Other types of stainless steel are extremely robust at extremely low temperatures, even at cryogenic levels.
Corrosion Resistance
Because stainless steel is far more resistant to rust than galvanized steel, bronze, or brass, it is frequently the product of choice in maritime applications. While a stainless steel hinge’s surface will certainly acquire pitting and crevice corrosion over time, the material is still significantly better than alternative solutions.
Stainless steel corrosion, unlike traditional rusting with other metals, is relatively random and extremely localized. Pits (small holes) have the ability to penetrate large thicknesses, resulting in fractures and leaks over time.
The cause of unexpected stainless steel corrosion failure has long been a mystery. However, it was discovered after a lengthy investigation that some areas of the molten steel ingot cooled at a different rate than the rest of the product. Significantly less chromium may be found in these environments. Due to the lack of chromium, it is now understood that these little portions are not stainless.
Weight to Strength Advantage
The weight-to-strength ratio of stainless steel is significantly higher. This allows the material to be used in considerably thinner thicknesses than traditional graded metals. This frequently leads to considerable cost reductions. Furthermore, the simplicity with which it may be fabricated is typically due to current steel-making processes. Stainless steel is just as easy to construct, mill, cut, mold, or weld as most standard steels.
Stainless steel hinges have a greater upfront cost than other options, but they have a far better lifespan cost than all other options, including carbon steel. To fulfill the needs of a wide range of sectors, these hinges are made in a number of styles, forms, and patterns.