Stainless steel has existed since the early 1900s, and since that time, it has become one of the most commonly used materials in the world for its durability, workability and aesthetics.
In the past, stainless steel was vulnerable to corrosion and had various other drawbacks. This led to researchers creating other alloys that might work better under tough conditions, which is why today stainless steel has so many different applications across various industries.
Some of the primary benefits of stainless steel include:
- Its ability to resist corrosion
- Improved cryogenic strength
- Enhanced work toughness
- Increased durability and overall strength
- Increased ductility
- Low maintenance costs
- Appealing aesthetics
Why it’s become popular for pipe fitting
In pipe fitting, it only makes sense to use corrosion-resistant metals, considering the constant exposure to moisture. Stainless steel pipe fittings come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and there are several types of stainless steel that can be implemented in these settings:
- Stainless steel pressure pipe fitting: Stainless steel 316 pie fittings (made of solid chromium or combinations of chromium and nickel) are frequently used for corrosive or high-temperature applications and high-pressure environments. The alloys for this type of fitting will generally come from ferritic and austenitic families of metal.
- Sanitary tubing: Stainless steel pipe fittings are often used for sanitary tubing that is used in medical devices and the food and beverage industry. Corrosion resistance is a big deal here, but so too is its ease of cleaning and lack of tarnish over time. For sanitary pipe fittings, the most popular alloy choice is ASTMA270.
- High-performance industries: Aerospace and engineering industries require a high degree of heat resistance, which is why they’ll often rely on alloys based on nickel and chromium. These fields have particularly high quality and safety standards, and stainless steel is able to reliably meet those expectations.
- Construction projects: Stainless steel pipe fittings and pipe adaptors are frequently used in construction projects. The ductility of stainless steel allows these fittings to be installed without needing heat treatment. The total lifespan for stainless steel pipe fittings for plumbing in construction projects is generally estimated at around 50 years.
- Other: Perhaps the most popular type of pipe fitting is one that uses stainless steel 304. This alloy provides some good all-around corrosion resistance and various other benefits. It provides strong chemical resistance as well, which is particularly beneficial for materials that get exposed to high amounts of water, particularly in industrial environments.
These are just a few examples of some of the ways stainless steel pipe fittings and pipe adaptors are used across different industries and applications. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of relying on stainless steel and the specific products and alloys that are best suited to your needs, we encourage you to reach out to our team at Metal Works Corporation with any questions you have for us. We look forward to hearing from you.