Both galvanized steel pipes and stainless steel pipes can be used in corrosive environments. However, they are made of different materials. In addition, they differ significantly in terms of strength, weight, and composition. When you are considering which steel pipe product to choose for your project, it is critical to understand the differences. Below, Wanzhi Steel takes you through a review.
Difference Between Galvanized and Stainless Steel Pipe
1. Chemical Composition
Galvanized tubes are coated with a layer of zinc on the surface of carbon steel. While stainless steel tubes are composed of iron, carbon, and at least 10.5% chromium content. Therefore, there is a clear difference between them in terms of chemical composition.
2. Applications
Both galvanized and stainless steel pipes can be used in corrosive environments. However, galvanized steel pipe is generally used in water or wet environments, such as metal roofs on houses, and chain-link fences. Since stainless steel is more expensive and durable, it is often used in medical, food, light industrial, and some other high-end products.
3. Strength
Stainless steel pipes are significantly stronger than galvanized pipes. This is because the rust-proof coating on the outer layer of galvanized pipe wears off over time. While stainless steel pipe contains chromium, which helps prevent rust and is stronger.
4. Service Life
Over time, the zinc coating on the surface of galvanized steel pipes wears away until it is consumed. Stainless steel pipe, on the other hand, offers better performance. Its entire components are corrosion resistant, so it can last longer in the same service environment.
5. Price
Although the price of steel in the market is always changing, the price of stainless steel pipe is still much more expensive than that of galvanized pipe. This is because galvanized pipe is easier to weld and form compared to stainless steel pipe. Stainless steel pipe is more expensive to produce and therefore more expensive.
Which Rusts Faster, Galvanized or Stainless Steel Pipe?
Like all pipes, galvanized and stainless steel pipes will inevitably rust after a long period of use. But which one rusts faster?
Generally speaking, stainless steel tubes are more resistant to corrosion. In the manufacture of stainless steel pipe, chromium component is added to make stainless steel pipe more corrosion resistant. As a result, it does not rust easily even in harsh environments. While galvanized steel pipe is only protected by the zinc coating. After a period of use, the coating starts to slowly peel off and the steel pipe will start to rust. Normally, galvanized steel pipe rusts faster than stainless steel pipe under the same user environment.
Which One Is Right for Me?
When choosing a steel pipe, you may encounter a dilemma, which one is more suitable for you? Next, Wanzhi Steel offers some tips for you.
1. Choose According to the Use Environment
When choosing steel, you need to determine the environment in which your project will be used. Usually, galvanized pipes are often used in construction, machinery, coal mining, the chemical industry, etc. And stainless steel pipes are widely used in medical, food, plumbing, and furniture, and kitchenware.
2. Choose According to Your Budget
When you choose a product, it is best to stay within your budget. If you are on a tight budget, then galvanized pipe is a good choice. Although it is not as rust resistant as stainless steel pipe, it is very cost-effective.
3. Consult A Professional
If you don’t know how to choose, a professional can often provide you with better advice. Wanzhi Steel, for example, has 17 years of industry experience and is qualified to advise you on your project.
Conclusion
Wanzhi Steel is not only a steel pipe manufacturer but also your partner. We are committed to providing you with high quality and affordable steel products. Here, you can buy pipes of different sizes, wall thicknesses, and materials. In addition, you can also customize different shapes of galvanized and stainless steel pipes, such as round, square and rectangular pipes. Wanzhi Steel is at your service 24/7. Also, we are happy to find the right product for you. Please feel free to contact us.
