Stainless steel.

Why We Prefer The Quality of Stainless Steel.

Many industries require products that are manufactured in stainless steel, unless otherwise requested, our products are produced in grade 1.4301 stainless steel (formerly known as 304). This grade is the most commonly used in the food industry for machinery and fabrications due to it's welding and cleaning properties.

For the pharmaceutical or chemical industries we can also supply products to the most appropriate grade for an application.

Some facts about Stainless Steel.

Stainless steel is a hugely versatile material, available in many grades, the most popular is 1.4301 (formerly 304). 1.4301 has excellent folding and welding properties whilst remaining durable and easy to clean.

Stainless steel is now sourced from many European countries, quality does vary, therefore we have ensured that our suppliers have only reliable sources of traceable quality stainless steel. We trust our suppliers because stainless steel is such a high value product, the cost of which varies with the world nickel market but often represents more than 50% of the cost of the finished article and nobody can afford waste. We try to manufacture products from standard stock sizes, for example when a 2 metre long table is requested, the nearest size is likely to be 1.9 metres to allow for downturns and folds.

* Some grades are magnetic (ferritic) Uses: knife blades, structures.

* Some grades are more difficult to bend, weld and polish

* Rust marks are usually stains from stray mild steel filings, wire wool or corrosive chemicals.

* Finishes can be different, such as bead or sand blast, dull polish or mill finish if in doubt ask.

* Stainless steel is easily repairable.

Why we don't like aluminium.

Most European countries don't like aluminium.

* It is cheap.

* It is corrodes and oxidises very easily.

* It is very soft.

* It does not like harsh working environment.

* It can have sharp edges when it has been scrapped against a harder material.

* It is difficult to repair and requires specialist welding equipment and techniques.