Stainless steel has a shiny finish, and it’s available in various grades. Stainless steel grades are based on the alloy’s chromium concentration, where the steel’s finish is reflective like glass.
Even untrained eyes can differentiate between Stainless Steel pipes and Carbon Steel pipes. The carbon steel is flat and has a matte finish. It resembles cast iron pans and pots or has a similar look to corrugated iron fences. On the other hand, 304 stainless steel tubes are used in several fields, such as food processing.
The 304 stainless steel tubes are used in food processing machinery and equipment, refrigerators, chemical containers, and brewing operations. Its best use is to manufacture structures in the environment and for petroleum gas and vapor storage in pressure tanks.
Carbon steel is used in paper, basic chemical metalworking, and the petrochemical industry. It is used in wall framing, soldering, and concrete work. This type of steel offers load-bearing qualities.
Stainless Steel Pipe vs. Carbon Steel Pipe:
Corrosion resistance:
Anti-corrosion property is the most noticeable and essential distinction between Stainless steel and Carbon Steel. As the names suggest, stainless steel is more corrosion-resistant than carbon steel.
Stainless steel and Carbon Steel have iron as the principal component in them. Iron oxidizes when exposed to air and leads to rust and corrosion. Stainless Steel has anti-corrosion properties and is more resistant because Stainless Steel has chromium added to it.
Chromium is easily attached to oxygen as compared to iron. Stainless Steel’s chromium binds to oxygen and forms chromium oxide. Chromium oxide coating acts as a protector, and the remaining material gets saved from corrosion and deterioration.
Mechanical Characteristics
Both Stainless steel and Carbon steel are available in different grades and diverse types; it’s not possible to broad assertions in difference in the mechanical characteristics of Stainless steel and Carbon Steels.
Stainless steel, which has more nickel, is more flexible than carbon steel.
There is stainless steel variety that is brittle in nature, and these are of martensitic grades.
It is alloying components with low quantities of carbon that do not meet the need for tensile strengths of high-grade stainless steel.
There is carbon steel with enough carbon and is heat-treated easily compared to austenitic stainless steel.
Presentation and Aesthetic appeal:
The project’s requirement also determines the use of 304 stainless steel tubes. If the project needs an aesthetic look and appeal, then the metal look is considered.
Stainless steel that undergoes specific treatments is often selected.
Carbon Steel is also used. Both have to be sanded and often polished to get their lustrous appearance and brilliant look and used for aesthetic appeal.
But remember, carbon steel will require an additional clear coat of paint after its polishing is done. It is necessary; else, carbon steel will become discolored, and eventually, it will rust.
Painted carbon steel will have to be repainted if scratched. Stainless steel is preferable because it can retain a shine even if it is scratched. Else there is a chance of it getting corrode and rust.
Budget:
A crucial factor that is necessary to consider before deciding between stainless steel or carbon steel is Price/ Budget.
The prices vary by grade. But it is self-evident that Stainless steel is more expensive than carbon steel. It’s costly because of adding a range of different alloying metals such as nickel, chromium, and manganese to make stainless steel.
Different constituents add up to high cost than carbon steel. However, stainless steel is far more-sturdy and durable with aesthetic appeal.
Carbon Steel is made up of inexpensive carbon and iron components. The carbon components of high grade are durable and practical to use. So, if you have a limited budget for the project you are working on, then Carbon Steel is also an ideal option.
304 stainless steel tubes are widely used extensively in welding, grinding, polishing, forming, and machining applications. As they are durable mill finish and have an interior welded seam, the pipes are used for projects that have exposure to acidic elements, chemicals, fresh water, and saltwater environments,
