What is better, galvanized steel or stainless steel? Customers often ask this question. Is one more expensive than the other? When it comes to weather resistance, which is better? As a matter of fact, neither kind of steel is always the best choice for every situation. The following are some basic facts about galvanized steel and stainless steel that will help you make the best choice.

Galvanized steel and stainless steel look similar, so they are often mistaken for one another. The two types of steel, however, differ greatly in terms of strength, weight, and composition. You need to be able to distinguish between each type of steel in order to find the appropriate application for it.

What Is Galvanized Steel?

It is coated with a thin layer of zinc to make it galvanized iron. Rust is prevented from forming on steel beneath the zinc coating. It prevents corrosion when exposed to the elements, making nuts, bolts, screws, and nails durable. When it comes to water, galvanized steel does well – provided it is not salt water. The fumes produced by galvanized steel can be inhaled by welders working with structural steel. However, they will need to wear protective equipment to prevent having to breathe them. 

What Is Stainless Steel?

In the process of making stainless steel, molten steel is mixed with chromium. As a result of its unusual strength, it is resistant to rusting even when it comes into contact with water, even salt water. Stainless steel welding requires specialized skills. In order to weld stainless steel successfully, welders must exercise much greater control when heating and cooling it. To ensure that the filler materials match the steel being welded, they must take special care different between steel and stainless steel. 

There are different types of stainless steel, so engineers and architects need to keep up with them. It might be used in machine shops to work with austenitic stainless steel. A ferritic stainless steel product is a cheaper product that is used for applications that are easy to replace, such as automobile exhaust pipes. Hardfacing is done with martenistic steel, which has a long wear life. The molecular structure of duplex stainless steel is a combination of austenitic and ferritic stainless steel, but it is hard to work with. Stainless steel that undergoes precipitation-hardening is usually used in aerospace applications, as niobium is added for extra strength. The more complex the alloy, the greater its strength, the higher its price, and the higher its labor costs.

Galvanized steel vs stainless steel is generally more ductile and easier to work than stainless steel. Steel that is stainless is stronger and more corrosion-resistant than steel that is galvanized material.

Difference Between Galvanised and Stainless Steel

1. Preparation

In order to create galvanized steel, ordinary steel is dipped in molten zinc.  Known as hot-dipping, this process involves dipping things in hot water. As another option for creating the coating, electro-dipping is often used, which involves dipping the steel in an electrolyte solution containing zinc and electrolyzing it to form the coating.  

Steel and chromium are melted together and mixed in various ratios to create stainless steel. According to the type of stainless steel being created, the ratio varies. In order to remove any impurities that might remain on the surface of the composite after cooling, the mixture is treated with an acid as it hardens into its solid state.

2. Composition

To prevent corrosion, galvanized steel has a zinc coating applied to its surface, while stainless steel is made with chromium at ten percent or higher in its molten state. In other words, galvanized steel is made up of regular steel covered with zinc, while stainless steel is made up of two separate metals thoroughly mixed together.  

3. Strength

The strength of galvanized steel is significantly lower than that of stainless steel. A galvanized steel surface only contains an outer layer of anti-rust coating that wears away over time. Therefore, galvanized steel does not provide the same level of corrosion protection as stainless steel, which includes chromium as part of its protective mixture.   

4. Price

The cost of galvanized structural steel is almost the same as that of untreated structural steel. The cost of stainless steel is four to five times higher than that of galvanized steel 

5. Uses

Due to its lower price and weaker strength, galvanized steel is generally used for smaller-budget projects. Galvanized steel is extensively used in the construction of pipes and fittings in houses. Aside from manufacturing air-conditioning equipment, chain link fences, and metal roofs, it is also used in the manufacture of domestic air conditioning. The ability of galvanized steel to resist rust, withstand the harsh weather conditions, and be stronger and lighter than most metals makes it a popular material for a wide range of products.   

For big budget projects requiring heavy lifting or thick components, stainless steel is used because it is more expensive and stronger. There are many high-end products that are built with stainless steel, such as skyscrapers, bridges, monuments and sculptures, cars, railways, airplanes, and many others.

There are a number of differences between the two types of steel, and each possesses a number of advantages that make it uniquely suitable for various kinds of projects.

Which Kind of Steel Stands up Better?

Taking a closer look at the characteristics of these two types of steel, you can see that they are very different from one another. Despite the fact that both types of steel are applicable to a wide variety of products, one type is always more suitable than the other.

When it comes to stainless steel, there are some situations when you should steer clear of it. Chlorinated water rapidly degrades this product, despite its ability to withstand salt water. You should also avoid any design that has two stainless steel components that generate friction against each other. It is possible for them to weld themselves together.

There are situations in which galvanized steel may be a great choice, but it may require additional consideration. Welding should usually be done before galvanizing steel. The zinc protective layer at the weld is burned away when steel is welded after being galvanized. In order to protect the joint, galvanized steel may need to be regalvanized after welding.

Building the rocket that will send the Space Force to Mars requires stainless steel. You will also need stainless steel if you are hired to build an ocean-going submarine. You’ll find that galvanized steel is the most economical option for most down-to-earth uses of steel on land, both in terms of material and labor costs as well as life cycle of the project.