Stainless steel pipe purchase guide: corrosion resistance, high strength, the preferred material for industry and home decoration

1. Advantages of stainless steel pipes

Strong corrosion resistance: 304, 316 and other stainless steel materials can effectively resist acid, alkali, salt spray and oxidation, suitable for humid or corrosive environments.

High strength & durable: more pressure and impact resistance than ordinary steel pipes, long service life, and reduced replacement frequency.

Sanitary and safe: no harmful substances are precipitated, in line with food grade standards, suitable for drinking water, medical and food industries.

Beautiful and easy to maintain: smooth surface, not easy to rust, easy to clean, suitable for modern home decoration and high-end projects.

2. Comparison of common materials of stainless steel pipes

Material Characteristics Applicable scenarios

201 stainless steel Low cost, general corrosion resistance Ordinary decoration, furniture, low-requirement structural parts

304 stainless steel General type, good corrosion resistance Home water pipes, food equipment, building guardrails

316 stainless steel Contains molybdenum, resistant to acid, alkali and seawater corrosion Chemical, marine engineering, medical equipment

430 stainless steel Magnetic, resistant to oxidation but weak corrosion resistance Home appliances, decorative pipes, general use

3. Key factors for purchase

Use: Choose 304 for home decoration (water pipes, handrails), and 316 for industry (chemical, marine).

Wall thickness: Choose thick wall pipes for high load-bearing requirements (such as structural support), and standard thickness for general use.

Surface treatment: brushed, mirror, sandblasting, etc., choose according to aesthetic and anti-fouling requirements.

Certification standards: Check whether it meets GB (national standard), ASTM (American standard) and other certifications to ensure reliable quality.

4. Application scenarios of stainless steel pipes

Industrial field: petrochemical pipelines, mechanical equipment structural parts, shipbuilding.

Home decoration field: drinking water pipes, stair handrails, cabinet brackets, bathroom accessories.

Other uses: medical equipment, food processing equipment, automobile exhaust pipes, etc.

5. How to identify high-quality stainless steel pipes?

Look at the logo: Regular products will be marked with materials (such as 304, 316).

Measure magnetism: 304/316 is weakly magnetic or non-magnetic, and inferior high manganese steel is more magnetic.

Check the surface: high-quality pipes are smooth, crack-free, burr-free, and the welds are uniform.

Salt spray test (optional): Pipes with strong corrosion resistance are not easy to rust in salt spray environments.

6. Maintenance and care recommendations

Wipe regularly with a neutral detergent to avoid strong acid and alkali corrosion.

It is recommended to choose 316 stainless steel in coastal areas to prevent salt spray corrosion.

Avoid contact with carbon steel during installation to prevent electrochemical corrosion.