Galvanized Steel vs Stainless Steel: What is The Difference?

In construction projects, galvanized steel offers several advantages over stainless steel. Cost-wise, galvanized steel is much less expensive than stainless steel, and is arguably the best choice for those clients who are on a budget but still need a durable material for their projects. Additionally, due to its malleability, galvanized steel can be easily formed, making it ideal for creating custom pieces or intricate designs.

However, galvanized steel does have some disadvantages compared to stainless steel: it cannot withstand extreme temperatures like stainless steel, so if you plan to use the steel material near high temperatures, you should give preference to stainless steel. Also, galvanized steel can corrode over time if exposed to certain elements like salt water or humidity, so you may want to opt for stainless steel if your project is exposed to these conditions.

Although stainless steel has more advantages and advantages than galvanized steel, it is more expensive. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel makes it ideal for projects near water sources or in humid climates. Plus, since stainless steel doesn’t corrode over time as easily as galvanized iron, you don’t have to worry about having to replace parts as often, further saving on cost and labor.

Based on the above, should you choose stainless steel or galvanized steel as the first choice for the project? A lot depends on what kind of environment your project will face and how much you are willing (or able) to spend on materials. If you have a project that needs to use stainless steel or galvanized steel, you are welcome to contact us. As a stainless steel supplier and galvanized steel manufacturer, we will provide you with project steel solutions for free.

Resistance is a consideration for any building and structure. Stainless steel has unique mechanical properties compared to carbon steel used for galvanized building components. Stainless steel has a higher yield point than most carbon steels. It resists deformation better than other steels.

Galvanized steel is obtained by two galvanizing methods: hot-dip galvanizing and electro-galvanizing. Electrogalvanizing is done by dipping iron into a zinc electrolyte. Hot-dip galvanizing is performed by coating the steel with a hot zinc bath. While stainless steel is obtained by mixing carbon steel and chromium in a liquid structure, and the mixture forms a hard shape, the stainless steel structure is then treated to remove impurities and include a protective layer.

Galvanized steel is covered with a layer of zinc to prevent the steel from rusting. Stainless steel consists of chromium, which prevents rust.

Galvanized steel is ordinary steel covered with a layer of zinc to prevent rust, while stainless steel is a composite of iron with 10% or more chromium and different components.

Galvanized steel can be fabricated and controlled like carbon steel, making it a more cost-effective alternative. Stainless steel is more difficult to control, and only professional craftsmen who spend a lot of time in stainless steel fabrication can use it. Stainless steel is 50% more expensive to manufacture than galvanized steel.

Stainless steel is used to describe iron mixed with at least 10% chromium. Chromium is added as an alloy to prevent rust and corrosion. While galvanized steel is not technically rust-resistant, stainless steel does have a higher ability to resist rust than 100% steel. This is why stainless steel is often used in wet open air environments, as the chrome tries to ensure that the metal does not rust and corrode.

Stainless steel is used in tools, buildings, monuments, kitchen utensils, plumbing, automobiles, machinery and more because it never corrodes or rusts. Galvanized steel is used in buildings and homes, framing and construction, decorative fencing, nuts, nails, washers, bolts, dishwashers, and more.

Metal in China® (XINTUOYUAN) is a China galvanized steel sheet manufacturer with rich experience and advanced galvanized production lines. Over the years, advancements in galvanizing technology improved the efficiency and quality of the galvanizing process. Innovations in zinc metallurgy and coating techniques allowed for better control of the coating thickness and quality, making galvanized steel more reliable and cost-effective.

The tensile strength of stainless steel alloys typically starts at around 515 megapascals (MPa) and can go as high as 1300 megapascals (MPa) in some cases. Structural steel has a tensile strength of 400 megapascals (MPa), while carbon steel has a tensile strength of 841 megapascals (MPa).
Both are commonly used in the production of galvanized steel. Since galvanizing does not affect the tensile strength of the underlying metal, you can reasonably expect galvanized steel made from various steel grades to have comparable tensile strength compared to the original steel.

Deciding which material (galvanized iron or stainless steel) is right for your next project depends largely on what kind of environment your project will face and how much you are willing (or able) to spend on the material. Both materials have unique benefits that make them suitable for different types of projects, but knowing exactly how they differ will help you decide which material is best for your needs! So whether you’re looking for something affordable but durable, or something more expensive but highly resistant to corrosion and temperature changes, knowing the difference between galvanized iron and stainless steel can help ensure you’re getting what you’re looking for!

You can learn more about our galvanized materials and hot-dip galvanizing services on our website, and contact us using this link: www.metal-in-china.com/contact-us.

Metal in China(HUA ZHU) Co., Ltd., established in 1999, is a leading manufacturer and supplier dedicated to carbon steel,  galvanized steel and stainless steel materials and products. We provide many overall metal solutions for customers from all walks of life at home and abroad, such as military equipment suppliers, design agencies, construction contractors, metal product distributors, elevator manufacturers, and home appliance manufacturers.