Stainless steel tubes: a sustainable, low-maintenance alternative to carbon steel tubes
Long-lasting and durable, stainless steel tubes offer superior toughness compared with mild steel tubes
The austenitic stainless steel grades we use to form our custom-shaped tubes absorb considerable impact without fracturing due to excellent ductility and strain-hardening characteristics. They are more resistant to impact damage than other materials, including carbon steels. Stainless steels are proven to be less prone to the scratches and vandalism seen with coated mild steel alternatives. This means fewer repairs and replacements are required over time, making stainless steel tubing a far more cost-effective choice than mild steel tubing.
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Timeless Tube’s stainless steel metal architecture is frequently used when robustness and safety are paramount, such as yacht railings in a corrosive marine environment.
Stainless steel and sustainability: a significant Life Cycle Cost advantage
Stainless steels’ durability means that it rarely needs replacing, which is why clients often regard our tubes as a ‘fit and forget’ product. The impressive longevity of our polished or grained stainless steel tubes helps clients to reduce their overall carbon footprint – unlike mild steel tubes, they won’t need regularly replacing or recoating.
Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, ensuring that there will never be wastage in end-of-life situations.
At Timeless Tube we share our clients’ concerns about the overexploitation of natural resources, which is why we are committed to sourcing stainless steel material that contains a high-rate of recycled stainless steel.
How to clean your stainless steel tubes: the dos and don’ts
Unlike coated mild steels, stainless steels do not have a protective layer that scratches or chips easily. However, it is possible to damage its finish or the material if you clean it incorrectly.
Stainless steel tubes can be cleaned easily and effectively; a smooth surface finish will help keep the tubes free from microbes, bacteria and general dirt build-ups.
Architectural stainless steel such as handrails and grab handles are easy to clean with soap or mild detergent and warm water followed by a clear water rinse. Stainless steel used within a marine environment, or 5 miles of the coast, will benefit from a weekly clean with fresh-water.
Never clean stainless steel with non-stainless steel brushes or chloride-based chemical cleaners such as bleaches or hydrochloric acid-based solutions; these can permanently damage the finish and the metal.
Please consult the British Stainless Steel Association’s helpful guide to cleaning stainless steel for more detailed information, such as how to safely remove graffiti or paint.
Stainless steel tubes are used extensively as a hygienic material for medical and pharmaceutical equipment, and in the food and beverage industry.
