Galvanized Steel VS Stainless Steel

What Is Stainless Steel?

Stainless steel refers to steel that is resistant to weak corrosive media such as air, steam, water, and chemically corrosive media such as acid, alkali, and salt. Essentially, stainless steel adds metal elements to the steel to change the internal structure. It is high-Alloy Steel with more than 60% iron as the matrix and added metal elements such as chromium, nickel, and molybdenum.

1. Basic Difference

As mentioned, galvanized steel is coated with a zinc layer on the surface to protect the base metal from rusting; while stainless steel is made by adding chromium to molten steel. According to the microstructure after heat treatment, there are different types of stainless steel, including ferritic stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel, austenitic stainless steel, austenitic-ferritic stainless steel, and precipitated carbide stainless steel.

2. Galvanized Steel VS Stainless Steel Corrosion Resistance

Actually, both stainless steel and galvanized steel are resistant to corrosion, especially hot-dip galvanized steel. But in general, stainless steel is often more corrosion-resistant than galvanized steel. Galvanizing is a process of applying a layer of zinc on the surface of steel or iron to prevent rusting. The dense zinc layer acts as a protective barrier to prevent corrosive substances from reaching the underlying iron. However, when the zinc coating is damaged and steel is exposed to the atmosphere, the base metal will be corroded. While stainless steel contains a large amount of chromium, as well as iron, nickel, silicon, aluminum, etc. These elements change the performance of steel and form a dense oxide protective film on the surface of the steel, thereby improving the corrosion resistance of stainless steel.

3. Galvanized Steel VS Stainless Steel Cost

Galvanized steel will be much cheaper than stainless steel. It is because stainless steel is added rare metallic elements and its making process is more complicated. But stainless steel is more durable to use. Stainless steel lasts much longer than galvanized steel.

4. Is Stainless Steel Stronger Than Galvanized Steel?

Yes. Because of the addition of chromium, stainless steel is stronger than galvanized steel for similar thicknesses and forms.

5. Different Uses

Both stainless steel and galvanized steel are suitable for outdoor uses. Galvanized products are mainly used in construction, light industry, automobile, agriculture, animal husbandry, fishery, and other industries. For example, it is used for roofing panels, roof grilles, automobile components, metal cabinets, and other furnishings, etc. Stainless steel is mainly used in food processing, kitchen appliances, the pharmaceutical industry, and chemical industries that require high hygiene conditions, as well as buildings with high aesthetic requirements, such as the railing, elevator hall, etc.

6. Appearance Difference

Stainless steel is silver bright in color. Its surface is shiny and smooth. By comparison, galvanized steel has a duller finish, with spangles. Below is a table showing the advantages and disadvantages of stainless steel and galvanized steel.