Steel is a strong alloy made of iron and carbon. This steel isn’t very robust and durable. But, the quality of steel is determined on the basis of the carbon content in it. Though carbon is the main alloying material with iron in steel, some other metals like tungsten, chromium, manganese, etc. are also used depending on the purpose of use. The regular steel undergoes various processes to form comparatively more rigid alloys.
Steel has a negative tendency of corroding or rusting. Various measures like coating, mixing, and treating with various chemicals and elements are taken to prevent it from corrosion. Stainless steel and galvanized steel are two examples of steel which are capable of fighting corrosion efficiently. Although galvanized and stainless steel look almost the same, they are different in several terms. Take a look at the following comparison to know more about these steel types.
| Galvanized Steel | Stainless Steel | |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Galvanized steel is manufactured by dipping steel in molten zinc to prevent corrosion. This process of coating steel is commercially known as galvanizing. | Stainless steel is manufactured by mixing molten steel with 10% molten chromium, along with iron and carbon to prevent corrosion. |
| Durability | Galvanized steel cannot survive for long, as the zinc coating can deplete with even a strong scratch. Also, the salts in salt or hard water, renders the zinc coating to become ineffective. | Stainless steel can survive for a very long period and is not affected by scratches or even tough external impacts. |
| Methodology | Galvanized steel is obtained by two types of galvanizing: electro-galvanizing and hot dipping. Electro-galvanizing is done by immersing the steel in zinc electrolyte solution. Hot dipping takes place by wrapping the steel in hot zinc liquid. | Stainless steel is obtained by the process of mixing carbon steel and chromium in molten forms and the mixture is left to settle in hard shape. Stainless steel forms are then treated to remove impurities and add a protective layer. |
| Cost | Galvanized steel is comparatively inexpensive. | Stainless steel is expensive. |
| Environmental factor | Galvanized steel can be recycled but it again needs to be galvanized with zinc to provide the same performance. | Stainless steel can be recycled several times. |
| Application | Galvanized steel is used in framing and constructing buildings and homes, ornamental fencing, nuts, bolts, nails, washing machines, dishwashers, etc. | Stainless steel is used in buildings, monuments, pipelines, automobile, machinery, tools, kitchen utensils, etc. because it never corrodes or rusts. |
Galvanized steel can be fabricated and manipulated like normal steel, which makes it a far more cost-effective option. Stainless steel is harder to manipulate, and only a professional craftsperson who specializes in stainless steel fabrication can work with it. The cost of stainless steel fabrication is 50 percent more than galvanized steel fabrication. To learn more about the types of steel, their properties, and application, get in touch with our Alberta-based steel fabricators.
