Stainless Steel is a clean, maintenance-free, contemporary material used for many products, across many industries as well as domestic kitchens, but were you aware that it comes in more than 60 grades?
The two grades most regularly used in products that need to be shaped are Grade 304, ideal for a domestic kitchen sink and Grade 316, the same but as it contains an addition of molybdenum it gives it improved corrosion resistance. Stainless Hub has recently introduced a range of Lab Sinks that are made from 316-grade stainless steel so you can be reassured of it suitability in a laboratory situation.
Stainless steel is the generic name for several different alloys of iron used primarily for their corrosion resistance, a key element is that they all have a minimum percentage of 10.5% chromium. Other metallic elements, particularly nickel and molybdenum for extra resistance, may be added but the incorporation of chromium is what makes it stainless steel.
Chromium has a great affinity for oxygen and during the manufacture of the steel a little of the chromium in the alloy forms a passive chromium-rich oxide layer that forms naturally on the surface of the steel. Although extremely thin, only 1 to 5 nanometres, this protective layer is invisible, inert, tightly adhering, and self-renewing. Because it is inert it will not react or influence other materials; its tight adherence means that it clings to the steel and its self-renewing property means that if damaged the protective film reforms immediately.
The new range of four Stainless steel 316-grade sinks at Stainless Hub include both inset and sit-on options and with single or double drainers to suit. We have a variety of different sizes ranging from 1000x500mm to 1500x600mm and lots in between, with prices from £531 inc vat. We have also introduced an inset bowl range in 8 different sizes from 229x356x180mm up to 610x457x305mm with prices from £182. To complement these stainless steel sinks and bowls we are now offering 4 different lab taps with prices starting from just £78 inc vat. Check out our new range of Laboratory products here.
