Galvanized Steel VS Stainless Steel

Which is better, galvanized steel or stainless steel? Which is stronger? Here let’s review the differences between galvanized and stainless steel, such as the cost, uses, strength, corrosion resistance, etc.

Galvanized Steel VS Stainless Steel

What Is Galvanized Steel?

Galvanized steel refers to steel that is coated with a layer of zinc on the surface to prevent the base metal from corrosion and prolong its service life. There are two main galvanizing methods, that is, electro (cold) galvanizing and hot dip galvanizing. Cold galvanizing is putting the base metal into the zinc solution after degreasing and pickling. Then a layer of zinc is deposited on the base metal through electrolysis equipment. Hot-dip galvanizing is to immerse the base metal into the molten zinc at about 500 °C so that the surface of the steel will be applied with a zinc layer.

Hot Dip Galvanizing Process

In essence, the galvanized sheet is coated with zinc on the surface of the steel. The galvanized steel structure is as follows:

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.

Difference Between Galvanized and Stainless Steel

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.
• The cost of galvanized steel is relatively low because it mainly improves corrosion resistance through surface treatment technology without changing the internal structure of the steel. The manufacturing process is relatively simple.
• 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. However, there are still differences in their application areas.

Stainless steel applications

• Mainly used in curtain walls, side walls, roofs, elevator decorative panels, etc. in the construction field.
• Also used in food processing, catering, brewing, chemical industry and other fields with high hygiene requirements.
• In addition, stainless steel is also widely used in handicrafts, woven wire mesh, highway guardrails, product packaging and other fields.

Galvanized steel applications

• Mainly used in construction, light industry, automobiles, agriculture, animal husbandry and commerce and other fields.
• For example, used in building roof panels, roof grilles, etc.; kitchen utensils, etc.; material storage and transportation, packaging tools, etc.
• Hot-dip galvanized steel is also used in manufacturing industries such as machinery, coal mining, and electricity.

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.

Stainless Steel	Galvanized Steel
Superior rust-resistant	Excellent rust-resistant
Superior durability	Cost-effective choice
Attractive appearance	Easy to work with
Exceptionally strong	Suitable for minor projects
Expensive	Not suitable for salt water uses

Which Is Better, Galvanized or Stainless Steel?

Both galvanized and stainless steel are widely used. But the one suitable for your project is better. Generally, galvanized steel is more economical, while stainless steel is more durable, stronger, and more corrosion-resistant than galvanized steel. You need to choose the material according to the use purposes, use environment, and your budget.

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