In many industries, stainless steel is always a material that is favored and chosen by many customers. The two types of stainless steel commonly used are Sanitary and Industrial Stainless Steel. Although they are both derived from stainless steel, they have different characteristics and applications. This article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of these two types of stainless steel, helping you make informed decisions for your specific project.
Sanitary and Industrial Stainless Steel: Conceptions
What is Sanitary Stainless Steel?
Sanitary Stainless Steel is a type of stainless steel specially designed with a smooth, highly polished surface (greater than or equal to 180 Grid) both inside and outside. This helps the sanitary stainless steel have a flawless, scratch-free surface, limiting the adhesion and accumulation of impurities during the production process, avoiding bacterial and mold contamination, sterilization and easy cleaning.
Sanitary stainless steel is often used in industries that require high cleanliness such as food processing, beverage, pharmaceutical – cosmetic, biotechnology, etc. This type of stainless steel often complies with food safety and hygiene standards, ensuring that it does not affect product quality. With good corrosion resistance and high stability, sanitary stainless steel will be the ideal choice for applications that require strict safety and hygiene.
Sanitary stainless steel products are usually made from SUS 304, 316, 304L and 316L. Some popular stainless steel products include:
- Stainless steel tubes
- Stainless steel valves
- Stainless steel elbows
- Stainless steel crosses
- Other types of stainless steel accessories such as: stainless steel pipe clamps, tee reducers, reducers,…
What is Industrial Stainless Steel?
Industrial stainless steel is the general name for stainless steel products widely used in various industries and manufacturing fields such as construction, mechanics, machinery and equipment manufacturing.
Unlike sanitary stainless steel, industrial stainless steel may not require such a high level of cleanliness, so the surface may not be completely smooth. This type of stainless steel is suitable for applications that require strength and durability in harsh environments, such as in factories, workshops or construction works. Industrial stainless steel brings economic efficiency and long-term durability under different conditions of use.
Industrial stainless steel products are usually made from 201, 304, 316 and 430 stainless steel with high pressure resistance and corrosion resistance. Some popular industrial stainless steel products such as:
- Industrial stainless steel pipes
- Industrial stainless steel sheets
- Industrial stainless steel bars
- Some other industrial stainless steel accessories: Industrial stainless steel elbows, stainless steel welding materials,…
Sanitary and Industrial Stainless Steel: Distinction
| Criterias | Sanitary Stainless Steel | Industrial Stainless Steel |
| Materials | Primarily SUS 304L và 316L | SUS 201, 304, 316, 430 |
| Surfaces | High polished:
|
Not necessarily polished, common surface types:
|
| Aesthetics | No high aesthetic requirements, hygiene is the main thing. | Thanks to the variety of surfaces used in different industries, the aesthetics are also higher. |
| Thickness | Typical thickness is from 1.0 – 3.2 mm, and within the allowable error range of +/-10% |
|
| Durability | Good enough to meet the requirements of the food, pharmaceutical,… industries. | Better than sanitary stainless steel thanks to its higher thickness and ability to withstand heavy loads. |
| Working pressure | Lower than industrial stainless steel, and depends on the steel grade. | Higher than sanitary stainless steel due to greater thickness, depending on the steel grade. |
| Antibacterial ability | Excellent, thanks to the smooth surface, it prevents bacteria adhesion better than industrial stainless steel. | Good, but not as good as sanitary stainless steel. |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent, better than industrial stainless steel, especially in acidic, alkaline and even salty environments. | Good, but can corrode in harsh environments. |
| Machinability | More difficult to process than industrial stainless steel. | Easier to process than stainless steel, can be manufactured in a variety of designs and products. |
| Standards | Common standard: SMS, 3A, DIN. | Common standard: ASTM, JIS, ISO. |
| Applications | Food, pharmaceutical, medical, biotechnology, semiconductor industries,… | Construction, mechanical, chemical, heavy industry,… |
| Price | Has a higher price than industrial stainless steel because of the strict production process and high requirements. | Cheaper price, not too strict about production process. |
Above is a comparison table between sanitary and industrial stainless steel based on commonly considered criteria. So which type of stainless steel is suitable? The answer depends largely on your intended use. Each type of stainless steel has its own advantages and limitations, suitable for different environments and working conditions.
- Sanitary stainless steel will be suitable for industries that directly contact food, pharmaceuticals – cosmetics, industries that require high cleanliness, sterilization, shiny surface, easy to clean, ensuring safety and product quality. In addition, each industry will require different standards, depending on the requirements to be able to choose the appropriate type of stainless steel material.
- Industrial stainless steel has the strength to be applied in heavy industries, withstand high pressure and load, industries that require high durability. In addition, industrial stainless steel with a variety of decorative designs, high aesthetics, is also used in interior and exterior decoration. Industrial stainless steel will be the right choice for cases requiring reasonable costs.
Summary
In the above article, Hoa Giang has compiled information to help customers easily distinguish between sanitary and industrial stainless steel. Depending on the needs and standards for each industry, customers can choose the most suitable material. To ensure product quality and meet the strict standards of the food and pharmaceutical industries, choosing a reputable stainless steel supplier is extremely important. With many years of experience and a modern production system, Hoa Giang Stainless Steel is proud to be one of the leading units providing high-quality sanitary stainless steel in Vietnam.
Hoa Giang products are researched and manufactured according to European standards, meeting many international microbiological standards such as DIN, SMS, ISO, BPE,… For each order, we provide full information, product quality certification, CO/CQ,… In addition, with a team of experienced technicians and modern production lines, we are committed to bringing customers the best quality sanitary stainless steel products, meeting all strict standards.
Refer to Hoa Giang’s microbiological stainless steel products HERE.
Or contact us directly for the fastest advice and support!
HOA GIANG CO., LTD
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