Member of Morris Group International
Not All Stainless Steel Is Created Equal—Why What You Buy Matters!
City of Industry, Calif. — April 28, 2020
When you browse our website, you will notice that we make many of our products from stainless steel. Our engineers and designers chose this multipurpose metal because of its unique benefits over other materials.
There are many grades of stainless steel, but all stainless steel is divided into four classes, which are identified by their alloying elements. The type of stainless steel we use most often in our products is the 300 series austenitic. To be more specific, we typically use 18 gauge, type 304 stainless steel for the bowl and 12 gauge, heavy-duty stainless steel for the pedestal.
The 300 series alloys provide increased corrosion resistance, maintain strength at high temperatures, and are easy to maintain. The austenitic stainless steels are also considered to be the most weldable of the high-alloy steels. They can be welded by all fusion- and resistance-welding processes—methods which create sound joints and smooth seams.
Yes, there is a higher initial cost with these types or gauges of stainless steel that we use compared to the stainless steel and other materials many of our competitors use. However, due to its durability, products made from heavy-duty grades are the best value because you have an almost maintenance-free product with a long life expectancy.
What Makes Stainless Steel So Unique?
First, let’s clear up something right away. The word “stainless” in stainless steel can be misleading. Stainless steel is better described as being corrosion resistant. What makes it corrosion resistant is the high percentage of chromium present. When a “stain” is properly cleaned and dried, that layer of chromium oxide will reform on its own in a few days. It’s like the Wolverine of metals!
What Are the Benefits of Stainless Steel?
- Corrosion Resistance: We already mentioned this (several times), but that’s because it’s a very significant benefit. It is especially so when you are purchasing products that come into regular contact with water (plumbing products) and other elements such as rain, heat, and freezing temps (bicycle lockers, bottle fillers, and drinking fountains).
- Hygiene: We consider this a high-stakes benefit, especially when it comes to restroom fixtures and accessories and water coolers/bottle fillers. The fact that it is so easy to clean is why hospitals and kitchens insist on stainless steel.
- Durability: Stainless steel is virtually indestructible and has a significant strength-to-weight advantage, making our products highly desirable when customers are looking for vandal-resistant options. There is a reason why stainless steel plumbing fixtures are popular in the correctional industry and schools.
- Aesthetic Appearance: This metal is attractive on its own, whether it’s polished to a high shine or has a satin finish. But if that’s not your thing, we can customize most any Murdock product with personalized colors, logos, and graphics!
- Ecologically Responsible: We use 80 percent recycled stainless steel, which can be reclaimed after use and recycled again.
It’s no exaggeration when we say we are experts at fabricating stainless steel. We also have a Spirit of Innovation that makes us eager to take on custom work. If you don’t see what you need in our standard product line, we will happily meet with you to determine your needs and design a product that will meet those requirements!