There are significant differences between stainless steel and galvanized materials in multiple aspects.
1. Chemical composition: Galvanized sheet is obtained from galvanized steel plate, while stainless steel is alloy steel, which contains at least 10.5% chromium element.
2. Corrosion resistance: The surface of galvanized sheet is coated with a layer of zinc, but when the zinc layer is worn or corroded, the steel is still prone to rusting. Stainless steel has high corrosion resistance because it contains chromium, which can form an oxide film.
3. Color and Appearance: Galvanized steel sheets usually appear in gray or silver, while stainless steel can present different colors and appearances, including bright, matte, and color coatings.
4. Hardness and strength: Stainless steel is usually stronger and harder than galvanized sheet, and also more difficult to process and shape. Galvanized sheet is easier to process and form than stainless steel, but its strength is relatively low.
5. Price: Generally speaking, stainless steel is more expensive than galvanized sheet because its manufacturing process is more complex and its corrosion resistance, strength, and other properties are better.
6. Application scenario: Due to its excellent corrosion resistance and strength, stainless steel is commonly used to produce high-quality products, such as medical equipment, food processing equipment, etc. Galvanized sheet, on the other hand, is commonly used in fields such as construction, automotive, and household appliances because its relatively low cost and good corrosion resistance are sufficient to meet the needs of these fields.
7. Rust prevention principle: The galvanized sheet itself is not rust proof and relies on the galvanized layer to form the primary battery. The sheet metal is the cathode, and the galvanized layer is the anode. The galvanized layer, as the anode, is preferentially corroded to protect the plate as the cathode from corrosion. Stainless steel, on the other hand, relies on its high content of Cr element, which can form a dense passivation film on the surface to isolate oxygen and moisture and prevent corrosion of the plate itself.
Overall, there are significant differences between stainless steel and galvanized materials in terms of chemical composition, corrosion resistance, appearance, hardness and strength, price, application scenarios, and rust prevention principles. In practical applications, it is necessary to choose appropriate materials based on specific needs and usage environments.