Is Stainless Steel a Good Option for Pipe?
Stainless steel is an ideal choice for pipe, as it has high strength, easy workability and excellent corrosion resistance, the latter being especially important for liquid and gas carrying applications, where cleanliness is important.
The ease of fabrication is another reason why stainless steel is widely used in industry, as it is easily welded, machined and formed. This enables the cost-effective manufacture of all manner of parts from ductwork to high pressure piping.
Alternatives to Stainless Steel Pipe
Galvanized or Painted Steel
If corrosion resistance and cost effectiveness are key, starting with mild steel material and using a coating process such as galvanizing, plating or painting might be an option. This can achieve a lower upfront cost.
The downside is that these coatings are not typically resistant to wear, meaning liquids containing particulates can end up wearing through the coating, enabling the material to corrode.