Stainless steel
From MaterialProject.org, the free architectural material catalog
Contents |
Material analysis
MasterFormat Number: 09 00 00
Traditional uses
- Traditionally considered a structural building material.
- New alloys of steel, particularly stainless, are emerging as important decorative components.
Emerging uses / trends
- Stainless steel in commercial kitchen applications has translated into a design boom in the residential market.
- Stainless steel is used in furniture design, counter and tabletop surfaces, tile, and flooring materials.
Finish and aesthetic qualities
- New finishes are reducing fingerprint issues on stainless steel.
- The National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers maintains the standard designations of stainless steel finishes.
- Finishes can range from rough dull surfaces to satin, matte, patterned, brushed, or highly reflective surfaces.
- Finishes are often categorized as rolled, polished or etched.
- The more highly polished the surface, the more expensive the material is.
Surface forms / shapes
- For interior specifications, using standard forms can save considerable expense in fabrication.
- Standard forms include sheet, plate, strips, flat bars, angles, channels, tees, squares, rounds, hexagons and octagons.
Cost analysis
- Price / SqFt: $2,500-$5,000 per ton for 304/316 rolled plate
Material properties
Material performance
- Galvanic corrosion can result when different metals interact, like when aluminum screws are used on a sheet of stainless steel.
- Check with fabricator for potential issues of finishing welded ares.
Acoustic property
- Highly reflective and not recommended for sound deadening purposes.
Manufacturing process and assembly
- Steel is the result of a process involving an electric arc furnace and the melting of recycled stainless scrap and various alloys.
- The molten material is further refined before being cast.
- The material is either hot rolled or forged into its final form.
- Some material receives cold rolling to further reduce thickness in the sheets, rods, or wires.
- Most stainless receives a final annealing (heat treatment) and an acid wash before receiving a finish.
- Contact your metal fabricator for best choice of attaching stainless or other steels.
Environment and Life Safety
Environmental impact
Steel is recyclable and presents no potential hazardous conditions.
Flammability rating
- Noncombustible and not explosive
References
Student contributions
- Tricia Girard, Fall 2005
- Amanda J Davidson, Spring 2008
See also
Similar materials
Building references
- Ironworkers Training Facility in Long Island City, New York by Daniel Goldner Architects, 2005
- Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angels by Frank Gehry, 2003
External links
Leading manufacturers
