On Ornamental Tubing - Balustrade Tubing and beyond
Ornamental Tubing is Tube utilised for decorative purposes as well as its functional capabilities. Whether it be a stair handrail, oven door or fridge handle, or piece of exercise equipment, chances are you have already interacted with a piece of Ornamental Tube today.
Ornamental Tube can be made of different materials, but Stainless steel provides various benefits that may lack in other alloys or non-metal materials.
Keep reading for a summary of the different types of Stainless steel Ornamental Tubing, including shapes and finishes, as well as benefits and industry uses.
Different types of Ornamental Tubing
Stainless steel Ornamental Tubing comes in different Grades, shapes and finishes; this depending on its environment, use, and aesthetic desirability. Our experienced staff at Stirlings are here to help you with customised options to get your perfect fit!
Grades
The primary determining factor for which Grade to use will be the need for additional corrosion resistance.
For decorative applications in less corrosive environments, Grade 304/304L Ornamental Tubing offers excellent corrosion resistance for light-to-moderate uses at a lower price point. Such environments include:
automotive trim;
residential kitchen equipment;
and appliances.
To use Stainless steel Ornamental Tubing in more corrosive environments, Grade 316/316L is ideal. Such environments include:
food processing;
breweries;
paper and pulp processing;
oil and gas processing;
medical and pharmaceutical settings;
chemical processing;
coastal, moderately saline evironments;
and maritime applications.
Shapes
Stainless steel Ornamental Tubing is generally available in round, square, or rectangular shapes, allowing you to match both the visual style and the intended function of the final product. Tube can also be produced in customised shapes to suit specific balustrading applications.
Square Tube is great for use in columns, fencing, entry gates, railing and decorative dividers.
Rectangle Tube serves well as a load-bearing surface for ladders or as a storage or shelving component.
Round Tube provides a comfortable and reliable grip for elements such as grab bars or handles.
Oval Tube is perfect for handrails and balustrades in conjunction with structural glass and brickwork. Commonly used as decorative metal tubing for architectural and marine purposes.
Finishes
The ideal finish will depend on your application, but the most common finishes include:
Mill Finish
Mill finish (Number 1) generally presents as a dull, gray colour, with a rough surface finish Most applications will require further processing from a mill finish.
A cold rolled finish, commonly called 2B, is a significant improvement but may possess scratches and heterogeneity in lustre/reflection.
180 Grit
Smoother than mill finishes without the bright, mirror-like finish of higher grits. These finishes are typically used when an item will see frequent use as it provides an optimal balance of visual appeal, corrosion resistance, and easy cleaning.
600 Grit (Mirror Finish)
Provides an ultra-smooth surface with a bright finish and clear reflections similar to chrome or a mirror. This will require more delicate upkeep to avoid fingerprints and smudges.
320 Grit and 400 Grit polishes are the next step up, and arguable the most commonly available and used, which in terms of appearance offer a surface look between those of 180 and 600 Grit.
Benefits of Stainless steel Ornamental Tubing
The benefits of using Stainless steel for your Ornamental Tubing are numerous! Rust, corrosion, degradation and weakness can be easily avoided with the right choice of Stainless.
Corrosion Resistance
Stainless steel’s passive layer means you don’t have to worry about corrosion and degradation in many moist or acidic environments. Grade 316/316L in particular offers excellent corrosion resistance where other alloys are susceptible to degradation.
Easy maintenance
The passive layer and smooth finish of Stainless allows easy maintenance and cleanup. In most cases, the only supplies for cleaning are needed are warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth.
In more stubborn cases, Stainless also works with a wide range of cleaners and polishes, keeping it looking fantastic no matter what finish you choose.
Durability
Stainless is strong and long-lasting, regardless of shape, length and size.
Customisation
The different Grades, shapes and polishes offer near endless customisation options for your project. Our friendly team can advise on what will work best for your use and environment, and the rest is up to you!
Affordability
Stainless steel’s excellent durability means it doesn’t require constant maintenance and/or replacement. Hence, choosing the right Stainless steel for your environment will ensure many years of use for a single investment.
Uses
Ornamental Tubing has a great range of uses in various industries, examples of which include:
handrails for various environments;
boat rails and ladders;
bathroom racks and grab bars;
swimming pool rails and ladders;
medical equipment;
automotive step bars and grille guards;
food processing applications;
architecture;
ovens, refrigerators, restaurant equipment;
exercise equipment;
furniture;
artwork;
and more!
When designing or specifying Stainless steel tube for applications in coastal areas, great care is required in choosing not only grade, but design geometries, surface finish, post installation treatment and cleaning regimes to optimise durability. Stirlings can offer qualified technical advice for your project.
Get in contact if you think that Ornamental Tubing will be beneficial for your project (we are sure it will be!)
A rhyme for your time
Have we sparked your interest in Ornamental Tubing? It’s straight to Stirlings that you better get moving!
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