A Guide to Choosing Stainless Steel for Door Handles
Stainless steel can be a practical choice for the material of door handles. However, before you go out and buy a door handle, you should know more about stainless steel and its applications in door handles.
What is Stainless Steel?
Contrary to what many people think, stainless steel is not a single material. Rather it is a generic term that is applied to an entire class of alloy steel materials that are resistant to corrosion and contains at least 10.5% of chromium. All stainless steel materials tend to display a high corrosion resistance. The resistance develops naturally due to the oxide film that forms on the surface of the steel. That film is rich in chromium.
Usage of Stainless Steel in Door Handles
It is now possible to get a variety of door handles made out of stainless steel. These door handles can be of a variety of shapes, sizes and styles. However, while selecting door handles, you should make sure that grade of stainless steel used is of the 316 Marine. This is a premium quality material that has the maximum resistance to the Australian climate which can be rather harsh at times.
Uses of Steel in Architecture
Stainless steel is often used in buildings for aesthetic and practical reasons. During the Art Deco period, stainless steel was the popular material of choice. One of the most famous examples of art deco use of stainless steel is the upper section of the famed Chrysler Building. Even today, you can find a variety of restaurants, fast-food eateries and diners using stainless steel for their fixtures, furniture and ornamental panels.
The durability of stainless steel has allowed the buildings made with keep their original appearance. It is precisely because of this durability that stainless steel is used even today in some buildings. Another reason for its popularity is that it can be easily welded and shaped into aesthetically pleasing structures.
For example, you can find a flagpole made of stainless steel at the Parliament House of Australia which is located in Canberra. What is interesting is that this flagpole weighs 220 tons.
Stainless Steel in Door Handles
Stainless steel can be used to craft some particularly exquisite designs in door handles irrespective of their sizes. It is possible to implement a variety of styles with this material as well, from classic to luxury to modern. You can easily find a perse selection of door handles that also meet the rigorous guidelines as per the Australian Standards.