Zinc plated vs stainless steel
Understanding the difference between zinc-plated vs stainless steel parts is important when choosing the right materials for cabinet pulls and related hardware. Each of the two steel categories has unique properties that may appeal to different user requirements.
Zinc alloy pulls are cost-efficient and versatile, while stainless steel cabinet pulls provide exceptional strength and long-term corrosion protection.
ProleanTech aims to provide guidance on how zinc-plated and stainless steel pulls, screws, and related parts compare in terms of corrosion resistance, strength, durability, and so on.
Whether you are looking for handy cabinet hardware for kitchen projects or decorative parts for hotel cabinets, this guide provides valuable reviews for specific applications.
Read on for this exciting exploration of the different options and discover the relevance of our CNC machining solutions.
Understanding The Suitability Of Zinc-Plated Hardware
Cabinet hardware can be steel that is electroplated with zinc (zinc-plated) to enhance corrosion resistance and durability. The most common zinc-plated steels are mild steel and low-carbon steel due to their availability, workability, and affordability.
Zinc-plated items are popular options for cabinet hardware for their durability, cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and versatility. Zinc is also safe and capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions.
For such reasons, ProleanTech CNC machines this material a lot for cabinet hardware. We have a huge clientele spread across the country and overseas, not just for our machining capabilities, but also the friendly prices.
We invite you to get in contact with our experts to learn more about our range of zinc-plated cabinet hardware options and their suitability for your requirements.
Benefits Of Zinc Alloy Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet handles are pulled and pushed regularly, so they should be sturdy, durable, and ergonomic. These are common considerations for Sheet Metal Fabrication Services for cabinets.
Zinc-plated cabinet handles are durable, safe, and cost-effective. Consider also things like trendiness and appearance when settling for zinc alloy parts for cabinets.
Here are some benefits of zinc-plated cabinet hardware:
The Compatibility and Versatility Of Zinc-Plated Pulls
Zinc-plated parts are renowned for their versatility and compatibility with different cabinet materials. This material flawlessly complements steel, wood, laminate, and many other cabinet materials.
Zinc alloy handle on wood
Users looking to replace their cabinets without the need to overhaul everything can find this option feasible.
Zinc-Plated Hardware is Corrosion-Resistant
With its corrosion resistance, zinc-plated hardware is good in preventing damage from moisture and humidity. This capability helps maintain the appearance and usability of parts for many years as long as the usage and maintenance conditions allow.
Zinc-plated Metal Oozes Class
For users looking to infuse class in their cabinets, it is worthwhile to use zinc-plated handles. The visual appeal of the furniture and the entire room is transferred through this simple installation.
Classy Zinc alloy cabinet handles
There is so much room in this aspect because custom-machined zinc-plated hardware can elicit conventional and contemporary designs as well.
The Cabinet Hardware is Cost-Efficient
The zinc-plated steel may appear sturdy and classy, but it is amazingly affordable compared to options such as brass and stainless steel. If the users’ intention is to upgrade furniture without incurring a lot of cost, zinc plating steel is a worthwhile move.
Brass cabinet pulls
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Further Considerations For Zinc-Plated Steel Cabinet Handles?
When considering zinc-plated handles for cabinets, there are some concerns to keep in mind. They include:
- Some materials are more premium and suitable for high-end cabinets, for instance, brass.
- Zinc coating is not the best for heavy-duty cabinet use but does well for general applications. The underlying steel may be strong enough, but the coating is often thin. It is primarily applied for corrosion resistance and the resulting durability.
Understanding Stainless Steel For Cabinet Hardware
Many users consider stainless steel as the best material for cabinet pulls, and they are justified. Stainless steel cabinet hardware contains iron, chromium, and other elements. It contains at least 10.5% chromium and has great corrosion resistance and other properties.
A stainless steel cabinet pull.
Stainless steel is therefore any easy choice for cabinet hardware because it has many benefits. At ProleanTech, we are experts at manufacturing stainless steel cabinet pulls that blend modern design with reliable performance.
Read the guide on How to Pick a CNC Manufacturer to discover how we tick the boxes of a reliable CNC manufacturer, including extensive experience and world-class customer experience.
Why Stainless Steel Cabinet Hardware? Durability And More.
Consider these benefits of the material for cabinet hardware:
Maintains Sleekness For Years
Stainless steel cabinet hardware is durable and simple to maintain. It is scratch and tarnish-resistant, and retains its luster for a long time.
Unlike other cheaper options, this material doesn’t degrade easily even under humid conditions. Not even regular use can remove the sparkle and dependability of stainless steel hardware.
Urban users enjoy the low maintenance and sleekness of the material while those in the coastal areas appreciate its corrosion resistance.
A possible downside of stainless steel hardware is that a professional installer is needed to prevent galling.
It Has A Good Level Of Elegance
Stainless steel is popular for its sleek appearance, matching virtually any decor or style. You can get the parts in various finishes, the popular ones being polished, satin, and brushed. Users of these handles can attest that the parts add a touch of class to their cabinets.
Its Cleaning Ease Is Unlike Any Other
Stainless steel handles may be classy, but they are easy to maintain. Users can easily keep the parts clean by wiping them using a damp cloth. A mild detergent is enough to remove dirt.
Cleaning stainless steel cabinet handles is easy.
Since the material is smooth and shiny, the chances of bacteria and mold build-up are almost nil. Therefore, this is the cabinet handle material of choice for many for the bathroom and kitchen.
Stainless Steel Parts Are Relatively Affordable
Anyone building new cabinets or upgrading the old ones will find stainless steel handles very affordable. These handles are more affordable than brass, copper, and several other options. To crown it, the handles last longer than many of these alternatives.
Key Considerations for Stainless Steel Cabinet Handles
Like zinc-plated cabinet handles, stainless steel types can have some challenges. Here are some areas the user may need to relook:
- The price for stainless steel cabinet hardware can be prohibitive
- CNC machining the hard steels can translate to a high tooling cost
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Compare Zinc-Plated vs Stainless Steel: Which Option Is Better?
In the comparison of zinc-plated vs Stainless Steel for cabinet hardware, the main differences add up to affordability, corrosion resistance, and strength, among other elements. Such comparison can also apply when considering sheet metal vs. machined parts.
Depending on what property the user values more, one product may be preferred over the other. If you want to leave that to experts, there are no better CNC machining project handlers than ProleanTech, given the unrivalled experience machining over 100 different materials.
Our Guide to Sheet Metal Fabrication highlights some of the sheet metal processes present in our factory, reiterating our remarkable capabilities.
We recommend consideration of these elements when choosing between zinc-plated steel and stainless steel for cabinet handles and related hardware:
Different types of cabinet handles
The Corrosion Resistance Of Zinc-plated Vs Stainless Steel Hardware
Stainless steel cabinet handles are naturally corrosion resistant because of their chromium content. This element generates a chromium oxide layer that stops rust formation. Not even scratching the surface can cause uncontrolled corrosion because a new protective layer forms.
zinc-plated steel cabinet hardware does not have this natural property. Instead, it acquires it from the zinc electroplating process. The zinc plate is a good barrier against corrosion. However, scratching it immediately renders the steel underneath prone to corrosion.
Rusted cabinet pulls and screws
So if the handles are for marine or other seriously corrosive environments, consider using stainless steel.
The Durability Of The Two Types Of Handles
As discussed above, zinc plating makes the underlying metal corrosion-resistant, albeit for as long as the layer remains undamaged. If the coating wears off over time, which is a possibility based on the usage, the durability of the hardware is seriously hampered.
The durability of stainless steel hardware is more guaranteed because the protective layer keeps on rebuilding itself as it is scratched off. Stainless steel cabinet pulls are therefore better for high-traffic areas.
Stainless steel cabinet pulls for commercial use
The Cost of Zinc-Plated And Stainless Steel
Given that the underlying steel is usually low-cost, zinc-plated steel parts are generally more cost-effective than stainless steel. If the priority for cabinet hardware is corrosion resistance and the usage traffic is minimal, zinc-plated parts are worthwhile.
While stainless steel hardware is more expensive, its durability is not debatable. This means its maintenance requirements over time are notably less than those of zinc-plated steel parts. If the cabinets are for outdoors, stainless steel would be a better choice.
Cabinet pulls in the outdoors
The Final Verdict For The Best Material For Cabinet Pulls
Considering all the factors for zinc screws vs stainless ones and other cabinet parts, we consider stainless steel better in most cases. It provides long-term durability and corrosion resistance, which isn’t assured with zinc-plated steel.
zinc-plated screws
Zinc-plated steel is perfect for indoor applications where moisture and general elements exposure is minimal. This lower-budget material is good for the less demanding applications where traffic is minimal.
The upshot is that stainless steel for cabinet hardware is unlikely to disappoint, regardless of the application. This material does not require a special coating to be durable, strong, or corrosion resistant.
For zinc-plated steel, the thin coat can start to peel off over time. This consequently affects the material’s corrosion resistance, strength, and durability.
That’s why we say that preference and budget are the main considerations here. Provided the parts manufacturer is reputable and these points have been considered, there is no need for worry.
At ProleanTech, we produce high-quality zinc-plated and stainless steel hardware. Get more details about how we do it through CNC machining in the CNC Machining Explained coverage.
These parts are perfect for cabinets, and could be custom-made for even better suitability.
You can survey our CNC Machining Services and see part of the processes that help produce the best zinc-plated and stainless steel parts.
Conclusion
Cabinet pulls, handles, screws, and nuts should at the bare minimum provide adequate strength depending on the application. We have seen that corrosion resistance, scratch resistance, and cost-effectiveness are also important considerations.
In the zinc-plated vs. stainless steel face-off, there are trade-offs to consider if you go with either. If cost is a priority, zinc-plated parts are an easy choice. However, they dont give the strength and durability assurance of stainless steel.
So, what is your preference? Get in touch with us today and get your quote for the best cabinet pulls for your requirements.
FAQs
What is zinc alloy?
Zinc alloy is a metal comprising zinc and other alloying elements, such as copper and aluminum. It is strong and corrosion-resistant.
Does zinc alloy rust?
Zinc alloy does not rust, but it can corrode over time.
Is zinc a metal or nonmetal?
Zinc is a metal, a transition metal to be precise.
Is zinc-plated steel better than stainless steel?
zinc-plated steel can be better than stainless steel depending on the application. For a low budget and for indoor applications, zinc-plated steel can be better.
How long does zinc plating last?
The durability of zinc plating varies based on factors such as chemical exposure, moisture exposure, and plate thickness.
What is better than zinc plating?
Although this depends on the specific application, there are better options. For instance, stainless steel is better for corrosion resistance. A thicker coating is achievable with galvanization.
Is stainless steel harder than steel?
Whether stainless steel is harder than steel depends on the type or grade of steel being considered. If the material is mild steel, yes, stainless steel is harder. Otherwise, there are harder steels than stainless steel, for instance,
How long will zinc-plated last outside?
zinc-plated steel can last from months to several years depending on several factors in the outside environment. The factors are the coating thickness, exposure to moisture, among others.
Is stainless steel heavy?
Stainless steel is relatively heavy compared to alternatives like aluminum and zinc.
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