Is 16 Gauge Stainless Steel Stronger Than 18 Gauge? — Technical Comparison for Commercial and Residential Sinks Choosing the right stainless steel gauge is crucial for ensuring sink durability, noise reduction, and long-term performance in both commercial and high-end residential projects. Understanding the difference between 16 and 18 gauge stainless steel helps buyers make informed decisions tailored to their specific usage requirements. Understanding Gauge and Thickness | Strength Comparison | Impact on Performance | Application Considerations | Conclusion Understanding Gauge and Thickness Gauge refers to the thickness of the stainless steel sheet used in sink fabrication. Contrary to intuitive logic, a lower gauge number indicates thicker material. Specifically, 16 gauge stainless steel measures approximately 1.5 mm thick, while 18 gauge is about 1.2 mm. This thickness difference directly influences strength, resistance to denting, and overall stability. For high-traffic kitchens and premium projects, thicker materials offer clear advantages in durability and feel. Strength Comparison Between 16 and 18 Gauge 16 gauge stainless steel is indeed stronger and more robust than 18 gauge. Its increased thickness provides enhanced structural integrity, reducing the likelihood of dents or deformation when exposed to heavy cookware or frequent impact. Premium Custom Stainless Steel Sink models, like…
Do Stainless Steel Sinks Scratch Easily? — Technical Analysis for Commercial and Residential Use Scratch resistance is a critical concern when selecting stainless steel sinks for commercial kitchens, hospitality environments, and premium residential projects. Understanding how and why scratches occur, and how material choice and surface treatments influence durability, can help you choose the right solution for your application. Why Scratches Happen | Material Grade Influence | Impact of Surface Finish | Preventive Design Features | Conclusion Why Scratches Happen in Stainless Steel Sinks Stainless steel sinks can develop scratches due to contact with sharp utensils, abrasive cleaning pads, or heavy cookware. In busy commercial kitchens, where sinks face high-frequency use and harsh handling, surface abrasions are almost inevitable. However, the severity and visibility of scratches largely depend on material grade, surface finish, and overall sink design. Understanding these factors is essential for maintaining a sink’s aesthetic and functional performance over its lifecycle. Material Grade Influence on Scratch Resistance Using higher-grade stainless steel, such as SUS 304, greatly improves scratch resistance. SUS 304 contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, enhancing strength and hardness compared to lower-grade alternatives like SUS 201. Premium Custom Stainless Steel Sink models from madesink.com, including TGR-FS3021…
Selecting a high-quality stainless steel sink is crucial for commercial kitchens, hospitality projects, and premium residential installations. A good sink ensures long-term durability, hygiene, and reduced maintenance costs. This guide explains the essential criteria for evaluating stainless steel sink quality, focusing on material grade, thickness, surface treatment, and manufacturing precision. Check Material Grade | Evaluate Thickness | Inspect Surface Treatment | Examine Manufacturing Precision | Conclusion Check Material Grade The first step in assessing sink quality is verifying the material grade. A premium sink should use SUS 304 stainless steel, known for its excellent corrosion resistance and structural integrity. This grade contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, providing a reliable balance of strength and formability. Cheaper alternatives like SUS 201 lack sufficient nickel content, making them more prone to rust and pitting. Most Custom Stainless Steel Sink models from madesink.com utilize SUS 304 to ensure long service life and hygienic performance. Evaluate Thickness and Structural Stability Thickness is another indicator of quality. High-quality sinks generally feature a thickness of at least 3 mm in critical areas. For instance, models such as TGR-FS3021 and TGR-DR3219 incorporate a robust 3+1.2 mm configuration, which enhances impact resistance and reduces noise and vibration. Thinner…
When specifying stainless steel for sinks in commercial kitchens, hotels, or high-end residential projects, understanding the differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel is critical. These two grades vary in their composition, corrosion resistance, and suitability for different environments. This article breaks down their technical distinctions and helps procurement professionals make informed decisions. Composition Differences | Corrosion Resistance | Mechanical Properties | Cost and Applications | Conclusion Composition Differences Both 304 and 316 stainless steel belong to the austenitic family, known for their excellent formability and corrosion resistance. The key difference lies in the addition of molybdenum in 316. While 304 stainless steel consists of approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, 316 includes 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum. This added molybdenum enhances resistance to certain corrosive environments, particularly chlorides and saline conditions. Sinks like the Custom Stainless Steel Sink range from madesink.com are typically produced with SUS 304, which offers an ideal balance of durability and affordability for most indoor applications. Corrosion Resistance in Different Environments 316 stainless steel is particularly suited for environments exposed to harsh chemicals or saltwater, such as coastal facilities, laboratories, and food processing plants handling saline solutions. Its molybdenum content significantly improves pitting…
When sourcing sinks for commercial kitchens, hospitality projects, or premium residential developments, choosing the right grade of stainless steel is critical for ensuring durability, corrosion resistance, and long-term aesthetics. In this article, we explore the most reliable stainless steel grades for sinks and discuss how material composition, thickness, and surface treatment impact performance. Why Choose Stainless Steel? | Understanding Stainless Steel Grades | Advantages of SUS 304 | Alternative Grades | Conclusion Why Choose Stainless Steel for Sinks? Stainless steel sinks have become a preferred choice across commercial and residential applications due to their exceptional corrosion resistance, ease of maintenance, and hygienic surface properties. Particularly in Europe, where design and functionality are both valued, stainless steel offers a timeless appearance that integrates seamlessly with modern and industrial-style kitchens. Additionally, its non-porous surface reduces bacterial buildup, which is critical for food service environments and high-use areas. Understanding Stainless Steel Grades The grade of stainless steel refers to its alloy composition, which directly affects its resistance to corrosion, staining, and mechanical stress. The most common grades used in sink manufacturing include SUS 201, SUS 304, and occasionally SUS 316. However, not all grades are suitable for demanding environments. SUS 201 is a…
Choosing the right sink is crucial for both residential and commercial kitchens, especially when durability and scratch resistance are top priorities. In this article, we explore which types of sinks offer the highest level of scratch resistance, analyze material properties, manufacturing techniques, and surface treatments. Material Considerations | Manufacturing Techniques | Surface Treatments | Application Scenarios | Conclusion Material Considerations: Why Stainless Steel Excels When discussing scratch resistance, material selection is fundamental. Among various options, Custom Stainless Steel Sink solutions made from SUS 304 stainless steel consistently outperform other materials. SUS 304, containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel, offers excellent corrosion resistance while maintaining structural integrity under heavy use. Many models, such as the TGR-FS3021 apron front sink, utilize a thickness of 3+1.2 mm, enhancing impact resistance and minimizing surface deformation that can lead to scratches. Additionally, stainless steel sinks allow for precise engineering of radii (R0, R5, or R10), enabling designers to reduce vulnerable edges where scratches often start. The black nano coating option available on several models further contributes to surface hardness, providing an additional protective barrier. Manufacturing Techniques Enhance Surface Durability Handmade sinks, particularly those fabricated through deep drawing and precise welding, display superior scratch resistance compared…
