Benefits and Challenges of a Stainless Steel Truck Body
Stainless steel is one of the most common materials used to build truck bodies for many reasons. Stainless steel has a lot of important benefits for contractors who rely on the longevity of their investment. But depending on your budget, the type of work you do and your own priorities, it may not be the right fit for you. We’re sharing the many benefits of choosing stainless steel, and a few challenges about the material below.
Why Choose Stainless Steel
Corrosion Resistant
Stainless steel is famously corrosion resistant, making it an ideal material for so many applications, even outside of the manufacturing world. This is of course not to say that stainless steel will not rust under any condition, but it can withstand rigorous elemental conditions that would quickly rust other metal materials.
According to Scientific American, all stainless steel must contain at least 10 percent chromium. The chromium, alongside iron, manganese, silicon, carbon and other materials react with oxygen from water and air to form a very thin, stable film that serves as a barrier to the metal– limiting oxygen and water that could lead to rust.
For contractors and laborers who spend their days working in the elements, stainless steel is a solid choice for preserving the functionality and aesthetics of your work truck.
Heat Resistant
Stainless steel also has chromium to thank for its heat resistance, alongside its corrosion resistance. According to AZO Materials, stainless steel with chromium contents of at least 18%, can be used at temperatures up to 870°C or even higher, which is far and above beyond what is necessary to resist ongoing heat on your work truck, even in the hottest of climates. The chromium, and other oxygen-resistant materials, help keep stainless steel impervious to high temperature damage.
Stain Resistant
Stainless steel really lives up to its name. While it’s certainly not impossible to stain or mark stainless steel, it is very resistant to discoloration and other imperfections. Again, the chromium that protects against corrosion and heat damage also protects against stains. This helps stainless steel truck bodies maintain their aesthetic qualities through years of work.
Can Self-Heal
Stainless steel has the unique ability to “self-heal” minor knicks, scratches and cuts. The film that is created when stainless steel elements react with oxygen can mend minor blemishes. Besides maintaining the look of the truck body, this feature helps stainless steel that was scratched or cut regain its resistance to corrosion, heat, and stains even after exposure.
Overall Durability
What does all this resistance add up to? A highly durable product that can withstand high impact work for years and years. Stainless steel truck beds are a great choice for construction workers, snow and ice trucks, road maintenance and other careers where your truck body is regularly exposed to extreme conditions.
Low Maintenance Cleanliness
Stainless steel is very easy to clean and sanitize. It features a non-porous surface, that alongside being resistant to heat, scratches and other damage, can also be easily wiped of mud, debris and bacteria.
Low Life Cycle Costs
Depending on your budgetary restrictions, considering the total cost of ownership (TCO) instead of the upfront cost of the material, can save you money in the long run. As we covered, stainless steel is highly resistant to damage, increasing its longevity. When factoring in the repair costs and degradation of other materials, choosing stainless steel for your truck body provides long term cost saving benefits.
An Earth-Friendly Choice
Did you know that stainless steel is 100% recyclable? According to the SSNIA, stainless steel can be continually recycled into the same product with no reduction in quality. The metal’s high scrap value and recyclability ensures that it is diverted from landfills and recaptured for use in new stainless steel. Most stainless steel manufactured today uses about 60% recycled material in new product manufacturing.
The Challenges of Stainless Steel
Higher Upfront Costs
If your budget requires you to consider upfront costs more so than the TCO, stainless steel may not be the right choice for you. Because stainless steel is produced with such a large variety of alloying elements, the manufacturing costs can add up, which translates directly to the cost of purchasing.
Costly Repairs When Needed
Stainless steel is incredibly resistant to damage, so it does offer very low overall repair costs. However, if your truck body does in fact endure damage, repair costs may be higher with stainless steel compared to other materials.
Easily Shows Dirt
While stainless steel is incredibly easy to clean and maintain, it does show dirt, fingerprints and other smudges very easily.
