User:Brcornerstone

Stainless Steel Doors
Stainless steel doors are utilized in a large variety of applications. Stainless steel (also known as inox steel or inox from French "inoxydable")has two unique characteristics. It provides the strength of carbon steel, but because of it's chromium content, it forms a passive film of chromium oxide on it's surface. This film prevents the formation of iron oxide, or what we commonly refer to as rust. When carbon steel, with it's high content of iron oxide, is exposed to air and moisture, rust forms. This characteristic makes it unsuitable for many environments in manufacturing, aeronautics and health care, where levels of moisture may be high. When stainless steel is utilized for doors, especially with welded seams, it prevents the spread of rust into the internal structure of not only the door, but the metal itself.

Stainless steel is defined as a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5 or 11% chromium content by mass. Stainless steel does not stain, corrode, or rust as easily as ordinary steel, but it is not stain-proof. It is also called corrosion-resistant steel(CRES) when the alloy type and grade are not detailed, particularly in the aviation industry. There are different grades and surface finishes of stainless steel to suit the environment the alloy must endure. Stainless steel is used where both the properties of steel and resistance to corrosion are required.

Stainless Steel Door Applications
The most common use for stainless steel doors is in clean rooms. It's non-corrosive qualities are well-suited for an environment that may have high levels of airborne chemicals. Stainless steel doors are very easy to clean and sanitize, which makes it's use in hospitals and healthcare facilities widespread. In the manufacturing industry, stainless steel doors are utilized for security. Stainless steel doors can also be manufactured with fireproof or fire-resistant qualities. Underwriter's Laboratories issue fire-ratings for stainless steel doors and other metal interior or exterior doors.

Stainless Steel Door Glass Insert Options
In addition to solid, or no-light stainless steel doors, tempered and shatter-proof glass can be installed in stainless steel doors in what's referred to as half-light (glass installed on top half of door) or side-light (glass installed in a 4"-8" strip on either side of the door). This enables people on both sides of the door to see if someone wants to enter or depart through the stainless steel door.

Stainless Steel Door Frames
Usually a stainless steel door needs to be installed in a stainless steel door frame, which can either be welded or installed in pieces, which are known as "knock-down" frames. These can be utilized in new construction, or for existing masonry. Careful measurements need to be taken. Stainless steel hinges and hardware are utilized, and there is very little maintenance needed after the doors are installed.

Stainless Steel Door Insulation
Stainless steel doors are generally insulated for sound with either solid foam insulation boards, or conventional insulation. This not only helps the doors noise-dampening attributes, but also aids in strengthening the integrity of the stainless steel door as well. Different gauges of stainless steel can be utilized in the manufacturing of the door, but common thicknesses are 14 ga., 16 ga., and 18 ga.