Stainless steel pipes do more than just resist corrosion. Name the industry and you will find stainless steel used in there. Let’s agree this is one omnipresent component found in, household, kitchenware, construction industry, Oil & gas industry, chemical processing industry, power generation industry, and aerospace industry. one of them isn’t mentioned here is – The Automotive industry or simply put vehicle industry.
What Are The Applications of Automotive Steel Pipes in The Automotive Industry?
The application of stainless steel in the automotive industry can be briefly divided into five sections: stainless steel for automobile exhaust systems, stainless steel for automobile fuel tanks, stainless steel for automobile frames, stainless steel parts for automobiles, and stainless steel for automobile decoration.
Stainless steel is also used in automotive decoration. such as stainless steel inserts, antennae, tire covers, or handrails of big passenger cars, safety railings, and boom bars, among other things. All over the world, stainless steel pipes are mostly utilized in passenger car exhaust systems and vehicle adornment, with automotive exhaust systems being the most common.
So, What is an Exhaust System?
The goal of an exhaust system is to release reaction exhaust gas from combustion inside an engine or stove. This route of pipe is made to keep dangerous gases away from the vehicle. so that passengers sitting inside won’t feel sick.
Another important task is to emit and clean gasses to reduce emissions and protect the environment So which are the primary components that make an exhaust system work? It includes a set of pipes, clamps, hangers, and sensors.
Carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, and nitrogen monoxide are three of the six gas emitted by exhaust systems, three of which are poisonous. The exhaust system’s primary function is to discharge toxic gases produced by the engine’s combustion chamber, but it also softens noise. Lower fuel efficiency, rumbling noises from the exhaust pipe or muffler, hazardous gases, and a rotten egg smell are all symptoms of a car with a bad exhaust system.
What are the Different Types of Exhaust Systems?
Do you know there are various types of exhaust systems? Let’s briefly understand the types
Mild steel
Mild steel is the most prevalent type of steel, and it is made up of iron and a minor amount of carbon. It’s easy and affordable to create an exhaust system out of it because it’s cheap to make and incredibly bendable.
Although it sounds interesting, the major downside of such exhausts is corrosion. Early systems were fully untreated, and as a result, they rotted quickly, a mild steel exhaust will simply be more vulnerable to the weather than other systems. Finally, the pipes are often rather thick, preventing them from getting rusted too soon and increasing the weight of a component
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is a rust-resistant material just like the name suggests. Due to the 10 to 20% of chromium mixed in iron, it gets the ability to resist corrosion. Let’s already call it a superpower of any material.
It’s still highly strong and versatile, making it perfect for a variety of applications, including cutlery, structures, bridges, surgical equipment, firearms, and, yes, exhaust systems. Exhaust systems made of stainless steel last far longer and are often lighter than their mild steel counterparts. Although there are many grades of stainless steel, 304 and 409 are the most common.
Titanium
Exhaust systems made of titanium are often several times more expensive than those made of stainless steel. They do, however, provide a number of noticeable enhancements to the performance and looks of sports cars. They are more lightweight, more robust, and increase the overall handling and performance of a vehicle.
Inconel
Inconel (a trademark, hence the capital letter) is a superalloy which has mainly 2 components. nickel and chromium. It’s popular in the aerospace industry because of its strength and high melting point, and it’s also useful in nuclear reactor cores.
For years, Formula 1 car exhausts have been manufactured of Inconel 625, partially because the material allows for incredibly thin and light construction, and also because of its excellent heat resistance.
However, it’s the Formula 1 application that should alert you to Inconel’s drawbacks: it’s a costly material to make and a tough metal to deal with, making creating an exhaust from it a labor-intensive procedure.
Which One to Choose Between 304 and 409 Stainless Steel for an Exhaust System?
Chromium and other elements are present in all stainless steel. The extra elements make the metal stronger, tougher, and more corrosion resistant. The manufacturer mostly use 304 and 409 stainless steel pipes.These are the two most common grades of stainless steel pipes.
The two most common kinds of materials used in the exhaust system are 304 and 409 stainless steel. Both of these materials are corrosion-resistant. however, the main difference is the amount of chromium. 304 is Contains 18% chromium, whereas 409 contains 11% of chromium.
- This 7% of difference makes 304 stainless steel more resistant to corrosion. It also gives a better finish. if you have a vehicle that doesn’t see the dessert area more then you can opt for 409. Because you will end up saving more money with this option
- however 409 can develop surface rust and discoloration, it won’t cause damage to the efficiency of exhaust it may not appear cool but performance-wise it is a better choice
- While 409 is magnetic 304 is not.
- 409 stainless steel is ferritic, magnetic steel that works well in exhaust systems. It can rust on the surface but only rusts through in extreme situations.
- 304 stainless steel is austenitic, non-magnetic steel that performs well in exhaust systems and resists surface rust.
- For durability and finish, one can opt 304. But if you are someone living in extreme conditions or in a warmer climate 409 is a way more practical and economical
Why choose Stainless Steel Pipes in Exhaust Over Any Other Material?
Durability
The durability of a stainless steel exhaust is its key selling feature. These exhausts are sturdy and long-lasting due to the substance; consider them an investment. Absolute steel is rust and corrosion resistant in addition to being strong and durable, so that’s one less thing to worry about. Due to their high cost, stainless steel exhausts normally come with a warranty. Any issues can be promptly solved, so it’s no surprise that these stainless systems frequently outlast the vehicles to which they belong.
Performance
Stainless steel exhausts will also significantly boost the performance of your vehicle. Overheating is one of the most prevalent reasons for exhaust repair in standard exhaust systems. However, stainless steel exhausts cool the gases and stop the whole thing from happening. This is why stainless steel exhausts have a far longer lifespan than normal carbon pipes. Although a stainless steel exhaust will not rust and will last a lifetime, unlike a mild steel exhaust, the heat will change the color of the exhaust with time, so keep that in mind. However, this isn’t the end of the world.
Take Away
Choosing an exhaust system for an automobile is a crucial decision for anyone. Be it for a manufacturing company, be it for an individual. But a piece of insightful information will help you make an informed decision. Moreover, you need to choose the right stakeholder who understands and delivers according to your demand There are various stainless steel pipes and tubes exporters in India, keep in mind to communicate your requirements according to your business needs. choose the exhaust system that is long-lasting, durable, and gives the vehicle a support system, and performs better than its contemporaries.
