It's important to always give consideration to the external / internal conditions. Stainless steel is known to perform well in high temperatures and retains its strength and corrosion resistance. SS 316 is an important choice in ATEX rated environments and is suitable for Zone 0 – Zone 2 areas in minimising the risk of explosion in potentially hazardous environments.

Stainless steel is stain-less, not stain-proof. It resists corrosion due to its self-healing passive oxide layer. Alloys like 304 and 316 are commonly used for their excellent corrosion resistance. SS 316 is also the ideal choice for marine environments where high salt laden atmospheres exist.

Stainless steels tend to have higher tensile strength than mild steels. Austenitic grades (e.g., 303, 304, 316) offer toughness and ductility. Nickel content enhances these properties. This is an important factor when designing equipment of lifting heavy items.

The user should always balance cost against the desired performance of their manual handling equipment. As expected, some stainless-steel grades are more expensive than others. Decision making should be based on your budget and availability but fundamentally on health and safety grounds.

Stainless steel offers a sleek, modern look and is therefore often a popular choice within a wide variety of industries

Stainless steel's smooth surface makes it easy to clean, wipe down and maintain, making it suitable for trolleys intended for use in both medical and food processing environments.

Users also need to ensure compliance with any relevant standards such EU or FDA regulations for both medical and food use. Grades such as SS 316 are typically specified due to their excellent corrosion resistance properties and safety.

Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, contributing to your company's sustainability goals.