Why Stainless Steel Cabinets Are the Gold Standard for Industrial Storage
When it comes to industrial storage applications, there are various materials to choose from. However, one of the best materials for durability and performance is stainless steel. Which is why Strong Hold offers over 50 different stainless steel cabinet options.
Stainless steel excels in harsh environments because it combines corrosion resistance, strength, and low maintenance in a way few materials can match.
It is estimated that hundreds of billions of dollars in annual corrosion costs are recorded in the U.S. Selecting materials like stainless steel, which provide significantly better corrosion resistance, results in long-term savings and increased reliability in industrial settings.
What Is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is a type of steel alloy that contains at least 10.5% chromium, which creates a thin, self-healing oxide layer on the surface. This layer is what gives stainless steel its signature resistance to corrosion.
Unlike carbon steel, which can rust without a protective coating, stainless steel is designed to withstand moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures without degrading.
While all Strong Hold carbon steel products are coated for added protection, stainless steel is the best option for the harshest environments. This makes stainless steel a popular choice for industrial applications where durability and cleanliness are essential.
Common Steel Options:
- Carbon Steel: Strong and affordable, but prone to rust if not painted or coated.
- Galvanized Steel: Carbon steel coated in zinc to provide temporary rust resistance; the coating can wear or chip over time.
- Coated Steel: Painted steel with a durable finish, scratches can expose the metal underneath.
- Stainless Steel: by contrast, is corrosion-resistant, making it a better long-term investment in corrosive or sanitary environments.
Core Benefits of Stainless Steel in Industrial Storage Cabinets
Corrosion Resistance
Stainless steel is ideal for harsh environments, such as chemical plants, manufacturing facilities, and coastal locations. Stainless steel can withstand exposure to moisture, acids, and cleaning chemicals, increasing its longevity.
Hygiene and Cleanability
Stainless steel’s smooth, non-porous surface makes it easy to clean and sanitize. These attributes make it a preferred material in cleanrooms, healthcare, and food-grade environments.
Strength and Durability
Stainless steel is built for heavy-duty use. Nearly all Strong Hold stainless steel cabinets are constructed from 12-gauge stainless steel, ensuring their contents are protected from impacts and environmental factors. Additionally, Strong Hold stainless steel shop tables come with tops constructed from 7-gauge stainless steel, enabling them to support extreme weights.
Long-Term ROI
Stainless steel does include a higher upfront cost, but it requires less maintenance, is resistant to corrosion, and offers a longer product life.
The reduced replacement cycles offered by stainless steel = cost savings over time.
Aesthetic and Branding Value
Finally, stainless steel provides a sleek, modern appearance that conveys cleanliness and professionalism. Stainless steel cabinets can enhance customer perception in visible areas.
Use Cases for Stainless Steel Cabinets
There are many industrial environments where stainless steel is an ideal material for industrial storage and protection:
Industrial and Manufacturing
Stainless steel’s strength helps protect stored items from impact. Its durability and corrosion resistance also ensure that stainless steel cabinets have longer life spans, reducing replacement costs and downtime.
Outdoor or Washdown Areas
Exposure to rain, humidity, temperature fluctuations, and salt spray can lead to the rapid degradation of coated steel surfaces outdoors. Stainless steel is a good option for outdoor storage or washdown zones, as it resists corrosion even in outdoor/wet conditions. Additionally, it offers the added benefit of eliminating the need for repainting and constant maintenance.
Marine and Coastal Facilities
Salt air is highly corrosive and can cause significant damage to carbon steel or galvanized finishes within a matter of months. Stainless steel offers long-term performance in these harsh environments with minimal upkeep, even in direct salt spray zones.
Electronics Manufacturing
Dust, debris, and contaminants can compromise sensitive electronic components or medical devices, potentially causing damage or malfunction. Stainless steel doesn’t shed particles, holds up under HEPA-filtered airflow, and won’t off-gas volatile compounds. Additionally, stainless steel supports strict ISO cleanroom classifications.
In all these settings and environments, stainless steel cabinets protect your tools, supplies, and equipment from corrosion, contamination, and wear, ensuring a longer service life and lowering the total cost of ownership.
Why Strong Hold Stainless Steel Cabinets
All Strong Hold stainless steel cabinets are constructed with all-welded, USA-made, high-grade stainless steel. Stainless steel cabinet interiors can be customized to fit your team’s workflow and facility demands. Finally, all Strong Hold stainless steel cabinets are backed by industry-leading warranties, some up to 99 years.
Stainless steel isn’t just another material option — it’s a strategic investment in long-term performance, safety, and reliability. From industrial manufacturing facilities to marine environments, stainless steel cabinets outperform traditional steel alternatives thanks to their unmatched corrosion resistance, strength, and longevity.
Whether you’re safeguarding high-value equipment or maintaining compliance in sensitive environments, stainless steel delivers where other materials fall short. And with over 50 all-welded cabinet configurations, Strong Hold makes it easy to find a stainless steel solution built to thrive in your toughest conditions.
Ready to upgrade to stainless steel strength? Contact your preferred dealer, order online, or request a quote today.
