GEC ANDERSON | General Stainless Steel FAQ

GENERAL FAQS RELATING TO STAINLESS STEEL

What is stainless steel?
Stainless steel is the common name for chromium-iron alloys containing at least 12% chromium. Such alloys develop a chromium rich oxide film which give the steel its anti-corrosive properties. The type of stainless steel used in kitchens and bathrooms is 'Austenitic', which also contains at least 8% nickel. Where higher corrosion resistance is required (for example in laboratories), molybdenum is also added. Grades of stainless steel

Does stainless steel scratch?
Stainless steel is suceptible to scratching. Over time the stainless steel surface will superficially scratch and mark to form a 'patina' which becomes a feature of the surface. These marks are purely superficial. Because GEC Anderson stainless steel is of a satin finish superficial marks will 'blend-in' and become less noticable over time.

Is stainless steel durable?
Stainless steel offers the ultimate in durability. It is resistant to heat and cold and will normally last for 'a lifetime' - meaning literally, decades. This means that, over the lifetime of the product, its cost is very low. Also, due to this durability, it is possible for the stainless steel surface to remain totally hygienic over its lifetime.

Is stainless steel hygienic?
Stainless steel offers a totally hygienic surface which is the reason why it is standard to commercial kitchens and other environments where hygiene is paramount. This is no bad thing when stainless steel products are selected for other reasons (versitility, durability, good looks), in less sensitive areas.

Is stainless steel expensive?
Stainless steel is not expensive when the lifetime cost of the product is examined. Typically, the stainless steel product will outlast the alternative many times over. Low maintenance costs (either in the form of cost of repair or cost or replacement) mean that stainless steel is very economical over time.

How do I clean stainless steel?
A number of 'specialist' stainless steel cleaners are now available but GEC Anderson recommend the use of the E-Cloth System or a simple cream cleaning fluid such as 'Jif'. More detailed instructions on the maintenance of stainless steel are available.

What is the E-Cloth System?
The E-Cloth System is a highly effective way to clean and maintain brushed satin stainless steel surfaces and is available from GEC Anderson. It comprises two cloths:

* General Purpose Cloth - Use wet, to remove surface marks and for general cleaning.
*Polishing Cloth - Use dry, for final polishing.

Each cloth is used with NO CHEMICALS and can be boiled or washed upto 300 times.

Which stainless steel finishes are available?
GEC Anderson offers two finishes:
GEC Anderson Satin Finish is plain, 'brushed' finish that, nevertheless retains an beautiful 'lustre'.

	Satin Finish

Textured Finish

GEC Anderson Textured Finish is optionally available. This is a useful and attractive alternative which is resistant to scratches and marks, yet still totally hygienic


Is polished stainless steel available? GEC Anderson do not use polished stainless steel due to the impracticality of the polished finish. Polished stainless steel is very hard to keep clean and marks and scratches very easily. This is why GEC Anderson use their Satin Finish stainless steel as standard. Which grade of stainless steel? GEC Anderson offer two basic grades of stainless steel: * Domestic Grade: EN 1.4301 (otherwise known as SIS 2333 or AISI 304 or 18/8 grade). * Acid Resisting Grade: EN 1.4401 (otherwise known as SIS 2343 or AISI 316 / 319 or 18/12 grade). The grade of stainless steel refers to its composition. Domestic Grade is normally used for sinks and worktops, individual bowls, cabinets and shelving. Acid Resisting Grade is normally used for sanitary appliances or in corrosive environments such as laboratories. What gauge of stainless steel? Gauge (thickness) depends on product. Normally selection of guage is left to our factory and is dependent upon size and nature of the product. GEC Anderson uses three main thicknesses: 1.00 mm approximates to 19 s.w.g. (standard wire guage) 1.25 mm approximates to 18 s.w.g. 1.50 mm approximates to 16 s.w.g. 2.00 mm approximates to 14 s.w.g. What tolerances do you work to? Generally, we work to + / - 2 mm. Our ISO 9001 state-of-the-art, highly efficient and automated manufacturing processes ensure very high levels of accuracy and quality of finish.