Stainless Steel in the Manufacturing of HVAC Equipment

Stainless steel wire used in HVAC equipment manufacturing

 

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. The job of HVAC equipment is to move air between outdoor and indoor spaces. This can include heating and cooling both residential and commercial property. This process is called ventilation. So, whether it is the dead of winter, or the heat of the summer, HVAC significantly improves our comfort level.

When it comes to manufacturing HVAC equipment, stainless steel is the best choice of material. The extreme durability and longevity of the metal makes it a cost-effective option, while stainless steel’s resistance to corrosion makes it a natural choice for both indoor and outdoor applications. Stainless steel also boasts high malleability, making it an easy material to work with in the fabrication process.

Stainless steel is also a natural choice for HVAC equipment application because it resists moisture and condensation. Especially when it comes to the air we breathe, it is essential to avoid the accumulation of harmful mold or mildew.

When manufacturing HVAC equipment the biggest concern is corrosion. Corrosion is the deterioration of metal by chemical reaction with its environment. Corrosion could also be caused by the presence of acidic gases, elevated humidity, and temperature. Understanding the intended environment in which HVAC equipment will be applied is essential in the selection of materials.

Some potentially corrosive environments might include areas near big bodies of water, heavily populated urban areas, and some rural locations. All of these environments host air borne molecular contaminants (AMC). The Instrument Society of America (ISA) has created four levels of corrosion severity when studying environments in which harmful molecular contaminants are most likely. And there are many methods of eliminating corrosive gases from a given environment. Lucky for you, choosing stainless steel in the manufacturing of HVAC equipment ensures safety and satisfaction because of its corrosion-resistant properties.

Another important factor in the selection of a material for HVAC equipment is coating options. Coatings can be applied in coil form prior to manufacturing. This process is known as continuous coil coating and this process results in a protective layer between the coil and the environmental conditions. When choosing a coating you must consider the thickness, flexibility and resistance properties. Here are a few rules to remember:

  • The thinner the coating the better the heat transfer
  • If there is insufficient flexibility in the coating, the impact resistance of the material may crack. Upon impact, uncoated metal could be exposed to corrosive environments
  • Any material that is exposed to sunlight should have UV resistance. It’s like sunscreen for stainless steel and aluminum!

Coating systems for stainless steels & aluminum must be carefully selected to provide sufficient properties to meet the requirements of the intended application environment. At NKS we specialize in four coatings for our materials.

  • Polyester: This coating provides flexibility, exterior durability and superior physical properties.
  • Epoxy: This coating creates a hard, non-toxic, metallic finish. This finish protects the materials from the effects of ultraviolet rays, chemicals, oils, food acids, and water immersion. 
  • Hybrids: This coating is a combination of Organic’s & Inorganic’s, designed to act as anti-corrosive coatings for metallic substates.
  • Anti-microbial coating: This one is particularly relevant to this moment! Antimicrobial compounds have been registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an antimicrobial agent which can resist the growth of bacteria, molds and fungi. Additionally, antimicrobial coating offers stain resistance, as well as a smoother surface, resulting in antimicrobial-coated steel that is easier to clean and maintain. Anti-microbial can be applied to components throughout the entire heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including air handlers, ductwork, and diffusers.

With a diverse inventory of grades, gauges, tempers and finishes, NKS can meet all of your needs when it comes to the manufacturing of HVAC equipment. NKS is recognized in the industry as a leader in stainless steel and aluminum slitting and slitting technology. NKS has the technology to guarantee the quality of your stainless steel & aluminum coil. Our wide range of slitting capabilities ensures that we have the right equipment to quickly and efficiently process your orders. With eight high-performance slitters available, NKS will review each order individually to determine which machine will be the best fit. The same can be said about choosing a coating for your material. Based on intended application, we can advise you as to the best coating option for your order.

We are ready to work with you! Get started today by requesting a quote, contacting us at inquiry@nks.com or visiting, https://nks.com/locations/request-a-quote/.