Throughout history, stainless steel has served a number of practical purposes. It has been used in the construction of some of America’s most famous buildings (New York’s Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, for example), in the production of processing and kitchen equipment, surgical instruments, and it was even used for electric light bulb filaments in the early 1900s. But stainless steel tubing is more than practical – it can be fun, too!
Today, stainless steel tubing can be found in a number of noteworthy applications:
Roller coasters: The use of stainless steel tubing in the construction of roller coasters allows for taller, faster, smoother rides with more twists, turns and inversions than wooden coasters. The first tubular steel coaster ever built was Disneyland’s Matterhorn Bobsleds, introduced in 1959.
Slides: They aren’t just for playgrounds! A number of remarkable slides around the world are constructed of stainless steel tubing, such as architect David Hotson’s Skyhouse slide in Manhattan, or this slide in Singapore’s Changi Airport.
Public art: Because of its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to withstand temperature fluctuation, stainless steel tubing is a great medium for public art. It has been used in numerous pieces around the country, including COMPASS in Milwaukee, The Tent in Indianapolis Boston’s Reach and Peacesounds, located on the campus of Bluffton University in Ohio.
Jewelry: Stainless steel tubing has become a popular choice for jewelry artists and collectors alike, because of its strength, durability and versatility. We have even seen flasks made from stainless steel tubing!
As you can see, stainless steel tubing is not just for factories, mills and production lines. If you take the time to look, you will find it all around you, used in all kinds of interesting ways.