Stainless steel awards are made from a corrosion-resistant iron-chromium alloy that delivers a clean, modern, industrial-premium look, holds crisp cut edges, resists rust and fingerprints (especially when brushed), and pairs beautifully with glass, acrylic and wood. It is the go-to metal when a brief calls for contemporary, durable and understated rather than ornate.
Stainless steel has become one of the most requested metals in modern corporate awards, and for good reason: it looks like the twenty-first century. At Fabit we specify it when a client wants strength, precision and a cool, professional aesthetic that will not date.
What stainless steel is
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium (at least around 10.5 percent) and often nickel and other elements. The chromium forms an invisible passive layer that protects the metal from rust and corrosion, which is what makes it “stainless”. For awards this means a material that stays looking sharp for decades with minimal care, indoors or out. Its natural colour is a cool silver-grey that can be finished in several ways.
Finishes that change everything
Much of stainless steel’s design range comes from finishing:
- Brushed (satin): A directional matte texture that hides fingerprints and reads as refined and industrial. The most popular choice for awards.
- Polished (mirror): Highly reflective and dramatic, though it shows fingerprints and needs care.
- Bead-blasted: A uniform matte, non-directional surface with a soft, technical feel.
- Coloured or coated: PVD coating and other treatments can add black, gold, bronze or coloured tones while keeping the metal’s durability.
Choosing the right finish is often more important than the metal itself, and it is a conversation we have on every steel brief.
How stainless steel awards are made
Steel awards are typically fabricated rather than cast: laser cut or waterjet cut from sheet, then bent, welded, ground and finished. This suits clean geometric designs, logos cut as silhouettes, and layered constructions. The precision of laser cutting means a company logo can become the award itself, cut sharply from a steel plate. Because the process is subtractive and fabrication-based, it rewards strong, graphic design thinking, which is exactly where our in-house design studio adds value.
Stainless steel versus other metals
- Versus aluminium: Both are silvery and modern, but steel is heavier, harder and more corrosion-resistant, while aluminium is lighter and easier to anodise in colours. Steel feels more substantial; aluminium ships cheaper.
- Versus bronze: Steel is cool, modern and industrial; bronze is warm, heritage and sculptural. Opposite ends of the aesthetic spectrum.
- Versus titanium: Titanium is lighter, even more corrosion-resistant and can show striking colours, but it is far more expensive. Steel offers most of the modern look for much less.
- Versus zinc alloy: Zamak casts detailed 3D shapes cheaply; steel is stronger and more premium but suits flat, fabricated forms rather than intricate castings.
When to choose stainless steel
Stainless steel is ideal for tech, engineering, industrial, automotive and design-led brands, and for any award that should feel modern, robust and precise. It excels when the design is graphic and geometric, when a logo can be cut or etched into the metal, and when the piece combines with glass or acrylic for contrast between warm light and cool metal. It is also a strong choice for awards that may travel or live in less controlled environments, thanks to its corrosion resistance.
When to look elsewhere
We are honest about steel’s limits. It is not the material for warm, ornate or sculptural pieces, where bronze or patinated cast metal wins. It is heavier than aluminium, which affects shipping on large runs. And highly intricate three-dimensional shapes are easier and cheaper to cast in zinc alloy than to fabricate in steel. If your design is more sculpture than silhouette, we will say so and suggest a better fit.
How Fabit works with stainless steel
Our studio treats steel as a precision material. We design in house in Antwerp, cut and fabricate to tight tolerances, and finish by hand so the brushed or coated surface is flawless. Crucially, we combine steel with our own 3D printing, crystal and acrylic work, so a steel award can carry a 3D printed element, an illuminated acrylic panel or a crystal accent. That mixed-material capability under one roof is what separates a bespoke Fabit piece from a stock steel plaque. See what is possible through our custom trophy service or browse the materials overview.
FAQ
Will stainless steel rust? The chromium layer makes it highly corrosion-resistant, so it stays looking sharp for years indoors and outdoors with minimal care.
Which finish hides fingerprints best? Brushed (satin) or bead-blasted finishes hide marks far better than mirror polish, which is why they are the most popular for awards.
Can you cut our logo from steel? Yes. Laser or waterjet cutting turns a logo into a crisp steel silhouette, which can be the award itself or layered with other materials.
Can steel be coloured? Yes, through PVD coating and similar treatments, adding black, gold or coloured tones while keeping durability. Send a brief and we respond within 24 hours, or start at create.fabit3d.com.
Related terms
