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Why Stainless Steel Stability Matters When You Buy Containment Equipment from CPS

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When you are investing in stainless steel equipment, material choice affects more than performance.

It affects cost stability too for stainless steel equipment.

At Custom Powder Systems, stainless steel is a core material in the stainless steel equipment we design and build. This matters in today’s market because stainless steel pricing is behaving more steadily than aluminum. While no industrial metal is completely immune to movement, stainless is holding value in a more consistent, more predictable way. And because CPS sources its stainless steel from U.S. suppliers and builds with approximately 99% U.S.-sourced materials, our customers gain another layer of protection against tariffs, freight swings, and imported supply-chain surprises.

That is a real buying advantage.

The Importance of Investing in Stainless Steel Equipment

Containment equipment has to do more than meet a specification on paper. It has to perform in real manufacturing environments where cleanability, corrosion resistance, durability, and compliance all matter.

That is why stainless steel remains such an important material in containment design.

At CPS, we build custom powder handling and containment systems for pharmaceutical, chemical, food, additive, industrial, and nuclear manufacturing. Our equipment is engineered to solve process challenges while supporting operator safety, product protection, and long-term reliability. Stainless steel supports that mission well, and right now it brings another practical benefit to the table: a steadier value story than aluminum.

Aluminum is seeing the sharper market shock

Aluminum is under real supply pressure right now.

Reuters reported that LME aluminum rose to $3,417 per metric ton and traded as high as $3,492 on March 30 after Iranian strikes damaged major Gulf smelters. Reuters also reported that LME aluminum inventories had fallen more than 60% since May to about 418,675 tons, while the cash premium over three-month contracts moved above $60 per ton, the highest since 2007. This is not routine fluctuation. It is a market reacting to real-world disruption.

That pricing pressure stayed elevated into early April. Market data showed aluminum cash settlement at $3,585 on March 31, $3,583.50 on April 1, and $3,505 on April 2. That kind of sharp movement over a few trading sessions creates exactly the kind of uncertainty procurement teams and project managers do not want built into an equipment purchase.

Stainless steel moves differently than aluminum

Stainless steel is still influenced by the market, but not in the same headline-driven way as aluminum.

Instead of one large supply shock, stainless pricing tends to move through alloy surcharges, nickel exposure, grade mix, and freight or fuel adders. Outokumpu is one of the major stainless steel producers in the global market, and its surcharge reports are widely used as a reference point for how stainless pricing moves by grade. Outokumpu is useful here not because CPS necessarily buys from Outokumpu directly, but because its published surcharge data helps illustrate how the stainless market behaves.

For North America in April 2026, Outokumpu’s surcharge sheet showed 304 at $0.9409 per pound, 430 at $0.3613, duplex 2304 at $0.6662, 2507 at $1.7445, and 904L at $3.4179. That spread shows an important point: stainless is not driven by one single number. Chemistry and grade mix matter.

Nickel is part of that picture, but even there, the market is calmer than aluminum. LME nickel was around $17,086 per ton on April 6, 2026. Stainless buyers may still feel movement through surcharge formulas, but nickel is not currently showing the same kind of acute physical supply stress aluminum is facing.

There is also a logistics layer. North American Stainless announced a 48% fuel surcharge effective April 1, 2026, for stainless flat and long products. So yes, stainless pricing can still move. But it is moving in a more structured, more traceable way than the shock-driven spike now affecting aluminum.

Why this helps CPS customers

This is where the advantage becomes practical.

Because CPS uses stainless steel in containment equipment, our customers are buying into a material category that is behaving more consistently than aluminum right now. That does not mean stainless prices never change. It means the pricing environment is generally more understandable and more manageable.

And CPS adds another benefit on top of that.

We source our stainless steel from U.S. suppliers and build with approximately 99% U.S.-sourced materials, with only the occasional component imported when needed. That means our customers are less exposed not only to tariff-related volatility, but also to freight swings, import-related delays, and supply-chain disruptions that can add cost long after a quote is approved.

In other words, buying containment equipment from CPS means pairing a steadier material category with a domestic sourcing strategy that helps protect the total project cost.

A steadier material story is part of the CPS value

At CPS, we focus on building equipment that performs where it counts: containment, compliance, cleanability, safety, and long-term reliability.

But in today’s market, there is another advantage worth recognizing.

Because stainless steel is holding more steadily than aluminum, and because CPS sources its stainless from U.S. suppliers, our customers benefit from a more stable material and a more stable supply chain. That combination helps reduce surprises and gives procurement teams and project managers more confidence as they budget, plan, and move projects forward.

It is not just about what we build.

It is also about what we build it with, and where we source it.

equipment

We Don’t Just Build Equipment

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At Custom Powder Systems, we believe manufacturing equipment should do more than function. It should solve problems. Whether you’re navigating strict containment requirements, managing complex material handling workflows, or launching a new line of high-potency APIs, we don’t just deliver stainless steel and schematics—we deliver peace of mind.

As a domestic supplier, Custom Powder Systems proudly designs, fabricates, and supports all of our systems in the United States. This gives our clients faster lead times, direct access to engineering support, and confidence in American-made quality and compliance.

Because at the end of the day, you don’t need equipment.
You need a solution.

From Problem to Process: Our Engineering-First Approach

Most equipment vendors ask, “What do you need us to build?”
We start by asking, “What problem are you trying to solve?”

Our engineering process begins with understanding your product, your process, and your compliance demands. Then, we design and fabricate systems that are purpose-built for your environment. This often means integrating containment, automation, ergonomic access, and cleaning protocols into one seamless solution.

Examples of our solution-first thinking:

  • Turning a crowded, multi-vendor process into a compact, CIP-ready production line
  • Designing a modular downflow booth that adapts to new product launches
  • Engineering IBC transfer systems that achieve sub-microgram OEL compliance

It’s Not Just What You Build. It’s How You Build It.

Our expertise spans a range of systems—including:

  • Downflow Booths
    Designed with airflow precision and operator access in mind, our booths meet ISO classifications and OEL targets for safe powder handling.
  • Isolators & Containment
    Custom-built for cytotoxic, hormonal, and sterile applications—designed to be ergonomic, cleanable, and easily integrated with upstream/downstream equipment.
  • IBC Blending and Transfer Systems
    Built for accuracy and hygiene, our IBCs and blending stations are configured to reduce dust, eliminate manual handling, and maximize space.
  • Custom Lifts & Manipulators
    Engineered to move heavy materials with ease and safety—tailored to facility layouts and operator workflows.

Every weld, every interface, and every component is built for performance, compliance, and reliability. We don’t do off-the-shelf. We do on-the-mark.

Compliance Isn’t Optional. And Neither is Ingenuity.

In regulated industries, there’s no margin for error. Whether you’re preparing for an FDA audit, scaling up high-potency production, or upgrading for ATEX compliance, our systems are designed to exceed expectations—because you can’t afford downtime, cross-contamination, or guesswork.

We engineer for:

  • 21 CFR Part 11 compliance
  • cGMP environments
  • Hazardous material zones
  • High-containment OEB 4–6 environments

And we back it all with documentation, validation support, and a collaborative engineering process that puts your team in the driver’s seat.

Your Partner in Innovation

We’re not a fabricator with a catalog. We’re an engineering partner who listens first, designs second, and builds third. Whether you’re in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, specialty chemicals, or food processing—Custom Powder Systems is here to help you transform your challenges into high-performing, compliant solutions.

We build it right because we build it for you.

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The Power of Solid-State Batteries

by BlendingContainers/IBC/BinsUncategorized

Today, lithium-ion batteries are one of the most common sources of power for everyday devices from cell phones to cars. As these products continue to improve, so does the need for a more efficient energy source. The up-and-coming technology of Solid-State Batteries may just be the solution.

As technology develops by the day, more efficient energy sources are necessary for proper and effective functioning. Product improvements are accompanied by a demand for power that keeps up with them. Solid-State Batteries may be the solution that provides greater stability, safety, and energy density.

What are Solid-State Batteries?

In many of the devices we use today, lithium-ion batteries are a standard source of power. They utilize a flammable liquid electrolyte that balances the energy distribution between the cathode and anode, which is seen as more efficient than the lead-acid and nickel-metal hydride batteries used in the past. While we currently rely on lithium-ion batteries to power devices anywhere from our phones to our cars, they tend to be heavy and unstable in extreme temperatures.

Enter: Solid-State Batteries (SSB). As the name suggests, these batteries are composed of a solid electrolyte (typically ceramic, polymer, or glass) making them generally more stable and compact. With the material change, SSB are much lighter and have an energy capacity more than two times greater than lithium-ion batteries. They are also able to recharge significantly faster.

Additionally, with the removal of the flammable liquid electrolyte, SSB are safer in a wider range of temperatures and are less likely to overheat, meaning they are much less likely to catch on fire. The solid electrolyte also makes the batteries denser, allowing them to have a greater range of operation and be overall more efficient.

Currently, SSB are most commonly used in devices such as pacemakers, RFID, and wearable devices. And one of the biggest potential applications for SSB is in electric vehicles. According to Forbes, “Solid-state batteries promise fast, ubiquitous charging, and enough power to outrun ICE cars not just in the city, but on the fast lane of highways too on the long-distance race to the summer sun.”

What are Some of the Barriers to Success in this Industry?

Unfortunately, as promising as SSB are, they still have years of work to go before they are ready to be widely adopted. As research and experimentation goes, scientists have encountered issues with a variety of features, such as longevity. A significant flaw with SSB is the rapid degradation over charging cycles, causing an accumulation of lithium dendrites which can pierce the battery and lead to short-circuiting.

Other issues include conductivity and instability where the materials join. With a solid electrolyte, there is less particle mobility, preventing electrons from moving as freely as they otherwise would. This can also have a negative impact on the construction of the batteries, as it is more difficult to connect solid materials together as opposed to working with a liquid that has no fixed shape.

Also, in theory, SSB are believed to be able to be significantly less expensive than the current lithium-ion options. However, it has become a challenge to scale SSB, which are currently used in small devices, to larger applications. As of yet, no company has successfully been able to mass-manufacture SSB so that they are cost-effective enough to benefit the general public.

While there are some current barriers to widely-adopting Solid-State Battery technology, all good engineering takes time and experimentation. Looking toward the future, there is still extreme potential in this revolutionary power source and its potential applications.

What Can CPS Do?

The world of batteries is rapidly evolving, with new changes and developments each day. At CPS, we pride ourselves on our ability to take on challenges and learn new things every day. While we don’t make SSBs ourselves, we are great at supporting the people that do.

Many companies currently working with SSB technology are in the research and development phase, experimenting with small batches and basic processes. This means that they typically don’t have the proper equipment to be able to scale their projects as demand increases. Our job is to provide these companies with new solutions for containment, blending, transport, and handling to progress from grams at a time to hundreds of kilograms at a time. And, we are able to completely custom build the base equipment so they seamlessly integrate with the systems these companies already have in place.

The other main concern we address is safety, as oxidized lithium can release extremely combustible gasses. By upgrading a company’s current storage method to efficient Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC), we can significantly decrease the risk of both explosions and human inhalation of toxic gasses. Depending on the customer’s needs, we can also utilize various tools such as contained transfer devices, accurate dosing scales, clean docking Jet-Wash transfers, and blending systems.

At Custom Powder Systems, we love staying up-to-date with the most current engineering trends. If there are new technologies you’d like to explore, let us know how we can help!

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