When we see a product that is made of stainless steel, our assumption is that it is highly resistant to corrosion and will not rust. That may be a false impression.
There are many types of stainless steel with various compositions of materials that go into making the product. Some compositions are designed to make the steel easier to machine than others, while others are formulated to better resist corrosion. In all cases, there are compromises.
For instance type 303 stainless steel is often preferred by a manufacturer, because it is formulated to machine more easily than other types, such as type 316 stainless steel. But type 303 contains elements to improve machinability that make it less resistant to corrosion than type 316.
There are many different types of stainless steel, each with its own characteristics, so it is important to know what type of stainless steel you are considering, not just that it is stainless steel.
And even more highly corrosive-resistant stainless steel formulations, such as type 316, will rust to some extent in corrosive environments, such as when exposed to swimming pool chemicals or at the sea shore. While there are products available to remove the rust and provide protective coatings, the protective coatings are not permanent and constant maintenance can be expected.
Stainless steel is a great material. It looks good, will last a long time and, in most cases, won’t present a rust problem. But, just because it’s stainless, does not mean it will not need some maintenance to keep it looking good in some environments.
What makes stainless steel "Stain-less"
Summary of corrosiveness with types 304 and 316 stainless steel
No comments :
Post a Comment