Stainless steel is the term used to identify families of steels with a minimum content of at least 11% chromium, the element able to give the material a great resistance to corrosion.
Stainless steels are resistant to corrosion due to the phenomenon of passivation. The elements present in stainless steels easily react with the surrounding environment and chromium in particular helps to form a thin protective layer that shields the material from subsequent corrosive attacks.
Other elements such as nickel, molybdenum and titanium allow stainless steel to be easily bent, welded, moulded and mechanically worked for the machining process. Stainless steels are split into three broad families: austenitic, ferritic and martensitic. The austenitic family (300 Series) includes the steels used by CleanAir Europe for manufacturing cages and components.
AISI 304 OR AISI 316? Which should be use and what treatments are possible?
AISI 316 steel is used in very aggressive environments, where there are many corrosive factors prolonged over time.
Such environments include marine areas, saline environments, fume collectors or powders that process chemicals.
AISI 304 steel is used in environments in which there are corrosive factors yet which are less significance than that described for AISI 316, being contexts in which there is a high concentration of moisture.
In addition to the use of these steels and so as to ensure greater resistance to environments with varying degrees of aggression, our cages can be treated with our cataphoresis paint system to ensure greater protection and durability over time.
Corrosion Resistance of
STAINLESS STEEL
When steel items come into contact with air or water (aggressive environments), the conditions of the exposure to which such steels react with the phenomenon of self-passivation arise.
The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is affected by the roughness of the surface. For example, after polishing, the resistance of stainless steel to corrosive agents decreases significantly.
Passivation, as per electropolishing, can also be used to improve the corrosion resistance of mechanically-polished surfaces.
Why passivate
STAINLESS STEEL?
Stainless steels are designed to naturally self-passivate whenever a clean surface is exposed to an environment that could provide enough oxygen to form the rich surface layer of chromium oxide, on which the corrosion resistance of these alloys depends.
When steel items come into contact with air or water (aggressive environments), the conditions of the exposure to which such steels react with the phenomenon of self-passivation arise.
The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is affected by the roughness of the surface. For example, after polishing, the resistance of stainless steel to corrosive agents decreases significantly.
Passivation, as per electropolishing, can also be used to improve the corrosion resistance of mechanically-polished surfaces.
The advantages of
PASSIVATION
This treatment is of great importance since it restores the stainless properties of the treated item and does not usually involve significant cosmetic changes to the steel. The main advantages include:
- Improved resistance to corrosion
- Smooth and uniform finish/appearance
- Brushing (glossy surface)
- Cleaning
- Extended product life
Passivation still remains a critical factor, able to make a significant difference. Indeed, if performed incorrectly, passivation can actually cause corrosion.
Source: Infoacciaio.com
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