As time goes by and technology advances, industries have undergone significant changes in their processes, along with greater ease in carrying out their activities. Although there are a large number of materials used in each sector, there is one in particular that has come to revolutionize industrial machinery and instruments. We are talking about stainless steel, which thanks to its low maintenance requirements and unique properties, makes it the perfect choice for multiple engineering applications.
Corrosion in metals and how it affects stainless steel
Some properties that all industries look for in metals include: strength, excellent resistance to corrosion, and hygienic properties. These are qualities that ensure proper handling and manufacturing of instruments. When various economic sectors face the negative effects of corrosion, it can lead to delivery delays, unsafe work environments for workers, and the need for future maintenance.
Now, one point that every industry must take care of, especially if they use instruments made of metals, is the corrosion process. This degradation occurs in humid conditions. This element generates an electrochemical reaction. Electro because it generates a flow of electrical current, and chemical because different chemical elements are present in this process.
Factors that could cause stainless steel to corrode
Following the European standard EN 10088, which was introduced in 1995, stainless steel is a low-carbon alloy by weight. However, it has a large presence of chromium, in addition to the addition of elements such as molybdenum, nickel, and nitrogen, which help it have greater resistance to corrosion than pure steel. In addition to adding other advantageous properties for its use in different industries.
Although stainless steel has great resistance to corrosion, there are also various factors that can initiate a corrosion process in the alloy. This will generate a great waste of the metal and you will not achieve the results you are expecting. Some of the main conditions that generate this wear on the alloy are:
1. Adverse environmental conditions or excess pollution
In many cities it is common to find a large amount of pollutants in the air. These emissions are usually generated by vehicular traffic and various industrial activities, for example, sulfur and nitrogen oxides from coal combustion, the presence of suspended particles such as soot from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels or iron oxides. These elements can cause a corrosive environment, which can damage stainless steel.
2. Excessive exposure to salt in the sea and oceans
Salt can easily corrode metals, including stainless steel. If the humidity and temperature are high enough, also if the rain is light or there is fog, the salt deposits on the coasts, will cause the surfaces to absorb some liquid, which promotes the formation of a highly concentrated and corrosive saline solution.
3. Neglect or lack of maintenance of this alloy
When finishing the manufacture of an instrument or elements with stainless steel, it is advisable to establish the correct measures for care and maintenance. This is to favor the good performance of the material. Cleaning is an important factor in its care and maintenance, so it is necessary to establish an exact frequency. In addition to clearly outlining the manual cleaning necessary to maintain the original appearance of the alloy, the finishes, and the design.
4. Incorrect specifications by manufacturers
If at the time of manufacturing an instrument with this alloy, the correct selection of stainless steel and surface finishes is not made, corrosion can be a problem to solve. Even when it may not adversely affect structural integrity, corrosion can influence the appearance and aesthetics of an application and increase the need and difficulty of maintenance.
5. Handling and storage of stainless steel instruments
It is necessary to ensure a dust-free environment, free of iron particles, humidity, and dirt during the handling and storage of any instrument made with this alloy. It is preferable to store the material or product in a dry and covered place, as well as to limit direct contact between this and other metals, especially taking care to avoid rubbing with carbon steel.
6. Having bad practices in the manufacture of instruments
To ensure that you will have all the benefits of using stainless steel, good practices should be adopted during its manufacture. Almost all are aimed at avoiding contamination of this material. Care must be taken during welding to remove external contaminants that could affect heat corrosion resistance. In addition, to remove dirt, scrap or burr to avoid corrosion by cavities and remember that it is important to clean the surface after welding to benefit that these elements have all the benefits that this type of metal provides.
At Ulbrinox we are one of the main suppliers of stainless steel in Mexico and Latin America. Our products have the best quality against corrosion. Come to us! You can request a quote on this website. We guarantee that you will find the solution you are looking for for your company or customers.
