One of the most important characteristics of stainless steel is that it has much superior characteristics than iron or conventional steel. Unlike conventional steel, stainless steel has properties that provide it with greater hardness, durability, and a high antioxidant capacity.
However, there are some risks and characteristics that can affect stainless steel, opening the door to possible oxidation. This will depend on the environment, the type of stainless steel, and the external and internal agents that coexist with the steel itself.
The advantage of stainless steel is that, if signs of possible oxidation begin to appear, it can be addressed in time, resulting in a material that is much easier to work with and save, unlike conventional steel.
Therefore, in the following paragraphs we bring you the types of corrosion in stainless steel, the type of transformation that a metal presents in corrosion and how many types of corrosion exist, keep reading.
Why does stainless steel rust?
As we know and even, as its name implies, stainless steel has a much greater resistance than other metals to oxidation and corrosion of metals, however, depending on the type of material it is made with and external agents, this can vary a bit.
Normally, chromium and nickel are compounds used to create stainless steel, depending on the percentage and other elements that can be added, this oxidation and corrosion can change and even be completely eliminated.
On the other hand, every day in the environment, especially in cities and places with high pollution, there are agents, salts, and elements that can contribute to the corrosion and oxidation of stainless steel, this should be taken into account when requesting your quote and planning with what type of material you want to work.
How many types of corrosion exist?
The risks that can affect stainless steels are three, however, all these risks can be avoided with proper maintenance and realizing in time. The types of corrosion of stainless metals are described below.
Intergranular Corrosion
Intergranular corrosion occurs in steels with more than 0.03% carbon that produces a grid of carbides. This is mainly due to improper heat treatment or high temperatures generated primarily by poor welding procedure.
This does not mean that if it is welded badly, it will rust, but that grids begin to appear that cause that in a very distant future it can begin to produce long-term oxidation. Therefore, you have to be very careful at the time of installation and a correct welding technique.
Galvanic Corrosion
The galvanic effect occurs when two different metals come into electrical contact with the same metals. That is, when manufacturing stainless steel, an active metals table with passive materials should be followed that help prevent this reaction from taking place, as that is where the reaction occurs.
Galvanic corrosion should be avoided from the beginning and only experts are able to understand what solutions should be used to carry out impeccable work and that this corrosion occurs through contact between different metals in a high conductivity solution for the galvanic attack to occur.
Contact Corrosion
Cleaning is one of the most important actions that must be followed to obtain an optimal result. This is achieved through contact corrosion. When carrying out the processes of stainless steel, the place where it is carried out must be free of oxides, oils, metal particles or any other external agent that can affect the surface of the metal and the elaboration of stainless steel.
Although contact corrosion can occur a long time after the piece is in use, it is like a small particle that infects the entire piece until it becomes something serious. Therefore, it is essential to carefully review and be aware of its progress. Although this problem is caused directly by the manufacturers, hence the importance of going with experts.
Corrosion of stainless steel is possible when processes, protocols, and procedures are not followed as dictated by the standard, which is why we always recommend going with experts. At Ulbrinox we have the highest manufacturing standards, with certifications like ISO 9000 or the IATF.
Contact us and ask about the procedures and how to avoid, at all times, the corrosion of your stainless steel materials.
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