How to identify and select quality stainless steel?
In the market there is a wide variety of materials manufactured in stainless steel, Depending on the project or product we want to purchase, we will need to look for a series of characteristics. In this post we will discover what are those characteristics that identify a quality stainless steel.
How to identify stainless steel?
- brightness and color. Stainless steel has a shiny appearance (depending on the finish it has) and with silver tones. To identify the hue, we can compare it with kitchen extractor hoods, since these are made of stainless steel with a satin finish.
- Hardness. Stainless steel is very hard, unlike other metals such as carbon steel, which is softer. The strength of this material does not prevent it from being moulded with specialised machinery. It is common to bend stainless steel tubes, but it must be ensured that the material is suitable.
- Oxidation. Stainless making is a material corrosion resistant, This material has an inert layer of chromium oxide, which makes it highly resistant. There are many chemical products on the market that can be used to check the resistance to this corrosion.
Tricks to identifyicar if it is quality stainless steel
- magnet mythIt is very common to have the idea that if we pass a magnet over the surface of stainless steel it will not have any effect since it is believed that stainless steel is not magnetic. This idea is false, since magnetism will depend on its alloy and its machining, stainless steel is commonly ferromagnetic, which is why it is attracted by a magnet, although there may be materials in stainless steel that are not magnetic. Because if it goes through a machining process, such as polishing a tube, it can lose its magnetic capacity.
- Key trick. Stainless steel is a highly resistant material, so we can use the key trick, we pass a key through the stainless steel surface, if the key leaves any marks it is not stainless steel.
What finishes can stainless steel have?
The stainless steel It can be purchased in different finishes, depending on the use that we are going to give it, we will be interested in acquiring it in one or the other.
- Matte or Raw: The matt finish has an opaque appearance, this finish is the one that leaves the factory, it is a good option when it is not going to be installed on sight since it is the most economical option.
- Satin: The satin finish can vary depending on the supplier, as it is the result of a brushing treatment, creating an appearance with a dull shine and fine parallel lines. This finish is often used in the hospitality industry, for example, in kitchen extractor hoods.
- Polished: The polished finish has a shiny and reflective appearance, this is the result of treating the stainless surface with abrasives until reaching a mirror finish, this process improves its appearance by eliminating any possible defects it may have. This finish is usually used in accessories, such as railing accessories.
What qualities of stainless steel are there?
In the market there are a wide variety of qualities, the most common are qualities 304 and 316, the main difference between these qualities is the resistance to corrosion.
The quality 316 It has an addition of molybdenum, a type of metal that has great resistance to corrosion, so stainless steel of this quality has more resistance to corrosion, mainly in more salty environments and exposed to chloride.
Therefore, it is advisable to use this quality if we are going to carry out work that is near the sea. On the other hand, if they are works indoors or areas that are not near the sea, it is advisable to use quality 304 since it will be cheaper.
How to differentiate if it is stainless steel or galvanized?
Sometimes stainless steel pieces can be confused with galvanized ones since they can have similar shades, but they are totally different materials.
Galvanized steel has a zinc coating, which is what causes that similar hue and can prevent corrosion until that layer that covers it wears off. Instead, stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium and carbon, with more than 10% of chromium and other elements that make it a completely corrosion resistant material.
If you have doubts, you can use the trick that we indicated above or use some corrosive product to see if it resists oxidation.
If you have any questions about how to identify any stainless steel material or article, do not hesitate to contact us. contact with us.
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