What is Stainless Steel? Are there different grades?
Stainless steel is not one material, but rather a name for a group of corrosion resistant steels. Stainless is one of the most long-term solutions for long life applications. It is the chromium creates the thin layer of oxide known as the ‘passive layer.’ It is the passive layer that prevents corrosion.
Graepels manufacture austenitic materials. These are non-magnetic, non-heat transferable steels (e.g., 304, 304L, 316, 316L) offer excellent corrosion resistance, heat resistance and formability. These materials are found in food, chemical and architectural industry.
Why Choose Perforated Stainless Steel?
Considerations for using Stainless Steel?
Perforated stainless steel sheets are durable and strong and long lasting provided the material is kept clean, stainless can rust in open elements, customers need to consider the environment and location for application.
Stainless steel needs to be kept clean particularly when the surface is new. The corrosion resistance of stainless relies on a protective “passive” film forming on its’ surface.
This protective film (formed by oxygen) will protect the material if contaminants are washed off. This happens naturally when it rains provided the surface is smooth enough so as not to hold contaminants.
Corrosion Protection for Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel does exactly what it is meant to once handled properly. Stainless steel relies on Oxygen being able to reach the surface, therefore the surface must be kept clean during the aging process when oxygen reacts with the surface to form a protective film or skin. After this process (which can take weeks) the surface becomes more resistant to staining.
Selection of key strategies for corrosion protection of stainless steel:
- Appropriate grade of stainless steel: For example, 316 stainless steel provides better resistance to chloride corrosion compared to 304 stainless steels.
- Surface treatments:
Passivation: Treats the stainless steel with an acid solution, such as nitric acid, to remove surface contaminants and enhance the formation of the protective oxide layer. This oxide layer prevents further oxidation and corrosion.
Electropolishing: Electrochemical process which smooths and polishes the surface, reducing the number of surface irregularities where corrosion could initiate. It enhances the passive layer and improves the overall corrosion resistance.
Pickling: Involves using acid solutions to remove scale, rust, and other contaminants from the surface, restoring the protective chromium oxide layer.
- Surface treatments:
- Protective coatings: Applying paint, powder coatings, or other organic layers can provide a physical barrier against corrosive elements. These coatings are particularly useful in environments where stainless steel is exposed to aggressive chemicals or saltwater.
- Considering design aspects: Design parts to minimize crevices and tight spaces where
corrosive agents can become trapped and initiate crevice corrosion. Ensure proper drainage and ventilation in designs helps prevent the accumulation of moisture and corrosive substances. Smoother surfaces are less likely to trap contaminants and are easier to clean, reducing the risk of corrosion. - Maintaining proper care: Maintenance schedules, avoid abrasive cleaning materials.
Controlling environmental exposure: Limiting the exposure of stainless steel to harsh environments, such as those with high chloride concentrations, can significantly reduce the risk of corrosion.
Perforated Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel: At Graepels we have the ability to work with stainless steel. We cut, form, weld and fabricate into complex shapes.
Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Perforated stainless steel maintains a good strength-to-weight ratio, providing sufficient structural support while being lighter than solid sheets.
Load Distribution: The perforations can help distribute loads and stresses more evenly in certain applications, enhancing the overall performance of the material.
Customisation: The ability to create various hole sizes, shapes, and patterns allows for high customisation to meet specific design requirements.
Applications:
- Architectural Design: Perforated stainless steel can be used to create visually appealing designs and patterns. Its modern look is popular in architectural and decorative applications, including facades, interior design elements, and sunshades.
- Heat Sinks: In electronic equipment to dissipate heat effectively
- Grain Dryers and Storage: For drying and storing grains, allowing for proper ventilation.
- Animal Feeders: In livestock feeders to ensure durability and ease of cleaning.
- Greenhouse Panels: To allow light and air into the greenhouse while providing structural support.
- Effective Filtration: The perforations allow for effective filtration and separation of particles in industrial applications. It is widely used in filters, sieves, and screens.
- Particle Separation: Useful in industries like food processing and mining for separating assorted sizes of materials.
- Multi-Functional Use: Perforated stainless steel can serve multiple functions simultaneously, such as providing structural support, allowing ventilation, and enhancing aesthetics.
Woven Wire Stainless Steel
Strength and Flexibility: Woven wire mesh offers an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, providing robust support while remaining lightweight and flexible. This makes it ideal for applications where both strength and ease of handling are important.
Even Stress Distribution: The interwoven design of wire mesh helps distribute loads and stresses more evenly, enhancing the overall performance of the material in various applications.
Mesh Size and Wire Diameter: Wide range of sizes for mesh openings, wire thickness, and weaving patterns.
Surface Treatment: Depending on the application and customer preferences, stainless steel woven wire mesh may undergo surface treatments such as pickling, passivation, or electro-polishing to enhance corrosion resistance and improve aesthetics.
Applications:
- Facade Cladding: Used for decorative and functional facades in architectural designs, providing ventilation, sun shading, and privacy while adding a modern aesthetic.
- Balustrades and Railings: Provides a sleek and durable barrier in staircases, balconies, and terraces, ensuring safety while complementing architectural aesthetics.
- Grain Storage and Processing: Used in grain dryers, storage bins, and processing equipment to ensure proper ventilation, prevent spoilage, and maintain product quality.
- Security Screens and Fencing: Installed doors, windows, and perimeter fencing for security purposes, offering visibility, airflow, and protection against intrusion.
- Electrical Enclosures: Employed in electrical cabinets and enclosures to provide ventilation and protection against dust and debris while maintaining electrical conductivity.
