When it comes to metal materials, stainless steel is widely popular due to its many uses and applications in various industries; it is typically utilised in architecture and construction, automotive and transportation, the medical field, as well as the food and beverage industry. This metal material can be turned in multiple forms of plates, bars, sheets, and tubing used in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
In this article, we’ll specifically delve into the use of marine-grade 316 stainless steel to determine whether or not it’s a worthy investment.
What to know about marine-grade 316 stainless steel
For the uninitiated, stainless steel is an alloy of iron, chromium, and other elements like carbon, nickel, manganese, and many more.
Elements are typically added to increase corrosion resistance, have high or low-temperature resistance, improve strength, weldability, and form, and control magnetism. It is merely produced by way of melting, removing carbon content, tuning, forming or casting, hot or cold rolling, annealing, descaling, cutting, and finishing.
Keep in mind that this metal is naturally corrosion-resistant. However, it is still subject to corrosion when exposed to harsh environments, such as saltwater. This is where the marine grade stainless steel comes into the picture, where the 316 or 316L versions are used to enhance its corrosion-resistance properties.
The benefits of marine-grade stainless steel
There is actually no industry-standard marine grade for stainless steel. However, the 316 or 316L is the most common grade recognised by different industries due to the inclusion of molybdenum in its composition. That said, here are some of its valuable benefits you can take advantage of with this steel option:
- Improved resistance to corrosion
- Resistance to chemicals
- Resistance to heat
- Amazing insulating properties
- High stress-to-rupture strength
- Durable yet lightweight
- Non-magnetic property
Factors impacting the marine grade stainless steel
It’s worth knowing that no stainless steel is a hundred-per cent resistant to corrosion; even marine grade 316 metal is subject to this natural occurrence. Below are common factors that affect its corrosion-resistance property:
- Service temperature: Constant exposure to heat or coldness impacts your steel in the long run.
- Salt concentration: Marine water environment leads your steel to get rusted due to high salt content.
- Time in contact: The length of time your metal material is in contact with the harsh elements can lead to its deterioration over time.
- Cleaning and maintenance: Your metal materials need constant cleaning and upkeep to ensure they last longer than usual.
For staircases, handrails, and balustrades
When it comes to using certain materials for staircases, handrails, and balustrades, stainless steel can be your best bet. Take note of the following:
- Stairs: They can be manufactured with this durable metal, dip galvanised, and turned into solid materials, whether for indoor or outdoor spaces.
- Balustrades: They can be designed with unmatched strength and durability with the use of this metal.
- Handrails: They can be aesthetically designed with the utmost security and effectiveness using metal that meets BCA requirements.
By using marine grade stainless steel, you can take the above-mentioned fixtures further up a notch!
Conclusion
At this point, you now know what marine-grade stainless steel entails and the factors impacting this metal’s material. With all the valuable benefits discussed above, you have all the right reasons to opt for this material. Whether for your staircases, balustrading, or handrails, you can expect them to last for as long as possible, which is why choosing the 316L is such a worthy investment!
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