Data Sheets
Stainless Steel | General Information
Stainless Steel in Coastal Environments
The main purpose of this Datasheet is to advise on the choice of stainless steel for use outside in coastal areas in terms of the correct choice of grade and finish.
It has been shown after many years of stainless steel usage in coastal environments that grade 316 or 316L is the optimal choice of stainless steel grade with Mirror Polished being the best finish choice for long life and maintenance of good appearance. {If a matt finish is required then finishing by use of bead-blasting using FINE GLASS beads to give a smooth surface may be an option, although this is NOT recommended and will require more regular cleaning – If using this method, it is critical that the Glass Beads must be clean and free from any iron/mild steel contamination and that a rigorous pickling & passivation treatment is carried out after blasting.}
This correct choice of Mirror Polished grade 316 should also be combined with a cleaning regime that will keep the stainless steel and its finish looking great for many years. After fabrication and/or upon installation the stainless steel should be thoroughly cleaned to remove any surface contamination, dirt, etc. Innosoft from Aalco is a particularly good choice of cleaning product since it is formulated to ensure a deep clean of the surface pores. It is also good practice to apply some form of protective product such as Innoprotect from Aalco that will help keep the surface cleaner for longer by resisting the adhesion of contaminants and dirt. Thereafter, where the stainless steel is regularly rinsed by rainwater little additional cleaning will be required, although rinsing with fresh water from time to time is desirable.
For both initial cleaning and on-going cleaning, care must be taken to use soft, non-abrasive cleaning cloths that are clean and not contaminated in any way with iron or mild steel.
Equally, any cleaning products used must not affect the polished finish and, if likely to damage the passive surface layer (see below) must be followed by a re-passivation treatment.
Disclaimer
This Data is indicative only and as such is not to be relied upon in place of the full specification. In particular, mechanical property requirements vary widely with temper, product and product dimensions. All information is based on our present knowledge and is given in good faith. No liability will be accepted by the Company in respect of any action taken by any third party in reliance thereon.
Please note that the 'Datasheet Update' date shown above is no guarantee of accuracy or whether the datasheet is up to date.
The information provided in this datasheet has been drawn from various recognised sources, including EN Standards, recognised industry references (printed & online) and manufacturers’ data. No guarantee is given that the information is from the latest issue of those sources or about the accuracy of those sources.
Material supplied by the Company may vary significantly from this data, but will conform to all relevant and applicable standards.
As the products detailed may be used for a wide variety of purposes and as the Company has no control over their use; the Company specifically excludes all conditions or warranties expressed or implied by statute or otherwise as to dimensions, properties and/or fitness for any particular purpose, whether expressed or implied.
Advice given by the Company to any third party is given for that party’s assistance only and without liability on the part of the Company. All transactions are subject to the Company’s current Conditions of Sale. The extent of the Company’s liabilities to any customer is clearly set out in those Conditions; a copy of which is available on request.