What is Stainless Steel?

Stainless Steel is alloys containing iron, relatively low carbon, minimum 11% chromium and up to 30% nickel. For increased corrosion resistance or for manufacturing requirements in specific applications, chromium may be increased and other elements such as manganese, aluminium, titanium and/or molybdenum may be added as required.

Stainless steels are sometimes called corrosion-resisting steels since the term stainless may suggest non-staining. It does not mean non-staining in all environments, but less staining and more resistant to corrosive attack when compared with steels containing under about 11% chromium.

What makes stainless steel resist corrosion?

Chromium (the key element in stainless steels) in excess of about 11% forms a tenacious, refractory oxide, protective film on any exposed layer, ie, a corrosion barrier. This relatively impervious film is considered to be self-healing or self-restoring. It will, if broken, repair itself spontaneously upon re-exposure to an oxidizing agent such as air or nitro acid.

Resistance to corrosive attack under specific conditions is enhanced by progressively increasing chromium over 11% and/or by the addition of other elements such as nickel, molybdenum and copper.

Care of Your Stainless Steel

Although stainless steel keeps its lustrous finish even under adverse conditions, it still needs regular cleaning. Soap and water is usually all you need.

Frequency of cleaning will vary according to the required appearance and environment. This is best determined by varying the cleaning cycle until suitable programme is established. Patterned or textured finishes are useful for heavy traffic areas because they do not highlight finger marks, scratches, dents, etc.

In industrial applications, regular inspections should establish the material condition and ensure that deposit build-up, likely to cause crevices, is regularly removed. If rust staining is noted (tea staining), or corrosion is suspected, closer inspection should be undertaken to determine the nature, cause and severity of the problem. If attack is detected, Coated products division – Stainless should be contacted to advise on corrective action. Normally cleaning and passivation can prevent further attack. Vessels not in use should be completely emptied, and if necessary residual pools of liquid sponged-up. This precaution prevents concentration of salts by evaporation of liquid. Failure to perform this task may lead to corrosive attack.

Do

Don’t

• Use steel wool or metallic scrapers to remove non-washable deposits, this is very important as the particles from the steel wool items can deposit in your stainless resulting in scratching and severe inset rust.
• Allow dirt to accumulate or to dry out and harden.
• Use cleaners containing harsh abrasives or high bleach contents.

Cleaning your Stainless Steel

For rust or tea stain affected stainless steel it is recommended that a specialised cleaner be used. 

LC Stainless Solutions has a 'Stainless Steel Cleaning and Rejuvenating Kit' which is a 2 part cleaning and protective system: Part 1, is a specialist cleaner formulated for stainless steel, providing a thorough deep cleaning, removing rusting, oxidation, tea staining and other staining that occurs through natural weathering and exposure to the environment.  Part 2, Stainless Steel Sentry Oil provides a microscopic coating which will coat and protect your stainless steel for several months.

This cleaning system provides amazing results, rejuvenating stainless to an 'Like New' state.

 sales@lcss.com.au

17 Victoria Street, Wollongong NSW 2500

Ph: 02 4226 5500           Fax: 02 42265504