Stainless steel finishes in exterior applications.

Sept. 14, 2011 - PRLog -- Stainless steel is a very versatile product and is used in a wide selection of manufacturing processes and industries. There are many ways in which stainless steel can and is used and there is constant research to discover ways to recycle and reuse stainless steel. Stainless steel is a fully recyclable material and is extremely versatile and for this reason is used in a wide variety of applications.

There are over 150 grades of stainless steel and it really depends on the application of the stainless steel material and its use. Stainless steel that is installed within a swimming pool area will be subjected to many chemicals and has to be able to withstand those chemicals without changing the appearance and material of stainless steel. Stainless steel which is installed in coastal areas will also be subjected to sea water which can break down and destroy the material; the grades that are selected are done so with this is mind in order to ensure the longevity of the stainless steel material.

The surface finishes of stainless steel products will also differ depending on it application and the different finishes will affect the appearance of the finished product.  Most surface finishes ensure that the stainless steel product has very high rust corrosion resistance.
In general, dull polished finishes are used for external applications and many architectural structures. The roughness of stainless steel products can play huge part in the risk of corrosion developing and rough and patterned surfaces can harbour more harmful substances that can consequently cause rust and corrosion. Stainless steel; finishes that have rough surfaces are also harder to clean and thorough cleaning is often impossible, rain water that subsequently falls will not always wash away the corrosive materials.  In this instance different grades of stainless steel may be necessary to ensure the stainless steel maintains its rust free capabilities.

Stainless steel is a unique material covered with a chromium oxide film which protects the material from rusting and degenerating, for this reason the surface finish doesn’t need any other treatment in order to protect it from the elements.  Stainless steel is categorised into numbers depending on its surface finish.  Stainless steel flat finishes are described as mill finished and can be either hot or cold rolled. There are other various additional desired finishes and applied finishes will affect the appearance of the stainless steel products and the performance of the material.

The finish of stainless steel rests heavily on its use and the environment it will be in and for this reason should be carefully chosen. A good manufacturing company who specialise in architectural products for exterior environments will be able to advise on the correct grade and surface finish of stainless steel to ensure it is correct and will be suitable for its application.

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Heathbrook supply Aluminium products, stainless steel and Architectural products including ornamental staircases and balconies. http://www.heathbrook.co.uk