STAINLESS STEEL A
s part of their service to customers, PFERD South Africa, the manufacturer of products for surface preparation, finishing and cutting, offers guidance on working with stainless steel and ensure customers benefit from everything this versatile material has to offer. Marius Steyn, Training Manager at PFERD South Africa explains: “The South African stainless steel and steel industries are well established in the supply of high-quality steel. Stainless steel applications can be found in all of the major industrial sectors, be it food, beverage, pharmaceutical or automotive and it is important to achieve the specified surface conditions and finishing. In order to obtain a high standard, certain tools and in-situ arrangements need to be adhered to for the process to be successful and cost-efficient.”
ESTABLISH THE FUNCTION Differing surface functions determine the final surface roughness and finish of the stainless steel. Industrial applications, for example, may require a surface definition that prevents bacterial growth to ensure a safe and hygienic environment as well as to maintain corrosion and wear resistance in order to prevent structural damage. In the retail or architectural sector, aesthetics take precedence and priority is placed on the stainless steel’s final appearance. Therefore, it is important to establish what function the finished stainless steel surface will perform.
ELIMINATE CROSS CONTAMINATION Stainless steel is an alloy of iron with a minimum of 10.5 percent chromium. Chromium produces a thin layer of oxide on the surface of the steel—the “passive” layer—this prevents surface corrosion. Damage to the passive chromium layer, caused by incorrect working methods can lead to the stainless steel rusting. Cross-contamination of INOX is one form of damage that can cause it to rust. “The prevention of cross contamination of non-stainless with stainless steel is a crucial factor when working with stainless steel in workshops. PFERD advises customers to protect the work components at hand from surface contamination and contamination from other materials”, Steyn said. Sparks from close by metal cutting and grinding operations can embed themselves in the stainless steel and lead to its eventual deterioration. This can occur sometime after installation of the stainless steel products and would then require costly repairs in accordance to best practises. Only specialised grinding and polishing components for stainless steel should be used and all non-stainless consumables should be avoided due to the possibility of contamination. Mr Steyn added, “The protection of the stainless steel operation goes as far as recommending the establishment of dedicated stainless steel working
SEIFSA NEWS
| SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021
29