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This article describes the contents of the Architects’ Guide to Stainless Steel, an online resource containing an extensive amount of architectural information concerning stainless steel. The topics covered include grade selection, product forms, durability, economics, production and fabrication, surface finish, joining, maintenance and cleaning. The computer aided learning package Stainless SteelCAL is also described.
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British and ASTM, (American Society for Testing and Materials), standards are listed in sections covering tolerances, passivation and cleaning and testing products in stainless steels. LAST REVIEWED 10th January 2012.
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Stainless steels are highly durable, but in certain service conditions may stain or discolour due to surface deposits. In order to achieve maximum corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal, stainless steel surfaces must be kept clean. Factors affecting maintenance are outlined. Recommendations on the frequency of cleaning for architectural applications are given.
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A cleaning frequency or schedule for external or various architectural application site types is shown and covers grades 1.4016, (430), 1.4301, (304), and 1.4401, (316). The sites include rural urban and coastal, (marine). Cleaning suggestions for a range of situations are made. These include routine cleaning, removal of fingerprints, oil, grease marks, water marking, light rust staining, burnt on food, tea and coffee residues, mortar, (cement), splashes, heavy discolouration, paint and graffiti. The dangers of using bleach, (sodium hypochlorite), and hydrochloric acid based cleaning agents, (brick mortar remover), are noted.
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A range of cleaning methods for stainless steel is described. Routine cleaning methods for light soiling, (e.g. fingerprints, oil and grease marks, light rust staining), are given. These are followed by methods for cleaning stainless steel following vandalism, accident and neglect. (130)
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Ko Buijs of Van Leeuwen Stainless describes dry ice blasting as a method for removing surface corrosion from stainless steel. Reprinted from Stainless Steel World – April 2006
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Stainless steel is a great material to work with. As with all materials you need to know how to treat it correctly for maximum cost effectiveness. This article summarises the typical pitfalls and remedies.
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Rust staining can occur and has been reported as anything from a slight brown ‘bloom’ on the surface to severe surface pitting or rusty scour marks on items such as handrails. These effects are usually due to surface contamination from contact with non-stainless steel items. Iron contamination can be costly to remedy, and is avoidable. The ferroxyl test can be used to detect ‘free’ iron contamination. (108)
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Stainless steels naturally self-passivate whenever a clean surface is exposed to an environment that can provide enough oxygen. Passivation treatments are also sometimes specified for finishing stainless steel fabrications. Passivation normally involves using nitric acid. Citric acid treatments can also be considered. Recommended practices from ASTM A380, A967 and BS EN 2516 are shown.
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An up to date review of pickling processes for stainless steel including immersion, spray, localised and anodic. It emphasises the benefits of pickling on the corrosion resistance of stainless steel. Author – John Swain of Anopol first published in Stainless Steel Focus Issue 03/2007.
