Since we're the experts when it comes to water and
explosion proof elevator equipment, we figured we'd
need to know quite a bit about how our equipment is
affected by water and other corrosive gases and
materials. The bottom line is that stainless is not all the
same.
Both photographs show stainless steel from the 300
Series which has more chromium in it than the 400
Series does. Both metal samples were exposed to the
elements five miles from the southern coast of South
Carolina for an extended period of time.
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9
Stainless Steel Is Not Created Equal
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TYPE 304 - 1941 TO 1981
Keep in mind how long this piece was exposed to the
environment, over 40 years. Note that in extremely
corrosive environments your equipment may perform
better or worse.
The standard for our NEMA 4X Fixture Line, Type
304 Provides excellent protection against corrosion.
TYPE 316 - 1941 TO 1981
This piece was also exposed to the environment for 40
years.
The standard for our Coastal and Transit Series
Fixtures, Type 316 provides the ultimate in corrosion
control. Because of its chemical make up it will outlast
304 and provide the most protection in areas where
corrosion is a problem.
FAST FACTS
Whether it's Type 304 or 316 Stainless Steel, it's happiest when kept clean with a soft damp cloth and a mild soapy
solution.
Stainless steel has a unique feature: It is self healing. Due to the alloying elements in the stainless steel, a thin
transparent "passive layer" is formed on the surface. This is one of the reasons why we apply a brush finish to all
fixtures.
Even if the stainless steel surface is scratched or damaged, this passive layer, which is only a few atoms thick,
instantaneously reforms under the influence of the oxygen in the air. This explains why stainless steel does not
require any coating or corrosion protection to remain bright and shiny after decades of use.