Get an Expert Opinion on Stainless Steel Grates
There are many products that we use that we just presume “are what they are”, with no consideration that their may be variance in, or even grades of, quality. This presumption is most likely incorrect of all things, And, while what is good, bad, better, or worse may be subjective, there are nonetheless differences within a product to which we are ignorant because of a lack of sensitivity (perhaps in some cases requiring specialised equipment for detection), or expertise.
So, what’s the potential problem with this for the consumer? In some cases, nothing, we may remain blissfully ignorant of having an inferior product (who can tell the difference between a 12 and 80 dollar bottle of wine, right?). In other cases, differences become apparent over a passage of time, This is the case for stainless steel grades and grate
Off the shelf, there may not appear to be much in the way of difference between brands of stainless steel grates. However, even if the “write up”, or even the grade of steel, is the same, over time the differences in material quality and manufacturing practices becomes clear – inferior products may rust, stain, warp, or even break. This is why it pays to do your research. Here is the low-down when it comes to stainless steel
The Material
Stainless steel grates are an intricate thing – they are a bunch of unions. or sections, that are joined together to make a grate. If poorly manufactured, there is a lot that can go wrong.
As a general practice of manufacturing, stainless steel needs to be pacified once it’s manufactured. If it changes its appearance, is cut, welded, edged, and so on, the surface of the stainless steel is interrupted, it is cut and, in essence, needs to re-heal – this is where passivation comes in.
Passivation is a chemical dunking in a solution of hydroflouric nitric, other chemicals, and wetting agents, that will heal any scar on stainless steel. It stops the leaching, the tea stained brown of iron (the largest component of stainless steel) from coming out of the stainless steel. As we noted earlier, stainless steel grates are intricate things that, even with immerse passivation, are prone to crevice corrosion, as you just can’t get into every nook and cranny… we are talking microns.
Passivation is a global practice (standard), though from some of the other products we see on the market, it would seem likely that some of the Chinese imports do not undergo this common process.
The Manufacturing
Stainless steel grates are an intricate thing – they are a bunch of unions. or sections, that are joined together to make a grate. If poorly manufactured, there is a lot that can go wrong.
As a general practice of manufacturing, stainless steel needs to be pacified once it’s manufactured. If it changes its appearance, is cut, welded, edged, and so on, the surface of the stainless steel is interrupted, it is cut and, in essence, needs to re-heal – this is where passivation comes in.
Passivation is a chemical dunking in a solution of hydroflouric nitric, other chemicals, and wetting agents, that will heal any scar on stainless steel. It stops the leaching, the tea stained brown of iron (the largest component of stainless steel) from coming out of the stainless steel. As we noted earlier, stainless steel grates are intricate things that, even with immerse passivation, are prone to crevice corrosion, as you just can’t get into every nook and cranny… we are talking microns.
Passivation is a global practice (standard), though from some of the other products we see on the market, it would seem likely that some of the Chinese imports do not undergo this common process.
Looking for the Best? Forget About the Rest!
At Auswave Products, we supply grates that can match, if not exceed all the “big-hitters” globally, as evidenced by the fact that our grates can be found all over the world.
We have the ability to design, draw and manufacture. Stainless steel grates, particularly architectural stainless steel systems, are what we do and our product truly leads the field in quality.
Contact us today to enquire about how our world class stainless steel grates can enrich and support your project.
