Since its discovery in 1913 by Harry Brearly, stainless steel has been widely used commercially. This metal is used in the most innovative medical implants to everyday cutleries. Though it is highly reputed for its ability to resist corrosion, it is not entirely impervious to degradation. However, if the corrosion is still at its starting phase and only shows minor rusting, this problem can be easily reversed by utilizing stainless steel weld cleaning machine.
Cause of stainless steel’s degradation
Chlorides are the primary culprit for the corrosion of stainless steel. Therefore, unless this metal is applied with a specialized coating, it can easily degrade when seawater.
Stainless steel can also be easily rendered useless when it is welded with a dissimilar alloy. Galvanic or bimetallic corrosion is a naturally occurring phenomenon caused by mixing two different metals via weld filler. Due to the electric current that passes through the surface, stainless steel starts accepting more electrons, leading to its corrosion. Furthermore, the addition of residual iron presence on steel disrupts its protective oxide layer, making this metal less resistant to rust.
Finally, the application of extreme temperature also lessens the capacity of stainless steel to withstand the effects of corrosion.
How to weld cleaning works
Weld cleaning is a common procedure utilized to increase metal surfaces’ resistance after MIG, TIG, and other welding types. As such, it is the perfect defense against bimetallic corrosion. This procedure typically involves the use of a cleaning machine, electric current, and cleaning solution.
The first step is the application of the cleaning solution on the weld’s surface. Afterwhich, a machine brush is used to let the electricity pass through and eradicate rust. Using this technique with a portable machine’s aid is more convenient than an electrolytic bath – an alternative that requires weld to be submerged in an electrolytic fluid.
Cost
A stainless steel weld cleaning machine costs between $3,900 for the basic design to $ 6,500 for high-end ones. Aside from the machine itself, you also have to buy fluids specific to your need. The fluid options available in the market can be used for pre-cleaning, polishing, neutralizing, weld cleaning, and finishing. Any of this fluid can cost between $55-120 per liter.
Shelling out thousands of dollars might be a significant investment on your part; however, the convenience it offers is worth its cost. A weld cleaning machine can quickly and effectively do its job. Furthermore, the electrochemical cleaning machine uses brushes that will be able to reach all the nooks and crannies of your stainless steel weld. Therefore, you can cover all the areas that might acquire rust. Additionally, you do not have to worry about wearing PPE during its application. As such, it offers the safest method for neutralizing corrosion.
Stainless steel is one of the most widely used materials in any industry. Despite its ability to withstand rust more than other metals, it can also be susceptible to this problem when exposed to an unfavorable environment. As a preventive measure or as a restorative procedure for minor corrosion, a weld cleaning machine can be used to ensure that stainless steel keeps its protective oxide layer. Investing in this machine may seem costly at first, but its benefits outweigh the money you will be shelling out.
