When designing and building a marine project, you need materials that will resist the salt and humidity of maritime environments. Like the 304-grade flat bar used by Quality Metal Group, stainless steel is ideal for such projects.
It is a prevalent material for components on ships and boats of all sizes. This is due to its corrosion resistance, strength, and aesthetics.
Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion is a constant concern for metal parts and components in marine environments. Saltwater can corrode metal, and choosing the correct grade of stainless steel is essential to protect against this.
While all grades of stainless steel can withstand corrosion, some have better resistance than others. For example, 316 has added molybdenum to help prevent pitting and crevice corrosion when exposed to chlorides (such as seawater and de-icing salts).
Stainless steel also forms a protective layer of chromium oxide on the surface that stops oxygen from reaching the underlying steel. This makes it an excellent choice for marine applications.
Strength
Whether on a large commercial vessel on the ocean or a small pontoon boat on the lake, strong stainless steel marine products like boat stairs can withstand a lot of pressure and stress. This strength and their ability to resist corrosion make them ideal for various projects, including piping, pulpits, hinges, railing accents, and fasteners.
The most popular stainless steel grade for use in the marine industry is 316. Compared to 304, 316 includes more molybdenum, which helps it better resist pitting and crevice corrosion from chloride solutions found in saltwater environments. This is particularly important if the stainless steel marine products are exposed to salt spray.
Durability
When it comes to marine projects, durability is essential. It’s critical that your products withstand the wet conditions they will encounter and that they do not rust or begin to break down over time.
Stainless steel is ideal for marine environments and applications because it is solid and durable. It is also corrosion-resistant, making it an excellent choice for marine products like ornamental tubing and boat accessories.
Stainless steel grades like 316 and duplex offer improved resistance to corrosion in marine environments. These grades can withstand the higher concentrations of salt found in marine environments.
Low Maintenance
Even if stainless steel is tough and durable, it requires some maintenance. Over time, salt water and sun can cause the metal to become hazy or brown, but the good news is that it’s easy to restore this metal to its original lustrous finish.
Stainless steel is standard for docks and marinas, especially grade 316 stainless steel. This marine-grade stainless steel has a higher corrosion resistance than 304-grade stainless steel and is ideal for applications near water. This makes it an excellent choice for docks and marinas that experience constant use, exposure to the elements, or both.
Versatility
A highly demanding marine environment requires structures that withstand salt content, water flow rates, and pressure. Marine-grade stainless steel can meet these demands while still providing strength and durability.
From massive commercial freighters in the ocean to pontoon boats on a lake, stainless steel is a common component in marine construction projects. Typical uses include piping, pulpits, hinges, and accents.
Be sure to consider your specific project requirements when choosing a grade of stainless steel. Consider whether the alloy must be formed, welded, or machined. Also, test the magnetism of your product; many counterfeit or low-grade stainless steel items are not magnetic.
Aesthetics
From ocean freighters to pontoon boats, stainless steel is a common choice for marine products because it offers durability, low maintenance, and high cosmetic standards. It’s also easy to weld and form.
316 stainless steel is widely used in the marine industry because it resists chloride exposure. This resistance is achieved through a combination of molybdenum and chromium. In addition, 316 stainless steel is non-reactive and possesses hygienic properties.
