How Stainless Steel Balustrading Is Treated During the Manufacturing Process
Stainless steel balustrading consists of a stainless steel handrail above a series of posts, or balusters. Balustrades can be used across residential, commercial and public buildings. They can be placed inside or outside. Stainless steel is made using methods such as welding, grinding and polishing. Treating the steel during this process is very important.
This is because stainless steel has a layer of oxide which provides a great level of protection against corrosion but processes such as grinding and welding reduce this natural layer of protection. Methods such as passivation and electro-polishing can be used to restore this layer. These processes can also improve the visual appearance of the steel and make it easier to clean.
Pickling
Pickling or chemical descaling uses steps to prepare the steel for passivation. During the manufacturing process, processes such as welding create a scale on the steel. This scale must be removed before the steel is treated using passivation. Pickling can be used to remove this scale from the surface of the hot steel. Pickling generally uses one step to soften the scale and another to remove the scale.
Passivation treatment
Passivation uses chemicals to restore the protective layer of the steel through removing oil and debris from the surface of the steel. The steel is then placed into a passivating bath. This process provides the steel with a greater layer of external protection. This means that the steel is less likely to suffer from corrosion. Passivation also provides the steel with a smooth finish and extends the life of the stainless steel balustrade.
Electro-polishing treatment
Electro-polishing provides stainless steel with the highest degree of resistance against corrosion when compared with other treatment processes. Electro-polishing uses electrolysis to treat the steel. The balustrade is covered in an electrolyte, and an electrical current is run through it. This produces a chemical reaction which completes the electro-polishing process.
Electro-polishing also offers aesthetic benefits. It provides the stainless steel with greater clarity, smoothness and lustre. There are also no lines from abrasive polishing. Electropolished stainless steel is also easier to clean. This is because electropolished steel can be hydro blasted more quickly and at a lower pressure than if the steel were not electropolished. Electro-polishing also improves the sterilisation of the steel and makes it easier to maintain a level of hygiene. This means that electropolished stainless steel balustrades are also suitable for use in eating establishments.
