Barrett Limited

Melbourne, United States

Stainless steel is defined as a steel alloy having a minimum of 10.5% to 11% chromium content by mass. This chromium content means stainless steel does not corrode, rust or stain within water as ordinary steels do. It is the addition of chromium that differs Stainless steel from carbon steel. Unprotected carbon steel rusts readily when exposed to air and moisture forming an iron oxide film (rust) on the surface which is active and accelerates corrosion by forming more iron oxide if continually exposed to this type of atmosphere, this is due to the dissimilar size of the iron and iron oxide molecules (iron oxide is larger), the iron tends to flake and fall away. Exposed to the same conditions Stainless steels contain sufficient chromium to form a passive film of chromium oxide on the surface which prevents further corrosion and blocks corrosion from spreading into the metal's internal structure, due to the similar size of the steel and oxide molecules they bond very strongly and remain attached to the surface.

Ferritic stainless steels generally have better engineering properties than austenitic grades, but can have reduced corrosion resistance, because of the lower chromium content. They are also usually less expensive. They contain between 10.5% and 27% chromium and very little nickel, if any. Barrett Stainless stock Grades1:4003 medium corrosion resistanceLow costpainted or HDG replacement1:4509 (441) Good corrosion resistantGood astheticsMedium cost Possible 304 replacement1:4521 (444) Good corrosion resistant good aesthetics medium cost Possible 316 replacement1:4003Is a low cost 12% chromium stainless steel with the corrosion resistance superior to that of carbon steel due to its higher chromium content.As with other ferritic grades 1:4003 has an excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking.This grade can be used in most indoor applications requiring stainless steel but also in outdoor applications where aesthetics is not a major requirement.Alternatively where aesthetics are of importance applying a protective coatings, like a paint systems is a common solution.

Our S420MH grade is a cold formed, high grade, multi purpose hollow section, offering trusted formability and toughness.This is now available with dual certification providing the flexibility to design using higher strength material when the situation demands. The product retains the option to benefit from the excellent weldability and fabrication characteristics of the traditional Hybox 355. It is batch tested for your assurance.It is ideally suited for a range of applications which include :-Framework structures of bulidingsBridge structuresRailingsPillarsMastsFramework structures for machinery, vehicles and mechanical handling equipment.By utilising S420MH in your designs, there is a potential for considerable weight reductions. Click here to view the technical information Contact our sales team now to see how The Barrett Group can help you.Email us at.sales@barrettsteel.comPhone us on.01274 682281Use our website.Contact us