How Do Professionals Address Issues Such As Corrosion in Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Address Issues Such As Corrosion in Sheet Metal Fabrication
When it comes to metal fabrication projects, quality and safety are the top priorities. However, one common adversary threatens both of those objectives: unmanaged corrosion. Corrosion not only compromises the aesthetics of fabricated metal products but also erodes their structural integrity, endangers the health and safety of employees and negatively impacts a business’s commitment to the environment.
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Despite its negative reputation, corrosion is actually a natural process that happens to all metals over time. Iron and steel corrode to produce what we commonly call rust. However, a host of other metals are prone to one form of corrosion or another, including aluminum, brass, copper and even stainless steel.
To corrode, metal must be exposed to a corrosive environment. The three conditions needed for corrosion to occur are moisture, an exposed surface and an oxidizing agent. Iron and steel are most prone to the oxidation that leads to rusting but corrosion can also occur in the form of pitting, crevice attack and galvanic reaction.
How Do Professionals Address Issues Such As Corrosion in Sheet Metal Fabrication?
Corrosion can be slow and gradual, or it can happen fast. Pitting, or superficial corrosion, occurs when an exposed surface develops small holes that expose subsurface material to the atmosphere. This creates a mini-environment under the coating, and over time, the hole will expand until it blisters the film or otherwise exposes the underlying metal. Pitting can cause significant damage to a metal product, and it is often difficult to detect until it reaches the point of collapse or failure.
Galvanic corrosion is the result of two dissimilar metals in contact with each other. This is most common with aluminum and cast iron, as well as copper and steel. This type of corrosion can damage structures such as commercial roofing and facades, and it is particularly dangerous in the case of bridges and other large structures.
Stress corrosion cracking is the most dangerous and costly type of corrosion. It is the result of corrosion affecting a metal in areas of high stress and fatigue, such as the connections of mechanical equipment. This type of corrosion can weaken metal parts to the point of failure, resulting in massive repair costs and a need for replacement.
Corrosion is a costly and preventable problem. Taking the time to understand how metals react with their environments, as well as implementing regular maintenance and inspection programs, are the best ways to combat the effects of corrosion on fabricated metal. In addition, utilizing protective coatings such as e-coat/top coat systems or powder coating will help keep metals protected from the elements and corrosive materials.
Taking these preventive measures will allow metal fabricators to deliver high-quality products that look great, perform well and last for a long time. For more information on how to protect your metal from corroding, contact the experts at CC Technologies. They provide corrosion assessment and control services to businesses around the country. Their team can help you protect your business’s assets and improve your customers’ overall experience with your products and services.