Steel corrosion is a menace to equipment and supplies of any company. Many machinery parts made of steel are often subject to harsh environments which leads to steel corrosion. Preventing steel from corrosion can help your machines last longer. Have a look at some tips to reduce steel corrosion.
Tips to reduce steel corrosion
- Apply protective coating
This is the most common method used in industries and is an important tip to reduce steel corrosion. Paint, plastic or powder can form a protective coating for steel. Plastic and paint are often sprayed on the steel surface.
Powders like nylon, epoxy, and urethane when applied on a steel surface can create a thin film. Powder coatings are known for their durability and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Also, because these powder coatings do not include solvents, there are less Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions unlike paint or plastic.
- Corrosion resistant design
Certain steel parts of a machine will be exposed to conditions like moisture, water, humidity, etc. You can limit this exposure using a design that can increase the corrosion resistance in such an environment.
For example, components that have the chance of collecting remnants of water and debris should be designed with a narrow gap to allow the debris/water to pass without remaining stagnant.
- Limit exposure to harsh environment
Environmental factors are responsible for corrosion of steel. Storing steel equipment in a clean and dry place when not in use can limit exposure to corroding elements. Also, cleaning the equipment thoroughly of water, debris and other materials can prevent corrosion.
- Use alloy steel
Alloy steel is made by adding metal and non-metal elements to carbon steel. There are more than 20 elements that can be mixed with carbon steel to produce steel alloys. Elements like Vanadium, Chromium and Nickel when mixed with carbon steel can increase the corrosion resistance of the steel.
The composition of stainless steel (i.e., chromium, nickel) makes it corrosion resistant. These mechanical properties makes stainless steel suitable for making steel railing designs for balconies and gates, especially in Indian weather conditions.
- Steel plating
Steel plating is the process of coating steel with a metal layer to prevent steel corrosion. Electro plating, mechanical plating and hot dipping are some of the common methods used for steel plating. Nickel, Zinc, Cobalt, etc., are some of the metals used for steel plating.
The most important tip to reduce steel corrosion is limiting the exposure of your steel equipment from humid and moist conditions. Keeping your machine clean, storing it in a dry place when it is not in use and regular maintenance are extremely important measures to improve corrosion resistance.
Priyanka is a seasoned content marketing professional with more than 6 years of experience crafting various forms of business and technology sector content. Her insightful writing tackles critical issues faced by small-scale manufacturing businesses. Priyanka’s clear and concise communication empowers businesses to make informed decisions and thrive in today’s dynamic business environment.
