The good news is that stainless steel is simple and easy to clean and you’ll be rewarded with years of high-performance and good looks from your stainless steel product if you follow a programme of routine, gentle cleaning.

Obviously the frequency of your cleaning regime will be determined by the particular application (i.e. domestic, architectural or industrial sheet metal), but if you follow these few simple, easy steps, it’s easy to keep your stainless steel surfaces looking as good as new.

Here are some important do’s and don’ts:

DO

• Do use a nylon brush or synthetic scouring pad
• Do rub in the same direction as the grain
• Do follow manufacturers’ recommendations and take safety precautions

DON’T

• Don’t use steel wool, metallic scourers or a metal scraper. These can damage the surface and cause it to rust.
• Don’t use chloride-rich chemicals or hydrochloric acid-based cleaning products
• Don’t use bleach
• Don’t use cleaning cloths/scourers that have been used previously on ordinary steel surfaces
• Don’t use abrasive powders

Routine cleaning of stainless steel should prevent stubborn stains from building up but depending on the application, the metal may become discoloured.  Careful attention and prompt action should prevent serious staining, but if you have any questions about how to clean your stainless steel, we would be delighted to help.  With almost 30 years of experience in specialist steel fabrication in Perth, we have all the answers – so please give us a call on 08 9377 3778.

There are many possible sources of stainless steel contamination including fabrication methods, chemical environment, temperature, product design, carbon steel particles, paint, grease, oil, dust, grime, salt and free metals such as copper, zinc, lead, brass and aluminium. Errors can be costly and difficult to fix so prevention is always a far better course of action.

In the steel fabrication industry, fabricators need to follow very careful storage and handling practices in order to prevent stainless steel contamination and it goes without saying that there’s a correlation between the possibility of contamination and the quality, expertise and experience of the steel fabricator.

Here are some key ways that fabricators can avoid stainless steel contamination:

Meticulous storage

‘Mixed’ fabrication shops carry a high risk of contamination. Fabricators should have designated areas for both their stainless steel and carbon steel inventory and their fabrication processes. These areas should be kept separate – preferably by physical means such as a wall.

Appropriate protection

The stainless steel should be protected by plastic or other wrapping to prevent iron fil ings and other contaminants from settling on the surface and causing damage.

Eliminate possibility of iron or steel dust particles

Loose and embedded iron particles are one of the most common sources of contamination. Many workshop activities such as grinding, blasting, welding and machining produce spatter, filings or dust and this debris can land on the stainless steel and contaminate it. It’s therefore imperative that carbon steel is always handled well away from stainless steel.

Keep tools separate

Fabricators should ensure there’s no contamination from shared tools, equipment and storage fixtures.

Dedicated tools for processing and handling stainless steel are imperative and fabricators should only use tools that are fit for purpose when handling stainless, e.g. carbon-free cutting discs and hammers manufactured from hardened chrome plate.

Sound handling practices

When handling stainless steel, plastic or plastic covered wraps or ropes are preferable. If carbon steel bands are used (which they often are), then cardboard padding or other suitable packaging material (e.g. wood) should be placed on top of the stainless steel to prevent contact with the carbon steel.

Stainless steel sheets should be stored horizontally in a wooden box and covered to prevent contamination from airborne debris, whilst plate should be stored vertically in a dry, covered area. This will also avoid the possibility of impregnating or damaging the surface of the material with corrosive particles (such as iron filings) by walking on it.

Keep it clean

A high standard of cleanliness in the working environment is essential. Fingerprints, chalk marks, paint, oil, grease can also initiate damage, and the stainless steel should kept as clean as possible. It’s best to use a cleaning agent or acid that has a pickling or passivating effect (i.e. which will help the surface layer to replenish itself) but due care and caution must be taken with these as they can be aggressive.

A professional steel fabricator like WA Steel knows how important it is to avoid contamination throughout all stages of the lifetime of the stainless steel item from storage and handling through to fabrication and service life. They have a proud 30-year history as a leading specialist steel fabricator in Perth and if you’d like to see their workmanship, their facilities or their expertise in action, contact them on 08 9377 3778 or or visit their website, www.wasteel.com.au.

We have some exciting new equipment coming online in the next couple of weeks which will help us service our customers even better.

We are looking at moving into the new premises Q1 2014