Stainless steel sheets are widely used in construction, chemical industry, food processing, medical and other fields due to their excellent corrosion resistance, strength and high temperature resistance. However, during long-term use, stainless steel plates may also have some problems, usually caused by the external environment, improper operation or defects in the material itself. The following are some common usage problems:
1. Surface corrosion
Local corrosion: Stainless steel sheets may suffer from local corrosion in humid environments or environments containing chloride ions.
Stress corrosion cracking: Stainless steel plates may suffer from stress corrosion cracking if exposed to chloride ion environments under tensile stress, especially at high temperatures.
Atmospheric corrosion: In environments with high air humidity, especially in coastal areas, stainless steel may be contaminated by oxides, forming rust spots and affecting the appearance.
2. Oxidation and discoloration
High-temperature oxidation: Stainless steel sheets are prone to oxidation in high temperature environments, and yellow, blue or brown oxide layers may appear on the surface.
Discoloration of the heat-affected zone: During welding, due to the high temperature, the welding area of the stainless steel plate may change color, showing blue, purple or brown traces, affecting the appearance.
3. Scratches and surface damage
Mechanical damage: During transportation, processing, and installation, the surface of stainless steel sheets may be scratched, dented, or otherwise mechanically damaged.
Surface contamination: The surface of stainless steel may be contaminated by contact with other substances.
4. Welding problems
Welding deformation: Stainless steel sheets may deform during welding due to uneven thermal expansion, especially when welding thick plates or large areas, which may cause the plates to bend or warp.
Weld joint defects: Defects such as incomplete welding, pores, cracks, or slag inclusions may occur during welding, which will affect the strength and corrosion resistance of the structure.
Corrosion of welded joints: High temperatures in the welding area may change the metallographic structure of stainless steel, leading to local corrosion or the generation of sensitive areas, especially the heat-affected zone after welding.
5. Thermal expansion of stainless steel plates
Stainless steel materials have a certain thermal expansion coefficient. Therefore, in an environment with large temperature changes, if the stainless steel sheets is subjected to excessive temperature differences, deformation or stress concentration may occur, affecting its structural stability.
6. Adhesion issues
Difficult to clean dirt: Due to the smooth surface of stainless steel, dirt tends to adhere to its surface, and cleaning may be relatively difficult.
7. Contact corrosion
Contact corrosion of dissimilar metals: Contact corrosion may occur when stainless steel comes into contact with other metals, especially in a humid environment or in the presence of electrolytes.
Corrosion between different grades of stainless steel: Corrosion may also occur when stainless steel of different grades comes into contact, especially when the environmental conditions are harsh or exposed to chemical media.
8. Low temperature brittleness
Stainless steel may become brittle and prone to cracking or breaking in extremely low temperature environments.
9. Improper material selection
Different types of stainless steel have different corrosion resistance and strength. If the material is not properly selected, it may cause problems in certain environments.
10. Climate and environmental impact
Marine environment: The air in coastal areas contains a high concentration of salt. Long-term exposure to this environment may cause pitting or stress corrosion cracking on the surface of stainless steel.
Polluted environment: Air pollution in industrial areas and cities may pollute the surface of stainless steel, causing corrosion.
Summary: Stainless steel sheets may have a variety of problems during use, such as corrosion, oxidation, surface damage, welding problems, etc., which are usually related to environmental conditions, material selection, improper operation, etc. By rationally selecting stainless steel materials, regular maintenance, controlling welding quality and taking appropriate protective measures, the occurrence of these problems can be effectively reduced and the service life of stainless steel plates can be extended.
