All 316 Stainless Not Equal

[Pete]

Have you noticed that newer 316 stainless does not remain "stainless" as well as older stainless. Have you also noticed that Taiwanese stainless seems to be less stainless than other sources. I have been detailing our 12' Nouvurania RIB and it has stainless fittings that look as good as new after 10 years of exposure. So there is a difference, I just do not know what it is and how to buy the good stuff. Any stainless experts out there that understands the situation and can enlighten me and perhaps others?

Pete

 

[Genesis]

Yeah - the new stuff is coming from China and metallurgically it sucks.

 

[Walter P]

Yep, keep your camel tied tightly when you buy any metals today. While there are some good mills producing excellent quality alloys all over the world, including China you need to remain very vigilant. What I did routinely when buying lots of various metals was to request certifications with each lot ordered. That pretty much helped maintain a decent QC. Govt work required not only certs from the mills but lab tests on each lot as well.

Walt

 

[Top Shelf]

In addition to the metallurgy a lot of folks are not passivating or electro-polishing in an effort to cut costs. Passivation electrically removes some level of impurities that finds it's way to the surface during casting or other processes. That often leads to staining or discoloration.

 

[bobk]

I put a new SS sink in the 48MY when I bought it and it began to rust immediately. major US brand. I polished it with Flitz or some thing and never had the issue again. Passivation?

Bob