|
Information about
Type 304 Stainless Steel Used for Featherland Bird
Homes
INTRODUCTION: Stainless steel is
steel that stains less. Stainless steel is defined as steel
alloyed with chromium that is highly resistant to stain, rust
and corrosion. Note to the buyer: THIS DOES NOT MEAN STAINLESS
STEEL WILL NEVER RUST OR CORRODE because current technology
has not developed any steel which is completely stain or
corrosion proof. You can rest assured the stainless steel type
and finish selected for featherland bird homes is the best available
for the intended use.
Type 304 is commonly used for chemical processing
equipment, for food, dairy, and beverage industries, for heat exchangers, and
for the milder chemicals.
|
Components
|
Type
304
|
|
Chromium
|
18-20%
|
|
Nickel
|
8-10.5%
|
|
Carbon
|
0.08%
|
|
Manganese
|
2%
|
|
Silicon
|
1%
|
|
Manganese
|
—
|
CLEANING AND
CLEANSERS: The
basic rule of thumb is to use the mildest cleaning procedure
that will do an effective job. Always rinse thoroughly with
clear water and dry completely. Frequent cleaning will prolong
the service life of stainless steel equipment and help
maintain the finish. Ordinary deposits of waste and fluids can
usually be removed with soap and water. More stubborn deposits
or stuck on debris may require harder rubbing or the use of
commercial cleaning products acceptable for use on metal
surfaces. When using any cleansing agent, the rubbing should
be in the direction of the polish lines or "grain" of the
metal. For high luster finishes, clean soft cloths or pads
should be used. If especially rough cleaning is necessary, use
"stainless steel" wool or nylon or plastic type scrubbers.
Test these type of scrubbers in an inconspicuous area first as
they could mar or scratch a stainless steel finish. Never use
ordinary steel wool or steel brushes on stainless steel
surfaces. Minor scale build-up and some hard water spotting
may be removed by washing with vinegar followed by a
neutralizing rinse with clear water and thorough drying with a
soft cloth.
DEODORIZING AGENTS, DISINFECTANTS
AND SANITIZERS:
The large selection of brands and combinations of chemicals
available for deodorizing, disinfecting and sanitizing is
staggering. Select one or more of these products for use for
your featherland bird homes after weighing all the benefits
claimed by each product. Be sure to consider all of the
effects the cleansing agents may have on your featherland bird
homes. IMPORTANT:
BEFORE SELECTING A CHEMICAL, REVIEW LABEL STATEMENTS REGARDING
USE WITH METALS (STAINLESS STEEL). ALWAYS CONSULT THE CHEMICAL
SUPPLIER IF THERE ARE ANY DOUBTS.
Your
Featherland Stainless Steel Bird Homes Have added Process, Electropolishing.
Electropolishing is an
electrochemical process similar to, but the reverse of, electroplating. The
electropolishing process smoothes and streamlines the microscopic surface of a
metal object. As a result, the surface of the metal is microscopically
featureless, with not even the smallest speck of a torn surface remaining.
In electropolishing, the
metal is removed ion by ion from the surface of the metal object being
polished. Electrochemistry and the fundamental principles of electrolysis
(Faraday's Law) replace traditional mechanical finishing techniques, including
grinding, milling, blasting and buffing as the final finish. In basic terms,
the object to be electropolished is immersed in an electrolyte and subjected to
a direct electrical current. The object is maintained anodic, with the cathodic
connection being made to a nearby metal conductor.
During electropolishing, the
polarized surface film is subjected to the combined effects of gassing
(oxygen), which occurs with electrochemical metal removal, saturation of the
surface with dissolved metal and the agitation and temperature of the
electrolyte.
Smoothness of the metal
surface is one of the primary and most advantageous effects of
electropolishing. During the process, a film of varying thickness covers the
surfaces of the metal. This film is thickest over microdepressions and thinnest
over microprojections. Electrical resistance is at a minimum wherever the film
is thinnest, resulting in the greatest rate of metallic dissolution.
Electropolishing selectively removes microscopic high points or "peaks" faster
than the rate of attack on the corresponding micro-depressions or "valleys."
Stock is removed as metallic salt. Metal removal under certain circumstances is
controllable and can be held to 0.0001 to 0.0025 inch.
In summary, electropolishing
removes metal. It does not move it or wipe it. As a result, the surface of the
metal is microscopically featureless, with not even the smallest speck of a
torn surface remaining. The basic metal surface is subsequently revealed –
bright, clean and microscopically smooth. By contrast, even a very fine
mechanically finished surface will continue to show smears and other
directionally oriented patterns or effects.
|