Corrosion is one of the most common and expensive issues manufacturers face. In fact, according to NACE, the direct cost of metallic corrosion is $276 billion in the U.S. annually.
Businesses that operate within the manufacturing industry that use metals and other friction materials can benefit from having a corrosion resistance solution. It pays to invest in suitable materials if you want to build or repair any machinery. That means products that offer corrosion resistance.
This article will look at some of the most popular options today. You will also know how they help protect your equipment from corrosion.
Paint
One of the simplest ways to protect against corrosion is with paint. Paint is primarily used to provide an aesthetically pleasing finish. Yet it also acts as a barrier between metal surfaces and corrosive elements and protects them from rusting or corroding.
The type of paint you choose depends on the material you cover. It also depends on the environmental elements it will be exposed to. For example, marine-grade paints are designed specifically for use near salt water.
Metals
Certain metals are naturally more resistant to corrosion than others. So using them in construction or manufacturing can help reduce the risk of corrosion-related damage over time. Many popular friction materials for corrosion resistance include aluminum, copper, and stainless steel.
Aluminum Alloys
Aluminum alloys are among the most popular materials used in corrosion-resistant applications. They contain a small number of other elements that improve their mechanical and physical properties. These alloys are strong and lightweight.
They make them ideal for machine components that endure a lot of wear and tear. They also have naturally occurring oxidation layers that form when exposed to air. This helps prevent further oxidation from taking place beneath the surface layer.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is another metal commonly used in corrosion-resistant applications. That’s because it doesn’t easily rust when exposed to oxygen and moisture.
Several types of stainless steel are available depending on your application. There are martensitic, austenitic, and ferritic. You can also use precipitation hardening, duplex, and ferritic-austenitic steels. Stainless steel is solid.
It can withstand extremely high temperatures without breaking down. It’s often used for components exposed to extreme conditions such as increased pressure or temperature changes, which makes it a perfect friction material for corrosion resistance.
Copper Alloys
Using copper alloys for a corrosion-resistant solution is a good option. Copper alloys are great for strength or flexibility. Copper alloys are also very ductile.
You can bend it into different shapes with relative ease. This makes them great for intricate parts like gears or pistons with complex shapes.
Coatings
Another method of protecting against corrosion is through specialized coatings. This means galvanizing or electroplating your materials. These coatings form a protective layer over metal surfaces.
It prevents exposure to corrosive elements. Yet, it allows air and water vapor to pass through freely. Coatings come in various forms depending on the application.
Some are applied as liquids, while others are applied via electrochemical means. Like paint, you must choose them carefully.
This is due to the environment they will be exposed to. You should keep this in mind to ensure the most effective against corrosion.
Do You Need Corrosion Resistance Friction Material?
When choosing materials for corrosion resistance, many options are available. You want to select the option that meets your needs and budget requirements.
Paint provides an economical solution that you can easily apply by hand or machine. Metals such as stainless steel offer excellent protection. But, they may require more expensive fabrication processes.
Finally, coatings provide an extra layer of protection. This is without sacrificing airflow or water vapor permeability. You must be careful when choosing coating according to its intended use.
No matter which option you choose, taking proactive steps toward preventing corrosion can save your business from costly repairs down the line.
Kor-Pak is an industry leader helping companies in the manufacturing industry every day. Let us help you source the best tools and products to get the job done right. Contact us today to learn more!