The advantages of stainless steel
PROCITY® offers numerous products in brushed stainless steel. More commonly known as Inox, this material gives your post and bollards a contemporary look that will integrate perfectly into both modern and traditional architectures.
Stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant steel alloy: the addition of chromium and nickel in the steel matrix forms a chromium oxide film that protects the metal from rust. Our products made from 304 stainless steel can be used indoors and outdoors without altering their original appearance, especially when exposed to UV light
RESISTANCE
One of the most notable advantages of stainless steel is its exceptional resistance to corrosion. Thanks to the addition of chromium, a protective passive layer of chromium oxide forms on the surface, preventing rust and corrosion even in humid environments or when exposed to corrosive substances.
DURABILITY AND LONGEVITY
Stainless steel is extremely durable and resistant to wear, impact, and high temperatures. This allows it to maintain its mechanical properties and aesthetic appearance over a long period, even under conditions of intensive use.
AESTHETICS
Stainless steel has a bright and modern appearance, making it popular for decorative and architectural applications.
EASY MAINTENANCE
The brushed finish hides fingerprints and small scratches better, requiring less frequent cleaning. Generally, a simple wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent is sufficient. It is imperative not to use bleach or chlorine-based products, as they may cause corrosion.
RECYCLABILITY
Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, making it an eco-friendly choice. At the end of its lifespan, it can be melted down and reused without significant loss of quality, thus contributing to the preservation of natural resources.
Stainless Steel 304 is the most commonly used. It offers a modern and stylish appearance, enhanced by the brushed effect available on PROCITY products.
Stainless Steel 304 is an excellent choice for an urban environment due to its durability and resistance to corrosion from rain, humidity, and temperature variations.
However, it is not recommended to use Stainless Steel 304 in saline environments (coastal areas within a five-kilometer radius, roads regularly salted in winter), nor in heavily polluted atmospheres (industrial areas, ports, swimming pools, chemical industries, stables, etc.).
Anti-corrosion treatments
The addition of chromium to stainless steel is a key element of its remarkable corrosion resistance.
The role of chromium in stainless steel
Chromium is the key element that enables the formation of a passive layer of chromium oxide on the surface of stainless steel. This layer is extremely thin, adherent, transparent, and self-repairing, meaning it spontaneously reforms in the presence of oxygen if damaged.
Passivation Process:
When stainless steel containing chromium is exposed to air or oxygen, chromium reacts with oxygen to form a layer of chromium oxide. This chemical reaction is called passivation. The chromium oxide layer acts as a protective barrier that prevents oxygen and moisture from penetrating the metal and causing corrosion.
