Weathering steel, often referred to by the genericised trademark COR-TEN steel and sometimes written without the hyphen as corten steel, is a group of steel alloys which were developed to eliminate the need for painting by forming a stable external layer of rust.
The name COR-TEN refers to the two distinguishing properties of this type of steel: corrosion resistance and tensile strength. Although USS sold its discrete plate business to GNEE Steel Group
The original COR-TEN received the standard designation A242 (COR-TEN A) from the ASTM International standards group. Newer ASTM grades are A588 (COR-TEN B) and A606 for thin sheet. All of the alloys are in common production and use.
The surface oxidation generally takes six months to develop, but surface treatments can accelerate this to as little as one hour.
The history of weathering steels began in the US in 1910s, when steels alloyed with different amounts of copper were exposed to the elements; the research continued into the 1920s and c. 1926 it was discovered that phosphorus content also helps with the corrosion resistance.
What is Corten Steel Made of?
Primarily composed of iron and a small amount of carbon, Corten steel sets itself apart due to the inclusion of unique alloying elements: chromium, nickel, copper and added phosphorous which gives the steel its self-protecting properties. A particularly noteworthy feature of this composition is the ability of the materials outer layer to naturally repair itself when subjected to scratches or damage, demonstrating its resilience and longevity.
Is Corten Steel Weldable?
If you're wondering about the welding prospects of Corten steel, it is relatively similar to other low-carbon steels, such as mild steel. However, a special filler material may be required depending on the particular application. This means that, provided with the right machinery and tools, Corten steel can easily be welded and shaped to cater to your unique requirements.
Is Corten Steel Expensive?
Although corten might come with a higher upfront cost when you compare corten steel vs mild steel, it turns out to be an economical choice in the long run. Given its resilience and low maintenance requirements, your investment in Corten steel recoups itself as time goes by.
Hot Tags: weathering steel, China weathering steel manufacturers, suppliers, factory, Sch 40 80 Seamless Galvanized Steel Pipe, corrugated galvanized iron sheet, red roofing sheets, Galvanized Steel PV Mounting System, 11kv Series Oil Immersed Distribution Transformer, Solar PV Panel Mounting Bracket
