Technical should be avoided due to the possibility of contamination .
Steyn added , “ The protection of the stainless-steel operation goes as far as recommending the establishment of dedicated stainless steel working bays and separate storage facilities for materials and components that are specifically designed for stainless steel operations . A clean environment as well as ensuring the stainless steel itself is clean , by using dedicated cleaning agents , is recommended .” “ Similarly , it is important to select grinding tools without any ferrous , chlorinated or sulphurous fillers . Wire brushes with stainless steel or Silicon Carbide ( SiC ) filaments are specifically designed to be stainless steel compatible ,” said Steyn , adding , “ PFERD has conducted enormous amounts of research into stainless steel best working practice , which is readily available online .”
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TOOL SELECTION Factors that play a role in the correct tool selection for stainless steel use include dimensions of the surface and its condition , accessibility , the result required as well as the application method .
Small and tight spaces require different tools compared to surfaces that are more accessible . The cleaning and smoothing of a steel weld seam require completely different tools to those used for brush matting or finishing of stainless steel .
Achieving a mirror finish is one of the more demanding requests as mechanical scratches should be removed and the surface structured systematically .
Technological advances in grinding and polishing tools for INOX help eliminate many of the material ’ s challenges .
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1 . A mirror finish to stainless steel is achieved though the use of the right tool accessory .
2 . Different welded sections require different treatments .
3 . Technological advances help eliminate many of the material ’ s challenges such as heat discolouration .
QUOTE OF THE MONTH “ The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new .” — Socrates .
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I March 2022 55