08 The Importance of Material Selection
LEAST
REACTIVE
STAINLESS STEEL SS316
Platinum
Gold
Graphite
Silver
Stainless steel (type 316)
Stainless steel (type 304)
Titanium
13% chromium stainless steel (type 410)
The Galvanic Corrosion Series (displayed to the left) grades the reactiveness of
various common metals. Behind the precious metals, 316 Grade Stainless Steel is
the next best option.
316 Stainless Steel is commonly referred to as ‘Marine Grade’ for its excellent
resistance to crevice corrosion and pitting in chloride environments (i.e. coastal/
marine areas).
We use Grade 316 in our Stainless Steel luminaires, and that is why we can offer a
10 year structural warranty on our Stainless Steel ingrade luminaires, and 5 years
on underwater luminaires.
ELECTROPOLISH PLUS
Nickel (passive)
At Lumascape, we use a 3-stage finishing process
on most Stainless Steel luminaires.
It's called ElectroPolishPlus™, and ensures your
stainless stays ‘stainless’ for a long time.
Silver solder
Silicon bronze
Copper
The following describes the process of
ElectroPolishPlus™.
Red brass
Yellow brass
Nickel (active)
Manganese bronze
Machining
Tin Machining stainless steel disrupts the natural Chromium Oxide
(Cr 2 O 3 ) layer. Chromium Oxide gives Stainless Steel its superior
corrosion resistance.
Lead After machining, some carbide deposits and other impurities are
left over.
Cast iron
Mild steel
Pickling
This process cleans the surface of all impurities.
Aluminum 2024
Cadmium
Aluminum 6053
Polishing
This process smooths the surface, so chlorides and other active
particles cannot become lodged on the surface.
Galvanized steel
Zinc
Magnesium alloys
Magnesium
MOST
REACTIVE
Passivation
This is the final stage in the process. Passivation reforms a
layer of Cr 2 O 3 of even thickness over the surface, for maximum
corrosion resistance.