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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Mechanical means of SS Decorroding

2002

Have a problem with Type 409 Stainless Steel utilized in a jet engine operational test facility for the Navy. The 409 is used in sheet form with many small holes to cover sound absorbing materials.

The sheets are badly corroded the further toward the large air intake areas. so far my subcontractor has removed the scaling with Type 302 SS rotary brushes, and it looks good so far. The next steps recommended by the Navy is two more passes with successively finer abrasive 3M Scotchbrite discs. Does anyone have a comment on this , or further steps to take to avoid re-corrosion?

Thank You,

Brian G. Johnston
- Oak Harbor, Washington

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There are references on this site that give information regarding using only 316ss brushes for cleaning this type of material. The Scotchbrite treatment should be good. After removing the discoloration, we strongly recommend repassivation to prevent recurrence. Contact us if you need help.

Lee Kremer
Stellar Solutions, Inc.

McHenry, Illinois

2002

400 series is going to rust on you . Your options are, you can live with the 400 series as is, have it plated with electroless nickel or have a new part made of 300 series.

Todd Osmolski
- Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
2002