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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Stainless Steel Contamination after brushing

I work in the appliance industry and our company has recently experienced issues with rust/corrosion on 430 stainless steel main tops. The parts in question are metal stampings (main tops) with brackets spot welded to the top and brushed to cover the spot welds. After siting in a warehouse for 3-4 weeks, the tops begin to rust. Any advice that you can offer for how to properly process these parts and eliminate this issue. Thanks for your input.

James Coty McFarland
Appliances - Cleveland, Tennessee, USA
2005

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2005

If it is brushed with a hardened steel bristle brush, it will rust, the only question is how soon.
If it is brushed with a 400 series brush, it will still rust, but it wil take a lot longer.
Try flap wheels or the disks that 3M sells for removing rust,paint and etc. They come in many different grit sizes. Start with a 3M rep and find out what works. Then you can look for what else is similar but cheaper if your use is high. If not, don't waste the time searching.
Oil or wax or clear coat will help if that is possible.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

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What kind of brushes are you using? You may want to look into alum filled plastic wheels or non-woven as an alternative. If you are happy with current results, the next best thing is to use an oil free inhibitor.

AF Kenton
retired business owner - Hatboro, Pennsylvania
2005