Identify Genuine Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a ferrous alloy that has higher resistance to oxidation (rust) and corrosion in the present of chromium and nickel.

Chromium forms a passivation layer of chromium(III) oxide (Cr2O3) when exposed to oxygen. The layer is too thin to be visible, shiny, and impervious to water and air to protect the metal beneath. The Cr2O3 reforms quickly when the surface is scratched, a phenomenon called passivation by materials scientists, and is seen in other metals such as aluminium.

Nickel stabilize the austenite structure of iron to prevent stress corrosion cracking. Stress corrosion cracking is a rapid and severe form of stainless steel corrosion that forms when the material is subjected to tensile stress and chloride-rich environment (e.g. sea water) at higher temperature (e.g. 50°C). Nickel is the most expensive element in stainless steel. Nickel is also the material that cause a stainless steel non-magnetic and less brittle at low temperature.

The 400 series of stainless steel, which is usually used for kitchenware are magnetic positive. The 400 series is generally cheapest in price as there is no nickel material in this alloy.

The 300 series stainless steel that is used in chemical plant generally non magnetic, except the cold-rolled stainless steel. The better stainless steel is of grade 304 or 18-8 (18% chromium and 8% nickel) stainless steel. Stainless steel of 18-8 grade offers better corrosion resistance than the 400 series. Most architectural stainless work are done with the 300 series.

Cold-rolled 300 series stainless steel has similar physical composition (18% chromium and 8% nickel) and corrosion resistance of type 304. These are all nominally austenitic alloy (nonmagnetic), but some of the austenite transforms to martensite (magnetic) when the material is deformed, as in cold rolling. This martensite transformation causes the 300-series to be magnetic when cold formed. The cold-rolled material is much harder than annealed material. An annealed 304 stainless steel panel could dent easily.

Selecting Tile For Renovation

Choosing the right tile for renovation project has never been an easy job. Factors to consider include the grade or the type of tile, color, pattern, surface, cutting, size, price, etc. Combination of tile features could greatly impact the looks and feels of the renovation project!

Homogeneous tile have pigments added into the body before firing at much higher temperature than when producing ceramic tile. Hence, homogeneous tile's surface is much harder, durable, and incredibly suitable for heavy duty usage (such as porch, shopping floor, etc). Once hit with a fallen object, homogeneous tile will not leave a big crack line or a damage surface showing different material or color beneath the surface.

As the whole piece of homogeneous tile is made up of same material, it can be round edged at the sides. Ceramic tile is made of red clay with a thin layer of coloring applied on the surface. Chamfer the edges of ceramic tile reveal the red base below, and PVC strips will be needed to cover the edges of ceramic tile. Homogeneous tile's surface can also be polished to make it reflective and shining like a mirror! A ceramic tile can only be glazed to make it shiny and it's not as long lasting as compare to the polished surface of homogeneous tile.

Porcelain tile is made by the dust pressed method from a composition resulting in a tile that is dense, impervious, fine grained, and smooth. It is available in mat, unglazed, or a high polished finish.

Quarry tile come with glazed or unglazed surface, made by extrusion process from natural clay or shale. Quarry tile is commonly appear in the dark red shades, brown, and gray.

Terrazzo tile is made of marble or granite chip mix with Portland cement or epoxy matrix, molded in various thickness and sizes.

Agglomerate tile is made by mixing graded marble or granite chip of different size with Portland cement, polyester resin or epoxy.