Corten steel is a type of common steel that is not affected by corrosion. It is a steel alloyed with nickel, chromium, copper, and phosphorus that, after alternating processes of humidification and drying, forms an extremely thin oxide film of a reddish-purple appearance on its surface.
Corten steel is a kind of steel manufactured through a chemical composition that causes its oxidation to present special caracteristics that protect the piece manufactured from this material against atmospheric corrosion without losing virtually none of its mechanical properties.
In Corten steel, the surface oxidation creates an oxide film impervious to water and steam that prevents steel rust from penetrating into the piece.
This translates into a protective action of the surface oxide against atmospheric corrosion, so that it is unnecessary to apply any other type of protection on the steel, such as galvanizing or coating protection.
Uses
At present it is used by architects, engineers, decorators, designers, landscapers, etc., because this material keeps on constantly changing during the oxidation process and by the effects light and atmospheric conditions produce on it.
It is also used in the cement industry, silos, hoppers, screening hoppers, smokestacks, piping, coal washing machines; water, oil, and fuel-oil storage tanks, etc. Metallic structures, bridges, structural frames, building frontages, metallic doors, concrete mixers, cranes, power shovels. Railway cars, chassis for trucks, tipping trucks, tankers, semitrailers.
Advantages
Resistant to corrosion: Its surface oxidation presents a special caracteristic that protects it against atmospheric corrosion without losing virtually none of its mechanical properties.
Durable: This special caracteristic allows the steel to oxidize, but there is no corrosion or damage to the manufactured piece.
Zero maintenance: It does not need any subsequent treatment for its protection. The color of the material is natural. The protective layer is “self-regenerating” (if the surface receives any minor damage that makes the oxide film to disappear, it will regenerate and end by homogenizing).
Weldable: Corten steel accepts welding with all techniques suitable for low-alloy steels.
