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Guidelines for the selection of the correct stainless steel grade in structural applications according to the service environment: Euro Codes 1 to 4 provide a procedure for selecting the appropriate grade of stainless steel for the service environment of structural members. The environment is assessed using Corrosion Resistance Factor (CRF) and the stainless grades are placed in Corrosion Resistance Classes (CRC) I, I, III, IV & V according to CRF value.
M is distance from sea
S is distance from roads where de-icing salts are used
| F1 Value | Description |
| 1 | Internal, Controlled Environment |
| 0 | Low Risk of Exposure: M.10km or S>0.1km |
| -3 |
Medium Risk of Exposure: 1km |
| -7 |
High Risk of Exposure: 0.25km |
| -10 | Very High Risk of Exposure: Road Tunnels where de-icing salts used |
| -10 | Very High Risk of Exposure: M<0.25km: North sea coast of Germany & All Baltic Coastal Areas |
| -15 | Very High Risk of Exposure: M<0.25km - InclAll other European/UK Coastal Areas |
Note: In European coastal environments the SO2 value is usually low. For inland environments the value is either low or medium. High values are usually associated with heavily industrialised locations or sepcific environments such as tunnels.
In the table the deposition values are given in the units micro-grams per cubic metre
| F2 Value | Description |
| 0 | Low Risk of Exposure: 10 average deposition |
| -5 | Medium Risk of Exposure: 10-90 average deposition |
| -10 | High Risk of Exposure: 90-250 average deposition |
F3 relates to either the Cleaning Regime or the expsoure to Washing by Rain.
NB: If F1 + F2 = 0 then F3 = 0
| F3 Value | Description |
| 0 | Fully exposed to washing by rain |
| -2 | Specified cleaning regime |
| -7 | No washing by rain or specified cleaning regime |
The Corrosion Resistance Class (CRC) required for the given enviroment is given by first calculating the Corrosion Resuistance Factor (CRF) through adding F1+F2+F3.
| CRF | CRC |
| 1 | I |
| 0 to Under -7 | II |
| -7 to Under -15 | III |
| -15 to Under -20 | IV |
| Over -20 | V |
An appropriate stainless steel garde for the environment can now be chosen from the table below showing the CRC for the various commonly available grades.
| CRC Class | Grades |
| I (Ferritic) | 1.4003 / 1.4016 (430) / 1.4512 (409) |
| II (Standard 18/8 Austenitic) | 1.4301 (304) / 1.4307 (304L) / 1.4311 / 1.4541 / 1.4318 / 1.4306 / 1.4567 / 1.4482 |
| III (Mo-Austeniic & Lean Duplex) | 1.4410 / 1.4404 / 1.4435 / 1.4571 / 1.4429 / 1.4432 / 1.4578 / 1.4462 / 1.4362 / 1.4062 / 1.4162 |
| IV (Super-Austentic & Duplex) | 1.4439 /1.4539 / 1.4462 |
| V (Super-Austentic & Duplex) | 1.4565 / 1.4529 / 1.4547 / 1.4410 / 1.4501 / 1.4507 |
The Corrosion Resistnace Factor is comprised of three elements: F1, F2 & F3.
F1 rates the risk of exposure to chlorides from salt water/sea water or de-icing salts
F2 rates the risk of exposure to Sulphur Dioxide
F3 rates the cleaning regime or exposure to washing by rain
This Data is indicative only and as such is not to be relied upon in place of the full specification. In particular, mechanical property requirements vary widely with temper, product and product dimensions. All information is based on our present knowledge and is given in good faith. No liability will be accepted by the Company in respect of any action taken by any third party in reliance thereon.
Please note that the 'Datasheet Update' date shown above is no guarantee of accuracy or whether the datasheet is up to date.
The information provided in this datasheet has been drawn from various recognised sources, including EN Standards, recognised industry references (printed & online) and manufacturers' data. No guarantee is given that the information is from the latest issue of those sources or about the accuracy of those sources.
Material supplied by the Company may vary significantly from this data, but will conform to all relevant and applicable standards.
As the products detailed may be used for a wide variety of purposes and as the Company has no control over their use; the Company specifically excludes all conditions or warranties expressed or implied by statute or otherwise as to dimensions, properties and/or fitness for any particular purpose, whether expressed or implied.
Advice given by the Company to any third party is given for that party's assistance only and without liability on the part of the Company. All transactions are subject to the Company's current Conditions of Sale. The extent of the Company's liabilities to any customer is clearly set out in those Conditions; a copy of which is available on request.
