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What are Marine Grade Metals?

Metals are used in applications with diverse environments that include higher temperature, heavy load, harsh chemicals, seawater, and many more. Some applications have higher exposure to underwater and wet environments where corrosion is commonly occurring. So to avoid corrosion in such conditions, there are different metals are used that are also known as Marine Grade Metals. These metals are alloyed with other elements that offer higher resistance to corrosion. These alloying elements include chromium, nickel, sulfur, molybdenum, manganese, etc. These metals possess the ability to withstand water for a longer time. Marine Grade Metals include the following metals,

Aluminum:

Aluminum has different grades that are perfectly reliable for marine environments. Aluminum possesses many excellent features that make it a suitable marine grade. These features include excellent strength, workability, good corrosion resistance, and easy machinability. Among all the grades, Grade 5052 offers excellent formability. The applications that require higher strength use Grade 5083. Aluminum grade 6061 is the most affordable solution for many marine applications. The aluminum grades have added elements like manganese and chromium that are highly resistant to corrosive conditions. This helps to tolerate constant exposure to saltwater and water. These alloyed grades are stated as Marine Grade Aluminium. It is used in man structural and shipbuilding sectors, docks, boat hulls, lifts, etc.

Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel:

There are various Carbon steel grades available such as AH36, DH36, and EH36, that are commonly used in marine environments. These grades have more alloying elements like chromium and manganese that offer more strength and corrosion resistance. These grades are approved by the American Bureau of Shipping. Carbon steel contains iron that makes it vulnerable to rust and oxidation. So only the above grades are used widely in industries. Alloy steel marine grades include MD, ME, MF, MG, and others that provide higher strength. These grades are also American Bureau of Shipping approved that are used in the shipbuilding applications. Marine Grade Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel is reliable for structural shipbuilding and other offshore structural applications.

Stainless Steel:

Stainless steel is a popularly used material in industries due to its excellent strength and higher corrosion resistance. It has several grades that are suitable to use in marine conditions. SS grade 316 is the most commonly used grade that has more molybdenum content than other grades. This helps to resist pitting and other corrosive attacks in saltwater environments. Grade 304 is also suitable for marine applications as it reduces carbide precipitation. Stainless steel marine grades are used in many applications such as marine fasteners, marine structures, and fittings.

Galvanized Steel:

Galvanized steel has a zinc coating that makes it mostly recommended for freshwater and cool temperature environments. This metal is used under specific conditions. Because of zinc content, this metal can corrode easily in saltwater and at the higher temperature.

Copper:

C70600, C71500 are few copper nickel alloys that are suitable for use in marine applications. The nickel and manganese content offer higher resistance to corrosion and durability. Copper marine grade and alloys offer resistance to biofouling. This Marine grade is utilized in different marine fittings, valves, fasteners, water lines, pumps, and desalination equipment.

Brass:

The zinc and tin in Brass offer improved resistance to corrosive attacks in marine environments. C46200 and C46400 are widely used Brass Marine Grades that resist in underwater and wet environments. C48500 has larger lead content that also makes it reliable for marine applications. Brass marine grades are suitable for higher temperature applications and condensers.

Bronze:

It has different grades like C65500 and C95400 that are alloyed with silicon, aluminum to offer higher corrosion resistance. C51000 Bronze grade contains phosphor that resists the effect in wet environments. It is widely used in propellers and propeller shafts.

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