Stainless Steel Pickling White Paper

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Stainless Steel Pickling

Stainless steel naturally forms its own passive layer of iron-chromium oxide as a deterrent against corrosion. This layer protects the metal.

However, harsh chemicals, salt-laden environments such as constant exposure to saltwater, and damage to the surface by a mechanical action such as cutting, create gaps in this layer. Moreover, fabrication, machining and welding leave behind contaminants such as metal oxides, inclusions, fabrication debris, and tramp iron, that also compromise the metal’s natural ability to resist corrosion.