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Stainless steel was invented early in the 20th century when it was discovered that a certain amount of the metal chromium (usually a minimum of 11 per cent) added to ordinary steel gave it a bright shiny gloss and made it highly resistant to tarnishing and rusting. This rust-resisting property which we call “corrosion resistance” is what sets stainless steel apart from most other forms of steel and alloys. The chromium content of the steel allows the formation of a rough, adherent, invisible, corrosion-resisting chromium oxide film on the steel surface. If damaged mechanically or chemically, this film is rapidly self-healed through a process called “Self-Passivation”, making Stainless Steel nearly impossible to corrode or rust. |
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It is important to appreciate that stainless steel is a solid material and not a special coating applied to ordinary steel to give it “stainless” properties. Conventional steels and, indeed, several other metals such as Bronze, Brass, and Tombac are often coated or "plated" with white metals such as chromium, nickel or zinc to protect their surfaces or to provide other surface characteristics. While such coatings have their own benefits and are still widely used, the danger exists that the coating can be penetrated or damaged in some way, such that its protective effect is undermined. |
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Stainless Steel is nearly impossible to corrode or rust as thoroughly explained above. Apart from the aesthetic appearance and visual reasons, corrosion is the date-of-expiration in fountain industry. Once corrosion begins, there is no much to do to “save” the product. This is why many manufacturers plate Bronze/Brass/Tombac parts with Nickel, Chromium and other white metals. This is not the solution though, as these coatings tend to wear-off and expose the alloy underneath pretty soon. Stainless Steel fountain components and lights, do not corrode, do not rust, do not tarnish and maintain their mechanical properties intact. This fact is what gives Fontana products literally unlimited lifespan and durability. |
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All fountain parts need some sort of maintenance to perform well over the years, especially when installed in harsh environments such as sea water. Compared to other materials, Stainless Steel makes this process the easiest possible. Effortlessly and without using chemicals or other hazardous liquids, the initial bright and shiny gloss is reverted. Moreover, the fact that Stainless Steel does not corrode nor collects bacteria and algae on its surface, apart from the aesthetic appearance, makes it ideal for environments with living organisms. |
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The bright, easily maintained surface of stainless steel provides a modern and attractive appearance. No more ugly pools when the fountain is not in operation or the pool is drained. |
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The work-hardening property of austenitic grades (300 series), that results in a significant strengthening of the material from cold-working alone, allow reduced material thickness over other alloys such as Bronze, Brass and Tombac, therefore cost savings. This means that the weight of a Stainless Steel fountain component or submersible light can be 4 or 5 times less compared to Bronze, Brass or Tombac, while still remaining stronger. This results to noticeably reduced transport costs (by 4 or 5 times), easier installation and maintainance. |
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The austenitic microstructure of the 300 series provides high toughness, from elevated temperatures to far below freezing, making these steels suitable to all kind of environments; from the freezing Siberia to the extremely hot UAE. With Ultimate Tensile Strength of 89.900 PSI min. Stainless Steel remains the leader when it comes to impacts. This means that pressure of at least 89.900 PSI is needed to only deform the surface of a 1mm thick Stainless Steel sheet. Imagine what pressure is needed to deform a 3-5mm (or more) thick round fountain component or light. This feature is necessary when fountain systems and lights are exposed to the danger of vandalism. |
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Forming Stainless Steel is a tough procedure. Fontana, inventing and using innovative techniques is capable of deploying all aspects of this perfect alloy. Even the most difficult and complex projects can be achieved using Stainless Steel formation techniques developed by Fontana. |
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