Corten Steel — Overview
WHAT IS CORTEN STEEL?
Coal wagon producers in the United States discovered that certain steel alloys generated a covering of rust that, rather than corroding the steel when exposed to the environment, protected it. The enduring, earthy, orange-brown patina of these alloys quickly acquired appeal among architects and continues to this day. The alloys were developed further to improve their strength and durability. CorTen, often known as weathering steel, is a special type of steel that has several unique features that sculptors and architects adore. It’s unique because it’s carefully engineered to build a protective layer of rust that protects the steel’s deeper layers from corrosion. The advantages are self-evident. However, there are more benefits to using Corten steel in your construction projects.
Interestingly, modern swords are designed with similarly carbon -infused steel. It’s known as “high carbon steel” in the sword industry. It hardens the steel to the point that it can withstand the abuse of use that would bend or break lesser steel. Carbon steels are also more prone to rusting on the surface. The superficial rust is improved for beauty and durability with CorTen.
The Origin Of Corten Steel
In 1933, the United States created and patented the first corten weathering steel. Steel sold under the trade name Cor-Ten®, which was so named because of its high tensile strength and low corrosion rate.
The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) established its product standards. Since the 2000s, the generic term “CorTen” has been used interchangeably with “Cor-Ten®” to refer to weathering steels. All weathering steel grades are visually and tactilely identical and have similar corrosion resistance.
As a result of its durability and low maintenance needs, CorTen quickly gained popularity in the construction industry after being adapted from its original use in railroad coal wagons. In the 1950s and 1960s, artists and sculptors began using CorTen because of the material’s strength and industrial beauty. One of the most common modern applications for CorTen is in shipping containers.
CorTen A and B
The original CorTen was ASTM A242 which is widely known as Type 1 and Type 2, or CorTen A and CorTen B.
- Type 1 (CorTen A) is available in 2mm — 12mm thick sheets or plates.
- Type 2 (CorTen B) has the addition of vanadium, making it suited to heavy structural applications. It is generally available in 2mm — 40mm thick sheets or plates.
Type 2 (CorTen B) has the addition of vanadium, making it suited to heavy structural applications. It is generally available in 2mm — 40mm thick sheets or plates. In India, Steel Grade S355JOWP is equivalent to CorTen A and S355JOW is equivalent to CorTen B. Another option, S355J2W, which is also equivalent to CorTen B, is more economical but also fully recyclable.
HOW DOES CORTEN STEEL GAIN ITS PATINA?
Corten weathering steel is a combination of steel and alloys that vary depending on the grade. Its dull, dark grey appearance may indicate that the wrong product was delivered before contact with the weather, but it will develop a patina that is unique to each piece over time. This natural palette is influenced by humidity, warmth, and airborne contaminants, with oxidation occurring more quickly in more exposed areas and if water lingers on the surface rather than draining away.
MANUFACTURING AND WEATHERING
In order to create corten weathering steel, the metal is heated to extremely high temperatures and then rolled between two sets of rollers. Mill scale, a byproduct of iron processing, rises to the top during this procedure. In the beginning phases of weathering, this causes rust to run off and staining.
After the initial iron waste layer rusts away, the material’s surface is durable and resistant to shedding and staining. The process can be sped up by using an acid treatment called “pickling” to remove the mill scale from the raw material before it is shipped.
WHY IS CORTEN STEEL SO POPULAR?
The strength, durability, practicality, and aesthetic appeal of Corten weathering steel contribute to its popularity. Corten can sustain stronger forces before buckling or breaking, with a tensile strength of 68–78 KSI compared to 45–64 KSI for galvanized steel sheets.
Corten is protected against corrosion in most settings by a naturally occurring protective oxidized coating. Corten doesn’t need to be painted or treated regularly. If the oxidized layer is scraped, new steel is exposed which oxidizes quickly and blends in with the remainder of the surface. The raw, natural beauty of its patina, which merges naturally with other natural materials such as wood and stone and gives a striking contrast to the rich greenery of flora, must be the main reason for its popularity in landscape architecture.
Benefits of Corten Steel — https://www.amardeepsteel.com/blog/Corten-steel-benefits-and-rusting-capabilities.html
USES OF CORTEN STEEL
- Corten weathering Steel has been used in a variety of outdoor constructions.
- Corten Steel can swiftly acquire a rust layer to preserve the sculpture and give it a weathered aspect, thus outdoor sculptures must be one of the most prevalent usage. This, as well as certain bridges and other structures, are made from Corten Steel Plates.
- For smaller projects, such as household gardens, Corten Steel Plates are used.
- It is frequently chosen as an alternative to a concrete wall when it does not fit and would overshadow the rest of your garden space.
- Corten Steel is used in a variety of products, including cycle hoops, tree grilles, and planters for bushes and shrubs. After all, we believe that public space may be both functional and beautiful.
- It is extensively utilized in marine transportation, intermodal container construction, and visible sheet piling.
OVERALL APPEARANCE
The ultimate appearance of Corten steel is determined by the conditions under which it is installed.
For instance, its appearance will vary depending on whether you’re on the ocean, inland, or in the shade. The charm of Corten weathering steel lies in its inherent finish irregularities.
However, design and installation must take into account the fact that water pooling and puddling may diminish the material’s beauty and lifespan. The color of steel will change to a deeper shade as it matures.
WE ARE HERE!
Corten and weathering steel are essentially the same material that offers excellent strength and corrosion resistance and are often used interchangeably. Corten steel is perfect for architectural and landscaping projects outdoors. Corten steel, which is popular for its aesthetics, develops a patina (rust) that protects it against corrosion and the weather. The flexibility to employ corten weathering steel in a variety of applications without the requirement for initial painting and maintenance is one of its most appealing features.
At Amardeep Steel Center, we’ve got you covered. We provide products in both forms- untreated steel and finished cor-ten. Amardeep Steel Centre is a globally famous manufacturer and supplier of Corten Steel Plates & Sheet, Corten Steel Pipe & Tube & other Grades like ASTM A423, ASTM A847, ASTM A588 GR A, ASTM 588 GR B. We have overcome all the challenges and lived up to our slogan of Building Trust In Steel Since 1984.
