SS Weld Clean Twin Pack (2x1Kg Jars)

In most cases where stainless steel is used, some form of post weld cleaning will be necessary particularly where ultra-clean surfaces are required, as in the case of pharmacetical or food processing equipment.

Stainless steel's corrosion resistance results from a thin, transparent layer of chromium oxide formed on its surface during production.  When this film is present the metal is in a passive state.  During fabrication and welding the film can be damaged by scratches, the formulation of surface oxides (including heat tint) and embedded iron.  This can reduce the chromium of the surface metal, preventing the passive film from reforming naturally.  As a result, areas of lower corrosion resistance are formed.

To restore the protective surface these areas are typically treated, eg by immersing the fabrication in a pickling bath.  The use of pickling pastes arises where a fabrication is too large to fit into a picking bath or where either the pickling has to be done in situ or where localised pickling is required, such as on a weld seams.  The pickling paste removes any resulting free iron or surface contamination.