Weathering steel with superb corrosion resistance
SSAB Weathering steel is a corrosion-resistant steel that will minimize total life cycle costs, thanks to its low maintenance needs.
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What is SSAB Weathering steel?
SSAB Weathering steel is a high strength, low alloy weldable structural steel with exceptional corrosion resistance. The chemical composition of the steel allows for the creation of a patina layer that behaves like a coat to a structure. This patina layer not only protects against corrosion, but also delivers a unique finish that is aesthetically pleasing.
What’s more, it’s environmentally friendlier compared to traditional steel. Overall, it is a well-rounded and efficient corrosion-resistant steel optimal for use in for example steel shipping containers or trains.
The combination of weather resistance and workshop performance makes SSAB Weathering a cost-efficient corrosion-resistant steel with a wide range of applications.
New weathering steel grades for superior weldability and higher strength
SSAB is now introducing high-strength weathering steel grades 420 ML and 460 ML. When you specify these high-strength grades in bridge construction or to build rolling stock or other structures, you can use less steel yet maintain high strength. Upgrading to these higher-strength steels gives you superior weldability, lower life cycle costs and improved sustainability.
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An SSAB Weathering steel bridge – built to last
The award-winning pedestrian bridge near Lake Kuusijärvi in Finland not only resists corrosion, requires little maintenance and is visually striking. Thanks to SSAB Weathering steel, it also helps to reduce lifecycle costs and carbon footprint.
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New study: Maintenance costs for painted structures are greatly reduced with SSAB Weathering steel
Painted SSAB Weathering steel was subjected to a six-year test, where it was exposed to corrosive salt air and extreme weather conditions.
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High-strength steel for low-carbon, lower life-cycle cost bridges
Learn about SSAB’s portfolio of weathering steels for the construction of low-maintenance bridges that deliver superior corrosion resistance and help you reduce life-cycle and environmental costs. Sami Niemelä from design firm WSP will also be showcasing his award-winning bridge in the forests of Finland.
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”By choosing COR-TEN® weathering steel and painting it, you get an extremely long-lasting construction”
The Hashalom railway station in Tel Aviv, Israel, is the country’s busiest railway station, and features an unforgettable design – a flying carpet-like roof of steel and glass. For its construction, renowned architect Eri Goshen chose to use COR-TEN® weathering steel from SSAB in combination with a paint coating.
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New insights - SSAB Weathering can reduce maintenance costs of painted steel structures
The webinar will address topics, such as: How SSAB Weathering steel forms its protective patina layer during the oxidation process. How effective painted SSAB Weathering steel is in resisting degradation and retaining paint within a corrosive environment. Real-world applications of SSAB Weathering steel.
Benefits of using SSAB Weathering steel
High strength structural steel
SSAB Weathering steel is available in yield strength levels from 355–960 MPa, which makes it the perfect corrosion resistant base material for stronger, lighter and more sustainable solutions.
Designing uniqueness into every project
The unique natural look, which changes over time as the surface ages, is created by the oxidation process. SSAB Weathering blends into the environment and combines well with other building materials.
Environmentally friendly
Painted or unpainted, SSAB Weathering steels ensure longer service life at minimum or even no maintenance work. When painted, it can double intervals between maintenance painting compared to other steels, halving maintenance costs.
Calculate to make the right decision
How much corrosion can weathering steel resist? All steels oxidize after some time, but some more than others. When choosing the thickness of the steel, you should take corrosion levels into account.
If you choose to use weathering steel without painting it, you will save dioxide emissions. If painting, you still have reduced CO2 emissions because you would not have to repaint the steel as often as with a regular carbon steel.
SSAB Weathering steel for your industry
Structures and bridges
SSAB Weathering is the ideal choice for steel constructions that are difficult to reach and expensive to maintain.
Heavy transport
Heavy transports in SSAB Weathering steel are strong, hardwearing, take higher payloads and are relatively light compared to vehicles made from conventional steel.
Process Industries
SSAB Weathering steels is resistant to high temperatures and a sulfur-rich atmosphere, common in petrochemical plants.
The patina formation process
At first, the steel begins to rust in the same fashion as non-weathering steel once it’s exposed to wet and dry conditions. However, as time passes, the rust layer transforms into a patina layer, and the color changes from a fresh, newly developed orange-brown, to a light or dark brown.
The speed of change and the final color of the steel are dependent on the atmospheric conditions of a site and the level of pollution – sulfur dense atmospheres will speed up the oxidation process and result in a darker patina. Frequent cycles of wet and dry conditions will also speed up oxidation. The entire oxidation process for this corrosion-resistant steel usually takes between 2–6 years.
The speed of change and the final color of the steel are dependent on the atmospheric conditions of a site and the level of pollution – sulfur dense atmospheres will speed up the oxidation process and result in a darker patina. Frequent cycles of wet and dry conditions will also speed up oxidation. The entire oxidation process for this corrosion-resistant steel usually takes between 2–6 years.
Rust – the perfect protection
SSAB Weathering steel is extremely strong and protected by a patina layer of rust that is formed during the oxidation process, when exposed to alternating wet and dry conditions. Thanks to this, not only does the unpainted weathering steel require minimum maintenance, but also will slow any further oxidation of the steel.
COR-TEN® for buildings and art
COR-TEN® is a well-known weathering steel brand for buildings and structures, and a favorite facade material among architects and designers. The combination of high-strength, aesthetic appearance, low maintenance and flexibility, make it an ideal choice for projects of all shapes and sizes.