dsigner
28th January 2010, 07:17
There is a huge amount of very cheap stainless steel goods available now. I have some kitchen ware 20yrs old and still as good as new. i hope that my set may still be in use in 50 years time. This is a real concern as stainless steel uses huge amounts of nickel and chrome which have very limited total availability on the planet. I never see this mentioned on green sites so thought I would bring it up. If we do use it well then it is saving much energy and resources but if we treat it as expendable and throw it out through fashion then it may not be an option two generations on.
Rhyl Lightworks
28th January 2010, 08:39
I do not know what proportion of chrome and nickel allows a product to be described as stainless steel, but I have observed there are some poorish quality stainless steel products out there. They seem to rust in a few years, whereas good stainless steel lasts a lifetime. All part of today's 'throw away' society I fear, until the resources run out.
Incidentally, I have found that with outside lights for example, it is a good idea to coat the finish, whether it be stainless steel, 'rust proof' diecast aluminium, or other with a light smear of grease to make it last longer.
Barrie
dsigner
28th January 2010, 10:57
18 chrome/8 nickel is the most widely used standard. It is fine for domestic use but will not survive corrosive conditions which will be encountered in some outdoor light fittings. Grease or water displacement spray will undoubtedly help.