Glass spigots are the common architectural hardware for some areas like walkways, decking or swimming pools. They can also be used as short posts to adjust the height of some structures.
Cast stainless steel is the typical durable material used with glass to create superior glass balustrade designs. If you are familar with the material of glass spogits, you may know the common cast stainless steel grades for casting glass spigots could be either grade 316 or grade 2205 stainless steel for external glass balustrades.
Both grade 316 and 2205 stainless steel have been classified as the ideal grade in investment casting process to make quality glass spigots. For the higher levels of Chromium, Nickel, Molybdenum, and Nitrogen in duplex 2205 stainless steel, investment casting of 2205 duplex stainless steel can creat a stronger glass spigot with almost double the corrosion resistance of that made from 316 stainless steel.
Features of 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel are High Resistance to:
- Fatigue corrosion
- Stress corrosion cracking – especially in salt water
- Chloride pitting and crevice corrosion – especially suited to salt water
- Sulphide stress corrosion
- High energy absorption
- Low thermal expansion
- Good weldability and workability
To give you a good idea of it’s durability, duplex 2205 stainless steel is often used to cast horse stirrups as well, which require great strength. Of course, it is also used to cast other parts for some special applications. In other words, this type of material has good fatigue corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, chloride pitting and crevice corrosion, and sulphide stress corrosion. So, if used for investment casting glass spigots, 2205 duplex stainless steel would add longevity to your balcony, decking area, terrace, or other outdoor space. It would look its best for longer whilst maintaining its purpose of providing an effective safety feature.
Another difference between the two stainless steels is within their microstructures. Grade 316 has an austenitic microstructure (consisting of austenite, which is a non-magentic solid solution of iron with an alloying element). Grade 2205 stainless steel has as a ferritic-autentistic microstructure (consisting of 50% ferrite and 50% austenite, hence the term Duplex). Due to the their ferrite content, Grade 2205 stainless steels are magnetic, and the duplex structure makes for higher strength glass spigots, with higher resistance to stress corrosion cracking.
In summary, duplex 2205 stainless steel is better than 316 stainless steel for investment casting glass spigot. At CFS Foundry, we can supply OEM casting service for any type glass spigot to meet your specifications, and our valued mirror polishing service can supply finished products. Any inquiry on duplex stainless steel investment casting, pls feel free to contact our foundry!
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