Corrosion has long been a challenge for any steel exposed to atmospheric conditions and harsh outdoor environments. Weathering steel is one effective solution, where a protective patina layer forms over time, and helps reduce the rate of corrosion and rusting. However, not everyone may have been aware of this, but SSAB’s Strenx® Weathering product range comes in grades of 700 and 960 MPa, enabling it to be used in high-strengths applications.

 

A more sustainable, cost-effective alternative to galvanized steel

Strenx® Weathering has excellent paint adhesion properties, and the paint adheres better than on standard painted carbon steel. When scratched or dented, Strenx® Weathering’s self-healing properties will minimize creepage of corrosion underneath the painted layer and remove the risk of porous expansion of rust. The result is minimal maintenance and repainting costs.

 

In fact, painted Strenx® Weathering meets the same C5 corrosivity standards as hot dip galvanized steel. However, the only extra requirement for Strenx® Weathering is painting, without the need for extensive processes like galvanizing or zinc coating. This makes Strenx® Weathering both more cost-effective and environmentally friendly throughout its lifetime.

 

High corrosion protection with benefits of high strength steel

Unpainted, Strenx® Weathering offers the same high corrosion protective properties as conventional weathering steel. It’s patina layer, which will form over 2-6 years when exposed to cyclical atmospheric conditions, will increase the steel’s lifespan compared to carbon steel. It will also eliminate the need for repainting or recoating, making it virtually maintenance free.

 

As already mentioned, Strenx® Weathering is available with yield strengths of 700 and 960 MPa. This allows for increased load-bearing capacity and high-performing designs. It also allows for a reduction in the thickness of steel and can potentially reduce the weight of steel structures by up to 30 percent.

 

Applications best suited for Strenx® Weathering

Strenx® Weathering is already being used by a number of companies in a broad range of applications, including manufacturers of trailer chassis, shipping containers, tram bodies, railroad wagons, offshore cranes and agricultural equipment.

For many customers, switching to Strenx® Weathering is ensuring greater scratch and dent resistance, and by extension longer product lifespans. In some applications, such as trailer chassis production, the reduced weight of Strenx® Weathering also enables higher payload.