Stainless steel is essentially a low carbon steel which contains Chromium at 10% or more by weight. It is this addition of Chromium that gives the steel its unique stainless, corrosion resisting properties.
The Chromium content of the steel allows the formation of a rough, adherent, invisible, corrosion-resisting Chromium Oxide film on the steel surface. If damaged mechanically or chemically, this film is self-healing, providing that Oxygen, even in very small amounts, is present. The corrosion resistance and other useful properties of the steel are enhanced by increased Chromium content and the addition of other elements such as Molybdenum, Nickel and Nitrogen.
There are more than 60 grades of stainless steel. However, the entire group can be divided into 5 classes. Each is identified by the alloying elements which affect their microstructure and for which each is named.
Benefits of Electropolishing
- Electropolishing removes elemental Iron from the surface of stainless steel alloys, enhancing the chromium/nickel content resulting in dramatically improved resistance to corrosion.
Electropolishing improves the near surface chemistry of stainless steel. Not only does it remove embedded particles and inclusions, it also improves the atomic ratios of the materials alloying elements. Electropolishing preferentially dissolves Iron from the material and leaves the surface with a higher relative concentration of Chromium. Upon exposure to oxygen, this improved surface will form a thicker and more uniform oxide layer with enhanced corrosion resistance properties. Electropolished stainless steels are better suited to resist the onset of pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, and microbiologically influenced corrosion. - Electropolishing improves surface smoothness by leveling micro peaks and valleys resulting in easier sterilization and maintenance of clean surface on medical, food and beverage, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Improved microfinishes can do more than improve the appearance of a part. They eliminate potential traps for corrosive elements. The electropolishing process may improve a surface finish reading by up to 50%. Because electropolishing is not a surface coating, there is no risk of the surface distorting or peeling over time, unlike spray on surface treatments sometimes used to improve stainless surfaces. - Electropolishing provides the most superior form of passivation in stainless steel.
Electropolishing removes surface material and, with it, surface contaminants. The process dissolves free Iron, inclusions, and embedded particles from the surface. Electropolishing preferentially dissolves Iron from the material and leaves the surface with a higher relative concentration of Chromium. Upon exposure to oxygen, this improved surface will form a thicker and more uniform oxide layer with enhanced corrosion resistance properties.
As a result, electropolishing provides maximum corrosion resistance in stainless steel. Electropolished stainless steels are better suited to resist the onset of pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, localized galvanic corrosion, stress corrosion cracking and microbiologically influenced corrosion. - Electropolishing improves surface brightness and reflectivity.
The most visible benefit of electropolishing is the resulting lustrous surface. Electropolishing is a non-mechanical process. No tools come in contact with the piece so there is no risk of creating directional polishing lines. The material is treated electrochemically, leaving a microscopically smooth surface that is highly lustrous. - Electropolishing removes metallic and non-metallic inclusions unavoidably introduced during manufacturing.
Mechanical cutting, machining, handling and polishing will leave Iron and abrasive particles embedded within a material surface. These surface contaminates disrupt the formation of stainless steels’ (and other corrosion resistant materials) naturally corrosion resistant oxide layer and are the origin of future corrosion. Electropolishing removes surface material and, with it, surface contaminants. Electropolishing dissolves free Iron, inclusions and embedded particles from the surface.
How to determine the working load limit?
We conduct regular testing on our products. A destruction test (where the product is pull tested until it breaks) is generally conducted to determine the break load of an item. Once this break load is determined through a destruction test, the working load limit is determined.
We use a ratio of 5:1 (BL:WLL) for forged product and 4:1 (BL:WLL) for cast items and welded chain. For example: A Forged Chain Shackle that breaks 5,000 lbs. is assigned a Working Load Limit of 1,000 lbs. A Cast Swivel Eye Hook that breaks at 4,000 lbs. has a 1,000 lb. Working Load Limit. An Anchor Chain that breaks at 8,000 lbs. would be assigned a 2,000 lb. Working Load Limit.
Proper Chain Use & Sling Information
We stock a large inventory of rated, heavy duty, marine, light duty and decorative chain and chain accessories to fit your needs. We offer welding services, proof testing, slings and custom chain assemblies.
Wire Rope Specifications
We offer wire rope in a variety of diameters and three potential constructions. These diameters range from 1/16″ to 1/2″. Cable constructions are offered in 1×19, 7×7 or 7×19, where 1×19 is the strongest and most ridged and 7×19 is more flexible.
Mil. Spec Information
We have now joined the elite rankings of companies in the U.S. Government’s Quality Manufacturer’s List (QML). We are now approved for the manufacturing of aircraft control cable terminals and assemblies per MIL-DTL-781. These 40 qualified stainless steel swage components are left hand and right hand thread Swage Studs (MS21259), Swage Eyes (MS20668), Swage Forks (MS20667) and Single Shank Balls (MS20664C), with sizes ranging from 1/16″ to 3/8″.
Trailer Safety Checklist
- The coupler securely engages your hitch. The coupler and hitch ball must be rated for the same size. The size should be imprinted on both the ball and the hitch.
- Safety chains are safely secured to trailer and tow vehicle in a criss-cross fashion under the tongue.
- Jack is fully cranked up (and parallel to tongue if swivel jack).
- Boat is securely tied down with tie-down straps. Your winch strap is not a tie-down strap. A winch controls your boat in a horizontal direction. Tie-downs control your boat in the vertical direction. You must have bow-ey and transom tie down straps securely attached whenever the trailer is in use.
- All fasteners/bolts are properly tightened. Pay particular attention to the lug nuts.
- Tires are properly inflated (read the tire sidewall to determine the correct tire pressure required). This rating will be different than your tow vehicle. Also, check for tire wear, cracks, bubbles or foreign objects imbedded in the tire.
- Brake lights and other trailer lights are working.
- If the trailer is equipped with brakes, make sure they are functioning by lightly testing before getting on a major road.
- If the trailer is equipped with brakes, connect the breakaway cable (located on top of acuator) to the tow vehicle.
Quick Attach™ Installation Instructions & Information
Why would you want to use mechanical swage fittings?
Quick Attach™ fittings are precision machined from grade 316 stainless steel and Lloyds approved under #97/00200 for holding power of at least 90% of the maximum breakload of the wire rope used. Special attention has been placed on the strength of the terminals, which guarantees that the wire will always break before the fitting even gets distorted.
The advantage of Quick Attach™ fittings over conventional fittings is the arrangement of the wedges on the outside of the cable. This makes assembly much easier and allows different types of wire to be used with the same fitting.
Quick Attach™ fittings are ideal for repair of rigging without swaging and for many other industrial or architectural uses where the exact length of the cable cannot be determined beforehand or where assembly needs to take place on-site.
Quick Attach – 3 Easy Steps:
- Unscrew and verify components
- Place cable through cone. Insert cable 1/4″ to 3/8″ through wedge set. Place washer over cable and assemble.
- Tighten lock screw and you’re done!