A Fabricator’s Guide: Storing and Handling 201 Stainless Steel Coils in a Way That Prevents Corrosion
A 201 stainless steel coil is the first choice of many fabricators due to its cheap price and more workability than other types of steel.
Unlike others, the steel has less nickel and more manganese, which is why it rusts more easily than 300-series grades.
The following guide is designed to provide you with easy steps to store and handle steel during the processing of stainless steel. By following these steps you will be able to protect your materials and ensure the visual aspect of your final products.
Major Storage Rules
The best rust prevention method is, of course, the right storage.
- Maintain a Dry Environment. The presence of moisture in the air is what 201 stainless steel fears the most. Therefore, keep the coils indoors, use air conditioning and dehumidifiers to regulate the temperature and humidity. Pro-Tip: Periodically, use a measuring tool to check the humidity levels and make sure they stay below 50% to avoid moisture accumulation.
- Lift Coils. Coils should never be placed directly on concrete floors as they trap water and collect dirt. You may use clean and dry wooden platforms or steel racks to elevate them so that air can circulate under the coils. Pro-Tip: Make sure that the platforms are clean and free of dirt or chemicals that could stain the steel.
- Wrap it Up. The wrapping film that is used on the new coils is part of the protection it provides. When the coils arrive check for any rips and cover the 201 stainless steel coil with a waterproof cover if your warehouse is not completely dry. Pro-Tip: When you use part of a coil, wrap the remainder tightly to protect it from air and moisture.
Proper Handling Strategies
The way you move materials while processing stainless steel is as important as how you store them.
- Use the Right Tools. Carbon steel mixing is a big influential factor in adding rust spots. For moving coils, use special equipment, non-metal straps, or place padding on the forklift tips. Do not drag coils over carbon steel surfaces.
- Keep Gloves Clean. Oil, salt, or sweat from hands can catalyze rust formation on a 201 stainless steel coil. Make sure that workers always wear clean gloves that do not leave behind fibers.
- Stay Away from Physical Damage and Scratches. The protective covering of stainless steel is quite thin. It is possible for a single scratch to breach this layer and allow the rust to begin there. Use silk or other non-scratchable materials for the separating and supporting of coils.
- Surface Cleaning After Processing. Right after cutting or shaping, remove oils, tool marks, or metal pieces. Use cleaners strictly meant for stainless steel to restore the protective surface.
Avoidable Expensive Mistakes
We have experienced that these simple mistakes on shop floors have caused massive material losses.
- Coils Placed Outside. 201 stainless steel can even get rust from just a morning dew, rain, or unclean air for a short time. Therefore, it is advisable to store coils only inside.
- Using Carbon Steel Tools. Carbon steel brushes, grinding wheels, and hand tools must never be used on stainless steel. The iron particles put on the surface this way are responsible for immediate rust spots.
- Ignoring Small Surface Damage. The small scratches are not mere cosmetic concerns. They are the cavities where water and salt can enter and corrode the steel from within.
Summary
A 201 stainless steel coil is an economical choice, but maintaining it in proper condition from storage to finished product is essential.
These inexpensive storage and handling methods not only protect your products from wastage but also make your products look professional.
