Corrosion of AISI 304 (1.4301, 304SS) 1

[Finglas]

Can anyone confirm if 304 is subject to corrosion due to handling by people.
Note that the 304 parts are on a machine that will be in a cleanroom environment.
We have chosen 316 but I believe 304 will be sufficient as the parts will not be in contact with any harsh chemicals. They might just be handled (infreqeuntly, once a month) by people.

 

[EdStainless]

In a clean room, so they won't be touched by bare hands?
the issue is that oil from your hands traps other contaminates.
In a clean room this likely isn't an issue.
To keep them shinny they should be wiped off once in a while.
but it is highly unlikely that you will see rusting.
PROVIDED that they were passivated with acid in the first place and never touched with steel tools.

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[Finglas]

Yes, in a cleanroom but not sure if gloves are worn.
The only place they will be touched by bare hands is in our manufacturing shop floor during the machine build phase. Post install they should not be seeing too many greasy hands.

 

[Stick.]

RE: gloved vs bare hands: It depends on what classification of clean room OP is talking about. If I recall correctly, gloves may not be required at the "dirtier" end of the scale.