How to Distinguish Between These Stainless Steel and Chrome Plated Metals?

[rawSmith]

Good day guys.

Are you familiar with decorative wine bottle stoppers? Here is what I am referring to:

I have 2 samples and they differ in how their metal looks:

http://imgur.com/a/bxfXa

On the left is the one with what looks like to be stainless steel due to its brushed look.
On the right is the one that has chrome plating and if you try scratching it with your nail
you would feel how smooth it's surface is.

Both metals do not respond to neodymium magnet which makes me think the one with stainless steel is not
actually stainless steel. Also you can see that on both of them first groove has spot which looks like rust
but it is not. It is dark orange spot which reminds me of the effect of welding and the spots the process leaves.

Now this product is made for temporary seal of wine bottles or other bottles where it makes sense to prevent wine
from spoiling. What I was wondering is which metal would last longer because I know that chrome plating tends to
chip off especially when it's thin. Which of these metals are dishwasher-safe or are they safe actually and whether
they are better washed under tap. With spots they have in first groove actually concerne me in how they would react
with water, whether they should be wiped after washing. How this will be from consumer health perspective? I am talking
about if they would come with contact with liquid, would this represent any risk?

I would really appreciate advice from proifessionals like you on this forum.

Thank you for your attention and happy holidays!

 

[Screwman1]

I would doubt that either of those parts is stainless; my first guess is that they are both chrome plated brass. The final appearance of a part that is plated will be effected by the polish prior to plating and the thickness and number of undercoats in the plating process.
Regarding your question about the durability of chrome plated parts all you have to do is look at the kitchen sink: that is plating over brass (maybe chrome, maybe nickel maybe something else depending on the styling). It will hold up just fine under any ordinary use (if properly applied). I would be more worried about getting clean under those ratty looking seal designs.

 

[EdStainless]

The matte finish one may be Ni plate over brass.
Brass machines so easily that it is favored.
They should work fine, but I am with my friend, cleaning the seals looks to be the weak point in the design.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Plymouth Tube

 

[dgallup]

I had one like that but the plating blistered, making me wonder about the base metal (how much lead?). I switched to an all glass one. The seals clean easily with just a rinse, they are not submerged.

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The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn't included in this version of Windows.

 

[Guest102023]

eureka!


"If you don't have time to do the job right the first time, when are you going to find time to repair it?"

 

[Guest102023]

The pictures in the link give me a strong impression of plating rather than bare stainless.

As far as the dishwasher is concerned, properly applied plating should have no problems. I would be more concerned about the rubber seals withstanding the heat and chemicals. Also, hygiene under the seals may be a concern. There should be an ASTM standard(s) for testing the adhesion of plating, but I couldn't tell you what the number is. Just google it or contact your nearest plating shop.

(Are these parts by any chance now coming from the place our fearless leaders exported most of our jobs to a few years back?)

"If you don't have time to do the job right the first time, when are you going to find time to repair it?"

 

[rawSmith]

Yes Brimstoner. It is the place that you had in mind. See this picture as I took macro shot of spot.

About hygiene under the seals. Would you suggest bonding all the seals so no wine or water would get there? Surely better not do dishwashing to these because the top crystal is bonded to metal and nobody would want it getting off.

I was looking a while ago on cofee tumbler made by known brand. The product had not-so reviews and people complained
about discovering liquid leftover after noticing weird taste in their coffee. This liquid was left in a place hard to wash
so it was stuck there for days. Now that's sucks thinking about potential poisoning.

 

[MagBen]

an easy way to figure out if it is stainless or brass: measuring the density. It is a high school level project, only stuff you need are a scale, and a glass of water (to get the volume). brass has a density >.8 g/cc, stianless <.8.

a side note: 3xx stainless doesnot respond to magnets, 4xx does.

 

[Guest102023]

The metal substrate finish is quite obviously rough, something an average shopper would notice, especially if placed side by side with another brand of the same thing.

MagBen: see my first post ;-)

"If you don't have time to do the job right the first time, when are you going to find time to repair it?"

 

[rawSmith]

Thanks guys. Do you know the type of glue which is non-toxic and environmentally friendly? The one that would form proper seal between rubber and grooves.