Material to outlive the Giza Pyramids 3

[Stephen.Scott]

Would 316 be the best material for fabricating long-life sculptures?
I want to make artwork ("modern Rosetta Stones") that can survive thousands of years.

Would electroplating, xylan coating, or some other coating be required for locations other than desert environments?

 

[TugboatEng]

A platinum-iridium allow was chosen for the kilogram standard.

Stainless steel and other materials that require passivation are too finicky. A nickel alloy would likely be best.

Don't make it too valuable, someone will find it and melt it down.

 

[LittleInch]

Stone isn't a bad material for a sculpture...

Gold lasts a long time?

Titanium?

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

 

[Stephen.Scott]

Thanks for the feedback. I've worked regularly with 40HRC 718 inconel. What coating would protect it the most from the elements?

Looking at the past, stone may be the best material to work with if the sculptures can remain in a desert. Maybe granite or basalt.

Would titanium work better than something nickel-based?

 

[3DDave]

The main loss of sculpture is by theft. Making it of any metal is just expanding the potential range of thieves.

To get something to last a long time, start a religion of worship for it, but choose the fanatics carefully.

 

[jessieleo99]

I think it should be possible.
Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and oxidation.
The durability of stainless steel means that it does not require frequent coating or repair. Perhaps all you need to do is clean and inspect it regularly.

https://powder.samaterials.com/

 

[TugboatEng]

That is the trouble with stainless steel. It requires regular cleaning in order to be corrosion resistant.

 

[Stephen.Scott]

I was leaning towards 718 Inconel, but perhaps Hastelloy is a good contender

https://super-metals.com/applicatio...stance-performance-of-inconel-and-hastelloy/)

 

[IRstuff]

How big are these sculptures? Tungsten or tungsten carbide are possible options, although not particularly workable materials.

TTFN (ta ta for now)
I can do absolutely anything. I'm an expert!

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[Stephen.Scott]

I'll start with 2' x 3'ft sculptures. It definitely needs to be workable.

 

[MortenA]

Bronze is one of the substances that will last the longeste exposed to the elements. I dont know if there is a special "sculpture" mix but you might be able to find out yourselve.

--- Best regards, Morten Andersen