Corten Processing
COR-TEN steel, whose name derives from its main characteristics,
- high corrosion resistance ( COR rosion resistance)
- high mechanical resistance ( TEN sile strength)
It belongs to the category of low alloy steels defined as patinable, it is also called patinated steel.
The main property of Cor-Ten steel is its excellent ability to self-protect from electrochemical corrosion.
In fact, during the natural oxidation process, metal releases a powder of oxides of the alloy elements that patina the surface composed of a porous external layer and a very thin and impermeable internal layer, rich in copper, chromium and phosphorus. The oxidized chromatic tone appears warm and intense and offers different aesthetic solutions in relation to the unusual "elegance of rust".
Cor-ten steel has many advantages:
- it has a lower cost than normal steels because, with the same mechanical resistance, it is possible to achieve appreciable reductions in thickness and consequent reductions in weight;
- It has excellent structural resistance and resistance to atmospheric corrosion, which allows the use of Corten even in its original state. The metal does not deteriorate with the passage of time, but on the contrary, it obtains that lived-in look that attracts architects and designers;
- minimal maintenance and cleaning because Corten does not break or deteriorate (taking into account the conditions necessary for the formation of oxidation listed above);
- it lends itself to different processes such as forging, bending, drawing, laser cutting, welding, making it extraordinarily versatile;
- absolute non-deformability over time;
- long lasting;
- 100% recyclable because it is a natural material.