The majority of stainless steel tubing and wire sold by Vita Needle Company falls in the 300 series stainless steel family. The composition of the stainless steel tubing varies depending on the alloy, but in general stainless can be an effective solution for many different types of applications. The key element in stainless steel is chromium, which when alloyed with the remaining elements, permits formation of a microscopically thin, passive layer on the surface of the metal which resists oxidation (rusting). This invisible layer is consistently self repairing in a normal environment---in other words, if the tubing surface is damaged, the layer reforms to protect the underlying tubing from oxidation. The condition of this layer on the surface of the tubing can be enhanced by a process known as passivation, which removes free iron and contaminants from the surface of tubing that might otherwise limit or reduce the formation of the passive layer. However, under exposure to certain environments, the self-repairing nature of the passive layer can be reduced, depending on the alloy and external factors.
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(Vita Needle Co.)
Needham, MA 02492 map, United States
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