Product Overview
So, what is Corten steel?
Corten, a material originally developed in the 1930’s by the United States Steel Corporation, was once primarily used for railway coal wagons. This new material was in high demand thanks to its inherent toughness and ability to withstand weather conditions, which are possible due to the controlled corrosion that makes Corten unique.
Speeding up the finishing process
Cor-ten is an evolving product, which architecturally is appealing, as it matures to its environment. The weathering process is almost endless, but to get to the main patina, the process can be speeded up via salt spraying. The finish created by this process is slightly different to the natural patina, and we can discuss this with you at the project specification stage.
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We are here to discuss your project, please ask for Mark McKeown
Cambridge Corten is a division of Impulse Point of Purchase
Where does the organic orange colour come from?
The orange-brown finished colour in A606-4 comes mainly from the copper content. With 5% copper in the alloy mix, the copper immediately comes to the top as the patina process begins. Additionally, the copper along with manganese, silicon and nickel content in A606-4 creates that protective layer as the material continues to patina. Standard carbon steel will rust but it will not have the beautiful colors that come from A606-4.
COR-TEN steel gets its properties from a careful manipulation of the alloying elements added to steels during the production process. It has a combination of Cr (chromium), Cu (copper), Si (silicon), and P (phosphorus), the amounts depending on the properties required. COR-TEN steel works by controlling the rate at which O2 (oxygen) in the atmosphere can react with the surface of the steel. The rusting of a steel takes place in the presence of air and water,
resulting in the product of corrosion which is the iron oxide.
Non-weather resisting steels have a relatively porous oxide layer, which can hold moisture and promote further corrosion. After a certain time (dependent on conditions), this rust layer delaminates from the surface of the steel, exposing the surface and causing more damage.
