Questions and facts on our stainless steel products:
About Stainless Steel
Why choose stainless steel over other materials?
Stainless Steel Maintenance
The Benefits of Electropolishing
How does Suncor determine the working load limit of its products?
The Effect of Temperature on Working Load Limits
Suncor Stainless Warranty
Proper Chain Use & Sling Information
Wire Rope Specifications
Mil. Spec Information
Ratchet Assembly Instructions
Trailer Saftey Check List
Suncor's Quality Assurance
Quick Attach™ Installation Instructions & Information
About Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is essentially a low carbon steel which contains Chromium at 10% or more by weight. It is this addition of Chromium that gives the steel its unique stainless, corrosion resisting properties.
The Chromium content of the steel allows the formation of a rough, adherent, invisible, corrosion-resisting Chromium Oxide film on the steel surface. If damaged mechanically or chemically, this film is self-healing, providing that Oxygen, even in very small amounts, is present. The corrosion resistance and other useful properties of the steel are enhanced by increased Chromium content and the addition of other elements such as Molybdenum, Nickel and Nitrogen.
There are more than 60 grades of stainless steel. However, the entire group can be divided into 5 classes. Each is identified by the alloying elements which affect their microstructure and for which each is named.
Below is a basic comparison table of the grades of stainless steel that we offer. For an in-depth element breakdown for each grade of stainless steel, view the Stainless Properties Table.
Why choose stainless steel over other materials?
The many unique values provided by stainless steel make it a powerful candidate in materials selection. Engineers, specifiers and designers often underestimate or overlook these values because of what is viewed as the higher initial cost of stainless steel. However, over the total life of a project, stainless is often the best value option.
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Corrosion resistance
Lower alloyed grades resist corrosion in atmospheric and pure water environments, while high-alloyed grades can resist corrosion in most acids, alkaline solutions, and chlorine bearing environments, properties which are utilized in process plants.
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Strength-to-weight advantage
The work-hardening property of austenitic grades, that results in a significant strengthening of the material from cold-working alone, and the high strength duplex grades, allow reduced material thickness over conventional grades and therefore, cost savings.
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Long term value
When the total life cycle costs are considered, stainless is often the least expensive material option.
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Impact resistance
The austenitic microstructure of the 300 series provides high toughness, from elevated temperatures to far below freezing, making these steels particularly suited to cryogenic applications.
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Fire and heat resistance
Special high Chromium and Nickel-alloyed grades resist scaling and retain strength at high temperatures.
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StainlesssSteel is a "Green" material
To ensure a high quality of life, the materials that we use as consumers and manufacturers should meet not only technical performance standards, but have a long service life, be usable in a great number of applications, and be environmentally friendly. Once their service is complete, they should be 100% recyclable, thereby completing the life cycle to be used once again. Stainless steel is such a material.
The longevity of stainless is the result of the alloying composition and, therefore, it has a natural corrosion resistance. Nothing is applied to the surface that could add additional material to the environment. It does not need additional systems to protect the base metal, the metal itself will last.
Stainless steel needs less maintenance and its hygienic qualities means that we do not have to use harsh cleaners to get a clean surface. There is little or nothing to dump into the drain that could have an environmental impact.
Stainless steel products complete their service life. There is less concern about disposal since this material is 100% recyclable. In fact, over 50% of new stainless steel comes from old remelted stainless steel scrap, thereby completing the full life cycle.
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Hygiene
The easy cleaning ability of stainless makes it the first choice for strict hygiene conditions, such as hospitals, kitchens, abattoirs and other food processing plants.
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Aesthetic appearance
The bright, easily maintained surface of stainless steel provides a modern and attractive appearance.
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Ease of fabrication
Modern steel-making techniques mean that stainless can be cut, welded, formed, machined and fabricated as readily as traditional steels.
Stainless Steel Maintenance
Stain -"less" Steel Materials
The attractive surface appearance of stainless steel products cannot be regarded as completely maintenance free.
All grades and finishes of stainless steel may in fact stain or discolor in normal service if not properly maintained. To achieve maximum stain (corrosion) resistance the surface of the stainless steel must be kept clean and in some cases requires protection. If proper installation and cleaning procedures are used and cleaning schedules are carried out regularly, good performance and long life will be achieved. The best detergent to use on your stainless steel is liquid car wash and warm water, followed by a thorough rinse. For best results a marine polish should be applied after the rail dries, we recommend Flitz, but there are several acceptable alternatives. Only soft cloths such as chamois or clean cotton rags should be used to clean stainless steel.
Why is Stainless Steel maintenance necessary?
Working environments will usually create aggressive conditions, and proper cleaning must therefore be done immediately after installation of stainless steel product in a working environment. Long exposure to working environments can increase the potential for corrosion and therefore require more frequent maintenance especially when work is being conducted in surrounding areas. Modern construction processes use more cleaners and potentially harmful materials so care must be taken to avoid contact of such materials with the stainless steel. Most simple cleaning solutions, when used in accordance with their makers' instructions are safe, but if used incorrectly they can cause discoloration and corrosion on the surface of stainless steel by affecting the protective elements within. Strong acid and chemical solutions (e.g. hydrochloric acid, muratic acid, methylethylkeytone or "spirits of salts") are sometimes used to clean masonry, tiling and heavy paint on buildings but they should never be permitted to come into contact with stainless steel. It is safe to assume that anything you would not clean the aesthetic surfaces of a fine automobile with should not come in contact with stainless steel. If incidental contact with a questionable chemical should happen the chemical must be removed immediately by copious water flushing and cleaning with a mild automobile detergent (car wash). Anything containing a harsh acid or chemical coming in contact with stainless steel will potentially cause harm. You should never under any circumstances us any abrasive compounds or abrasive pads to clean stainless steel.
In salt water environments, for additional corrosion resistance, we recommend electro-polishing your components at an additional charge.
Maintenance Step 1) Initial Cleaning; Clean thoroughly after initial installation with warm water and household soap (dish soap works well) or automobile cleaner (mild car wash). Rinse thoroughly with fresh water. Follow with a protective cleaner and polish such a Flitz marine polish. Other similar polished may be used. But you should not use anything that will scratch or damage the surface.
If you are on the ocean front please consider the Electro Polish process.
Maintenance Step 2) If additional work is taking place in close proximity to the stainless steel, take care not to use any cleaners on work areas that may damage and rinse with fresh water often to maintain a clean surface. If potentially damaging cleaners are splashed on the stainless steel, you must completely repeat step one. Acids are very damaging to stainless steel surfaces, with the exception of Citric Acid in the form of passivation fluid. If you know acids or strong chemical have come in contact with the stainless steel, you must treat them with Citric Acid passivation fluid and repeat cleaning steps.
Maintenance Step 3) Continuous maintenance; Advice is often sought concerning the frequency of cleaning, and the answer is quite simply "clean the metal when it is dirty in order to restore its original appearance". As a rule of thumb it is always good to rinse with clean water whenever you are cleaning other adjacent surfaces such as a deck or furniture. Clean with a polish as needed to maintain the desired luster; again we recommend a marine polish such as Flitz. In salt water environments we encourage customers to simply hose off the stainless steel as often as necessary to prevent salt build-up.
Benefits of Electropolishing
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Electropolishing removes elemental Iron from the surface of stainless steel alloys, enhancing the chromium/nickel content resulting in dramatically improved resistance to corrosion.
Electropolishing improves the near surface chemistry of stainless steel. Not only does it remove embedded particles and inclusions, it also improves the atomic ratios of the materials alloying elements. Electropolishing preferentially dissolves Iron from the material and leaves the surface with a higher relative concentration of Chromium. Upon exposure to oxygen, this improved surface will form a thicker and more uniform oxide layer with enhanced corrosion resistance properties. Electropolished stainless steels are better suited to resist the onset of pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, stress corrosion cracking, and microbiologically influenced corrosion.
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Electropolishing improves surface smoothness by leveling micro peaks and valleys resulting in easier sterilization and maintenance of clean surface on medical, food and beverage, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
Improved microfinishes can do more than improve the appearance of a part. They eliminate potential traps for corrosive elements. The electropolishing process may improve a surface finish reading by up to 50%. Because electropolishing is not a surface coating, there is no risk of the surface distorting or peeling over time, unlike spray on surface treatments sometimes used to improve stainless surfaces.
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Electropolishing provides the most superior form of passivation in stainless steel.
Electropolishing removes surface material and, with it, surface contaminants. The process dissolves free Iron, inclusions, and embedded particles from the surface. Electropolishing preferentially dissolves Iron from the material and leaves the surface with a higher relative concentration of Chromium. Upon exposure to oxygen, this improved surface will form a thicker and more uniform oxide layer with enhanced corrosion resistance properties.
As a result, electropolishing provides maximum corrosion resistance in stainless steel. Electropolished stainless steels are better suited to resist the onset of pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion, localized galvanic corrosion, stress corrosion cracking and microbiologically influenced corrosion.
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Electropolishing improves surface brightness and reflectivity.
The most visible benefit of electropolishing is the resulting lustrous surface. Electropolishing is a non-mechanical process. No tools come in contact with the piece so there is no risk of creating directional polishing lines. The material is treated electrochemically, leaving a microscopically smooth surface that is highly lustrous.
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Electropolishing removes metallic and non-metallic inclusions unavoidably introduced during manufacturing.
Mechanical cutting, machining, handling and polishing will leave Iron and abrasive particles embedded within a material surface. These surface contaminates disrupt the formation of stainless steels' (and other corrosion resistant materials) naturally corrosion resistant oxide layer and are the origin of future corrosion. Electropolishing removes surface material and, with it, surface contaminants. Electropolishing dissolves free Iron, inclusions and embedded particles from the surface.
How does Suncor determine the working load limit of its products?
Suncor conducts regular testing on its product. A destruction test (where the product is pull tested until it breaks) is generally conducted to determine the break load of an item. Once this break load is determined through a destruction test, the working load limit is determined.
Suncor uses a ratio of 5:1 (BL:WLL) for forged product and 4:1 (BL:WLL) for cast items and welded chain. For example: A Forged Chain Shackle that breaks 5,000 lbs. is assigned a Working Load Limit of 1,000 lbs. A Cast Swivel Eye Hook that breaks at 4,000 lbs. has a 1,000 lb. Working Load Limit. An Anchor Chain that breaks at 8,000 lbs. would be assigned a 2,000 lb. Working Load Limit.
The Effect of Temperature on Working Load Limits
Temperature has an effect on the working load limit of chain. Refer to the chart below for further information.
Suncor Stainless Warranty
Suncor Stainless, Inc., warrants its products to be free of defects in material and workmanship under normal use and with normal maintenance for the lifetime of the product. This Limited Warranty extends only to the original retail purchaser and does not run to any subsequent purchaser.
If the product fails, we will repair the product or send you a new part free of charge, provided the product has been given reasonable care, has not been used for commercial service, and the damage has not resulted from improper installation, accident, negligence, misuse or from unauthorized alterations by the purchaser.
For complete warranty details including our return policy and disclaimer, please view our Consumer Warranty.
Proper Chain Use & Sling Information
Suncor Stainless stocks a large inventory of rated, heavy duty, marine, light duty and decorative chain and chain accessories to fit your needs. We offer welding services, proof testing, slings and custom chain assemblies.
For complete information on our slings and proper chain use, please view the Chain Sling Information & Proper Use.
Wire Rope Specifications
Suncor offers wire rope in a variety of diameters and three potential constructions. These diameters range from 1/16" to 1/2". Cable constructions are offered in 1x19, 7x7 or 7x19, where 1x19 is the strongest and most ridged and 7x19 is more flexible and streches.
Mil. Spec Information
We have now joined the elite rankings of companies in the U.S. Government's Quality Manufacturer's List (QML). We are now approved for the manufacturing of aircraft control cable terminals and assemblies per MIL-DTL-781. These 40 qualified stainless steel swage components are left hand and right hand thread Swage Studs (MS21259), Swage Eyes (MS20668), Swage Forks (MS20667) and Single Shank Balls (MS20664C), with sizes ranging from 1/16" to 3/8".
For further information on our Mil. Spec components, please visit the Mil. Spec Hardware section of this site or download the Mil. Spec Press Release.
Ratchet Assembly Instructions
For quick and easy use of ratchet assemblies, please view our Ratchet Assembly Instructions. To learn more about the ratchet assemblies that we offer, we invite you to visit the Webbing Assemblies section of this site.
Trailer Safety Checklist
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The coupler securely engages your hitch. The coupler and hitch ball must be rated for the same size. The size should be imprinted on both the ball and the hitch.
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Safety chains are safely secured to trailer and tow vehicle in a criss-cross fashion under the tongue.
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Jack is fully cranked up (and parallel to tongue if swivel jack).
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Boat is securely tied down with tie-down straps. Your winch strap is not a tie-down strap. A winch controls your boat in a horizontal direction. Tie-downs control your boat in the vertical direction. You must have bow-ey and transom tie down straps securely attached whenever the trailer is in use.
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All fasteners/bolts are properly tightened. Pay particular attention to the lug nuts.
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Tires are properly inflated (read the tire sidewall to determine the correct tire pressure required). This rating will be different than your tow vehicle. Also, check for tire wear, cracks, bubbles or foreign objects imbedded in the tire.
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Brake lights and other trailer lights are working.
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If the trailer is equipped with brakes, make sure they are functioning by lightly testing before getting on a major road.
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If the trailer is equipped with brakes, connect the breakaway cable (located on top of acuator) to the tow vehicle.
Suncor's Quality Assurance
Suncor produces the highest performance quality stainless components in the industry, all backed by the industries only Limited Lifetime Warranty. Our quality team utilizes state-of-the-art testing equipment to ensure customer satisfaction on every part sold. As an ISO certified company, Suncor Stainless leads the industry in quality products and services.
For more information about our testing, please visit the Product Testing section of this website or download the complete Quality Assurance Brochure.
Quick Attach™ Installation Instructions & Information
Why would you want to use mechanical swage fittings?
Quick Attach™ fittings are precision machined from grade 316 stainless steel and Lloyds approved under #97/00200 for holding power of at least 90% of the maximum breakload of the wire rope used. Special attention has been placed on the strength of the terminals, which guarantees that the wire will always break before the fitting even gets distorted.
The advantage of Quick Attach™ fittings over conventional fittings is the arrangement of the wedges on the outside of the cable. This makes assembly much easier and allows different types of wire to be used with the same fitting.
Quick Attach™ fittings are ideal for repair of rigging without swaging and for many other industrial or architectural uses where the exact length of the cable cannot be determined beforehand or where assembly needs to take place on-site.
3 Easy Steps
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Unscrew and verify components
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Place cable through cone. Insert cable 1/4" to 3/8" through wedge set. Place washer over cable and assemble.
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Tighten lock screw and you're done!
For detailed instructions, please download the Quick Attach™ Installation Instructions.
