At Lumascape, we use a three-stage finishing process on most stainless steel luminaires. It's called ElectroPolishPlusTM and it ensures your stainless steel stays 'stainless' for a long time.
Lumascape uses 316 Stainless Steel in many luminaires for its excellent corrosion resistance in harsh environments.
316 Stainless Steel is commonly referred to as 'Marine Grade' for its excellent resistance to crevice corrosion and pitting in chloride environments (i.e. coastal/marine areas).
The Galvanic Corrosion Series grades the reactiveness of various common metals. After precious metals, 316 Grade Stainless Steel is the next best option.
The use of 316 Marine-Grade Stainless Steel and other high-grade materials by Lumascape is why we offer a 10-year structural warranty on our stainless steel inground luminaires, and 5 years on underwater luminaires.
Machining stainless steel disrupts the natural Chromium Oxide (Cr2O3) layer that gives Stainless Steel its superior corrosion resistance.
After machining, some carbide deposits and other impurities are left over.
This process cleans the surface of all impurities.
This process smooths the surface, so chlorides and other active particles cannot become lodged on the surface.
This final stage in the process reforms a layer of Cr2O3 of even thickness over the surface, for maximum corrosion resistance.
The diagrams below explain this process visually and show stainless steel (type 316) on the Galvanic Corrosion Series.