demand drivers

gained considerable traction in the US market and played a pivotal role in the South African coal wagon industry, thanks to its exceptional corrosion (abrasion) resistance and impact strength.

During the overview of the advantages of using stainless steel in rail applications, the all-women team from Columbus Stainless delved into the various families of stainless steel, providing practical examples of its superior performance compared to mild steel.

Rossouw points out, “3CR12 stainless steel has proven highly successful in coal handling applications, lasting over 30 years (and counting) without the need for additional maintenance or coating. In contrast, coal units made of mild steel require regular maintenance and coating, leading to frequent replacements.”

Minimal maintenance maximum benefits

This in turn highlights the significant advantage of stainless steel in terms of Life Cycle Costing, dispelling the common misperception around the upfront cost of stainless steel and the fact that mild steel is chosen over stainless steel based solely on initial cost.