MAKING METAL STAINLESS.

Otaki Mail, 7 February 1923, Page 4

MAKING METAL STAINLESS.

2} -$> Sheffield metallurgists have discover* t«i f\ proce.-s of making any article of any metal ctainless l»v the deposit oi. a lilin of chromium by the same method as that employed in the electro-deposi-tion of silver, known as electro-plate. U is thus possible to make a knife of ordinary .qecl stainless without the employment of stainless steel, a somewhat expensive form of steel, because of the employment of chromium and other alloys in the actual process of the steelmaking. Less chromium is used in the new process. Chromium is dear as alloys go. It is about fis fid per pound. It remains to be seen, says the •Sshctlicid correspondent of the * * .Manchester Guardian, * '.whether in practice the results obtained in experiment are fully continued. If they are confirmed, many trades which produce domestic and other ware and bright parts tor motor-car and other lutings will bo called upon to adopt the new laboursaving invention. This is the fourth invention of the kind to the credit of Sheffield metallurgists. Stainless steel and stainless iron were discovered in Sheffield, and more recently the new nickel alloy which combines with hardness and durability the quality of stain-resist-ing, although not really stainless if subjected to severe tests. The electrochrome process is of greater significance because it can be applied to all metals. Experience has shown that articles which lighten the load in the kitchen and scullery have' a very good sale. Stainless steel table kpives which were produced just before the outbreak of war have been sold in thousands for use in England and the colonies. The invention gave the Sheffield cutlery trades a new lease of life.. Factories arc all busy now on the production of stainless cutlery. There is also an im- • proving demand for stainless iron fireplaces. fire-irons, stair-rods, curtain rods and poles, and other fittings.