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Best Cost/Least Salt Water Corrosive Metal: Stainless or Al-Br ?

Q. Hey Folks,

Developing a light that will be housed in a metal casing under pleasure boats, worst case 4 feet deep, 4" in diameter/5" deep.

Do not have a need for the metal housing to dissipate heat from the light source, but would like the least corrosive/best cost for commercial apps. available.

I have seen 316 Stainless and also a material called Bronze AB-2.

Any suggestions?

Thank you!

Bruce Louzon
Industrial - Tampa, FL, USA
2004

A. There is also an alloy called Naval Bronze (or is it naval brass?). I think you should review its properties and cost.

Guillermo Marrufo
Monterrey, NL, Mexico
2004

Chrome and gold-tone plating on brass

Q. Would like to know what brass alloy would be suited for chrome and gold (not real gold but bright shiny gold plating) plating with a maritime exposure. Understand salt water gets everything in the end. Thanks.

Chuck Howard
- Cuero, Texas
August 5, 2020

A. Hi Chuck. We added your inquiry to an earlier similar thread. If price is no object you'd probably actually be best off using 316SS and electropolishing it, and it would be indistinguishable from chrome plating but more durable.

But naval brass has long been known for maritime use and is relatively inexpensive, so I think Guillermo's advice is good.

Luck & Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
August 2020

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