Learning while playing
Pdf downloadPlaygrounds are often exposed to severe environmental conditions, such as rain, humidity and sun exposure. In their manufacture, it is preferred to use materials such as stainless steel, which is highly resistant to corrosion and maintains its structural integrity over time.
The most frequently used grades of stainless steel due to their properties , are the following:
AISI 304
This grade of stainless steel offers excellent resistance to corrosion outdoors and is easy to clean, ideal for outdoor swings that are exposed to the elements and humidity.
AISI 316
If the playground is located in a coastal area or highly aggressive environment, the use of AISI 316 stainless steel may be preferred. This material contains molybdenum additions that significantly improve its corrosion resistance, making it suitable for more demanding conditions.
AISI 430
Ferritic stainless steels, such as AISI 430, can also be used in the manufacture of the playground elements if they are located indoors, protected from weather conditions. If you are thinking of using this grade of stainless steel, we recommend that you first consult with specialists. We provide you with our consultation channel, where we will be pleased to help with any doubts about related issues.
In most of the cases, stainless steel is presented in the form of cold-rolled sheets and strips, profiles and tubes welded with different techniques.
The type of thickness differs in each design and depending on the product in which it is going to be applied. In general, they are between 0.4 millimetres and 2 millimetres maximum.
The chosen finishes usually respond to the appearance that you want to give to the design, but we cannot forget the great importance of the finish in relation to corrosion resistance. For this reason, we recommend avoiding rougher finishes as they favour the deposit of chlorides and dirt. For outdoor urban spaces, a polished finish favours the self-cleaning of the material, which will prolong its useful life.
Regardless of the specific type of stainless steel, thickness and finish used, it is important that playgrounds are designed and manufactured to meet established safety standards to ensure the protection and welfare of children during use.