Steel 316

Why Steel 316 is Superior for Bitcoin Cold Storage

When it comes to storing your bitcoins, security and durability are of the utmost importance. Steel 316's superior resistance to corrosion and heat makes it a more suitable choice for cold storage wallets compared to steel 304. Its ability to withstand harsh environments (water, fire, chemicals and deformation) means it is less likely to degrade over time, which can prolong the lifespan of the backup and protect it for the long term.

Additionally, Steel 316 is resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion, which is common in environments where chlorides are present. This makes it an ideal choice for a cold storage wallet, as the metal will not corrode easily even if exposed to harsh chemicals.

Stainless Steel Grades

Stainless steel is a type of steel that contains at least 10.5% chromium, which gives it its characteristic resistance to corrosion. However, different grades of stainless steel can have varying levels of other elements, such as nickel, molybdenum, and titanium, which can affect its properties and performance. The most common grades of stainless steel are 304 and 316.

Steel 304

Steel 304, also known as 18/8 stainless steel, is a common grade of stainless steel that contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It is known for its excellent corrosion resistance and is often used in a wide range of applications, including food preparation equipment, kitchen sinks, and medical instruments.

Steel 316

Steel 316, also known as marine grade stainless steel, is a higher-end grade of stainless steel that contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum. This combination of elements gives steel 316 superior resistance to corrosion and heat compared to steel 304. It is often used in harsh environments, such as marine and chemical processing applications.

The melting point of steel 304 and 316 is around 1400-1450°C (2550-2650°F). However, it is worth noting that the melting point is not the only important factor when it comes to the performance of steel in high temperatures, the ability to withstand high temperature without losing its other properties is also important.

Stainless steel 316 has a higher resistance to high-temperature environments compared to 304, which means that it will maintain its strength, ductility and corrosion resistance at high temperatures better than 304.

Pitting and Crevice Corrosion

Pitting and crevice corrosion are types of localized corrosion that occur in stainless steel and other metals. They are caused by the presence of certain chemicals, such as chlorides, in the environment.

Pitting corrosion is a type of localized corrosion that occurs when small, deep holes or pits form on the surface of a metal. This type of corrosion is caused by the preferential attack of certain areas of the metal, often due to the presence of small defects or inclusions on the metal surface. Pitting corrosion can weaken the metal and make it more susceptible to failure.

Crevice corrosion occurs when a corrosive environment is trapped in a small crevice or gap, such as under a gasket or in a tight-fitting joint. The corrosive environment can attack the metal in the crevice, causing corrosion to occur in a localized area. Crevice corrosion can also weaken the metal and make it more susceptible to failure.

Both pitting and crevice corrosion can be prevented by using materials that are more resistant to the specific corrosive environment, such as stainless steel 316L.

See our corossion test of the SeedHammer plates here.

Conclusion

When it comes to storing bitcoin in a cold storage wallet, the material the wallet's backup is made of is just as important as the design and functionality of the wallet itself. Stainless steel is a popular choice for cold storage wallets due to its durability and resistance to corrosion. However, not all stainless steel is created equal, and the grade of steel used can have a significant impact on the security and longevity of the backup.