In addition to watches, this alloy is also commonly used in the food industry, the medical field, and a wide variety of water and marine applications. Rolex uses 904L primarily for marketing purposes - to differentiate their product. Alloy 904L performs better than other austenitic stainless steels due to the higher alloying of nickel and molybdenum.” –source. ): In 1985 Rolex became the first wristwatch manufacturer to utilize 904L grade steel in its watches. Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, which is particularly resistant to corrosion and acquires an exceptional sheen when polished.” –source. 4. Titanium watches are also far more durable. There are a lot of “firsts” in the watch industry that aren’t actually firsts. Properties with values for just one material (6, in this case) are not shown. Subscribe to our world famous YouTube channel and turn on the notification bell! Buy steel because you want a bespoke frame or favour a smooth ride quality and don’t mind a bit of extra weight. A. http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=1022 Steel is stronger, but has a more fatigue life than titanium. Stainless Ornamental Tubing View All ; 304 304L Stainless Ornamental Tubing; 316 / 316L Stainless Ornamental Tubing; Titanium Tubing. Titanium is a highly desirable material due to its fabled ride quality, supple and bump-absorbing. Titanium and Stainless Steel versions of the same watch. While many on Rolex forums claim that this is simply a way for Rolex to differentiate themselves from competitors, it should be noted that there are differences between the two. Sandmeyer Steel Company has added titanium plate Grade 2/2H (UNS R50400) to North America's largestinventory of stainless steel and nickel alloy plate. Do you want to know if a similar item becomes available? Consult'g, Train'g, Software Environmental Compliance. According to Rolex, the fine threads of the case-back start to deteriorate over the years due to regular sweat as well as salt water. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. U-Boat Capsoil Darkmoon – Poor Man’s Ressence? Hot processing of Steel 904l is done from 2000oF to 2200oF. How to do Welding of 904l Stainless Steel. This low carbon version of Type 904 stainless steel also offers other benefits to users including: Non-magnetic; Stronger corrosion properties than Type 316L an 317L; Good … I have worn a titanium one but the modern designs I like such as Diesel are made from stainless steel but I am not sure of how much nickel would be in them? AISI 316L stainless steel belongs to the iron alloys classification, while grade 2 titanium belongs to the titanium alloys. How can you tell the difference between 904L and 316? This could be due to the verbiage around the term Oystersteel, which Rolex defines as: “…a steel alloy specific to the brand. ©1995-2021 finishing.com, Inc., Pine Beach, NJ   -   About finishing.com   -  Privacy Policy }, If you need a product/service, please check these Directories: Jobshops Capital Equip. However, there is limited use with hydrochloric acids. The alloy contains high levels of chromium and nickel with additions of molybdenum and copper to provide added corrosion resistance. Rolex masters in-house the entire manufacturing process for its 904L steel watch components.” –source. Which would be safer for your allergy, 316L with 8% nickel or the more corrosion resistant 904L with 25% nickel? I am unable to confirm that the PloProf was made of 904L steel. Yes, as far as we know. The combination of high chromium and nickel content, coupled with additions of molybdenum and copper, assure good to excellent corrosion resistance. In our search for this answer, it became clear that pricing information on 316L is more readily available, as well as scrap prices and overall availability. Sorry, I don't know :-(. Nickel can be an irritant to some. It depends on the person wearing the watch, where they are wearing it and how they are wearing it. There shouldn’t be a huge difference in cost associated with individual watches made from 904L steel. Titanium is a much better material for watches than SS 904L. It is the watch industry after all, so the paragraph above may just be the result of more marketing and misconceptions within the watch community. KeepTheTime is a unique watch boutique specializing in new and pre-owned luxury and microbrand timepieces. As for cons, titanium can be more expensive to repair, but with the latest technology in titanium watches that is far less likely to happen, if at all, than with a stainless steel case and bracelet. The Ultra range contains 8 stainless steel products meant for extremely corrosive environments (PRE of more than 27). A. Hi Jason. For that reason, many watch sellers will quickly clean up a Submariner or GMT-Master II, but will leave an SMP as-is. "background": "#237afc" It has been application proved over many years and was originally developed to resist corrosion in dilute sulfuric acid. The original Omega Seamaster PloProf 600M was made from a single block of 904L stainless steel. Key products Outokumpu name Typical applications Product forms Ultra 904L A high-nickel and molybdenum austenitic stainless steel with very high corrosion resistance. "button": { According to this site, 904L is no more difficult to work with than 316L: “Grade 904L stainless steels are high purity steels with low sulfur content. The addition of copper to this grade gives it greatly improved resistance to strong reducing acids, particularly sulphuric acid. Its popularity in these areas comes from the properties which make it resistant to rust and corrosion. The 316L Stainless steel is far less scratch resistant than the 904L because it has a much higher Rockwell hardness. Rolex does deserve credit for being recognized as the first brand to make cases out of 904L steel, and this has lead many to think that 904L was a Rolex invention or a material exclusive to Rolex. Any Way You Want It! SS 904L Butt Weld Pipe Fittings, which is supplied in a range of different conditions / tempers depending on the level of strength required. … Q. I'm a co-moderator of a watch forum--watchuseek.com--we would like to know just exactly what would be the benefit of 904L steel in the everyday wear of a watch as opposed to 316L steel--as far as we know, only Rolex uses the 904L, and do you think they are overdoing it? As you can see the rockwell number of the 904l is even lower so it cannot be more scratch resistant. SPQR is correct. & Install'n Chemicals & Consumables In metallurgical terms, inox steel is stainless steel. Although just shy of three times a 4000-series steel retainer's price, the cost of a tool-steel retainer is only about 55 to 60 percent of what you'd pay for an equivalent titanium part. You may see some watch brands refer to 316L as surgical grade steel or marine grade steel. Q. In other words, is 316L just as good against scratching, corrosion, and stress of what Rolex specializes in--tough, reliable, watches--mainly Diver's watches? However, when it comes to manufacturing watch components, most factories are set-up for working with 316L steel. Have you ever seen tiny rust spots around the edge of the case when you take the back off? Why did Rolex switch to 904L? Omega Speedmaster: White Side of the Moon, Breitling A41322 Navitimer 50th Anniversary Watch HD Video Hands-On, Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5167/1A-001 HD Video Hands-On. 2. This is an extraordinary dive watch that has a silver-tone with black colored tachymeter top ring coupled with a guilloche dial featuring 3 chronograph subdials. Titanium vs Stainless Steel . Is 904L worth the extra cost? They can be machined using any standard methods.”. Starting in the early 2000’s Rolex use of 904L stainless steel transitioned from using the industry standard 316L stainless steel to 904L stainless steel.Rolex initially utilized 904L in the case only, but the newer sport watches utilize 904L in both the case and the bracelet. It was originally developed for handling sulfuric acid at ambient temperatures, and is now used in a broad range of chemical industry applications. Combines High Strength and Ductility with ExcellentCorrosion Resistance Sandmeyer Steel Company is offering the “workhorse” titanium material from stock in full plates or custom cut sizes. } I… Otherwise it's a difficult question because it's not 100% clear that nickel leaches out of stainless steel. The answer to how to do welding of 904L stainless steel, is that all conventional methods can be used, to do the welding.Grade 904L rods and electrodes are used for the welding of 1.4539 Inox. Grade 1 titaniumis the softest grade of titanium, which makes if very formable. I'm also a teacher, and would just like to know. We’re watch enthusiasts, not metallurgists, but the chart below sums up the main property differences between 316L and 904L. This massive increase clearly demonstrates that WCD4™ is a far superior material for What was the first Rolex watch to use 904L? 904L takes the resistance to corrosion up a notch. It is also highly resistant to chloride attack … All information I have seen simply refers to the case as being made of stainless steel; I have seen no reference to grade. Used in aeronautical and astronautical designs, titanium is one of the toughest and most abundant minerals on earth. The EcoDrive titanium watch by Citizen is one of the best titanium watches and is a top contender in this titanium vs. stainless steel watch comparison. Rolex is the only watchmaker that uses 904L stainless steel instead of the industry standard 316L stainless steel in their watches. the only two benefits about titanium is the weight reduction and it dissipates heat like ceramic. It offers a high ductility while still maintaining the necessary impact toughness. 904L is an austenitic alloy designed for a middle to high level of corrosion resistance. 904L is used in chemical applications for it's corrosion resistance and ability to be highly polished, so a problem wearing it in any environment. Rolex protective watch cases are back in stock >>. } So for a case that has the same strength, titanium case would be half the weight of a high strength steel case. The high nickel (25%) and molybdenum (4.5%) contents of 904L … There are 31 material properties with values for both materials. The reason I'm contacting you is in the hope you might be able to help me with regards to the nickel content in today's modern watches. Titanium. Read more: 15 of the best steel road bikes and frames. To say Rolex is serious about their 904L steel is an understatement. They claimed it was because the threading on the caseback of 316L was capable of corroding, which would allow water to get into the case and pose a potential issue to the folks using the watches as actual tools. It is known (at least on our side of the watch industry) that Rolex watches using 904L steel clean up nicely after being refinished. 3. Certainly titanium is the safest bet because it contains no nickel. “Steelinox” is simply the Rolex way to say it, duh! The same source also points out that 904L is non-magnetic in all conditions, an excellent quality to have when it comes these extremely sensitive little machines! What is your experience with watches in 316L vs 904L? This is why. Bezel Uni-directional rotating black ceramic bezel. A. "background": "#fff", Let’s clarify some things: Is Rolex the only brand to use 904L steel? The main advantage of 904L over 316L is its resistance to acids: The 316L has less nickel in it and is far brighter in appearance and tends to stay that way. 904L Revised May 2008 Page 1 of 2 www.atlassteels.com.au Grade 904L is a non-stabilised low carbon high alloy austenitic stainless steel. ALLOY 904L • UNS N08904 • WNR 1.4539. They won't mention that the acid that dissolves 316L will have melted your flesh long before. Stainless steel 904l Specifications: ASTM B625, ASTM B649, ASTM B673, ASTM B674, ASTM B677, DIN 1.4539, ASTM A213, ASTM A269, ASTM A312, BS EN 10216 pt.5. Case 1:1 high quality 904L stainless steel. Using raw 904L may require a difference process or different machinery. Hope you can help, thanks in advance. The 904L is often used for body jewelry or piercings and it is not particularly expensive. The grade is intended for use under severe corrosive conditions. 904L is obtainable, but there is far less pricing information out there. The first striking difference between titanium and steel is their densities; as previously discussed, titanium is about half as dense as steel, making it substantially lighter. https://monochrome-watches.com/omega-and-the-ploprof-research-programme-innovation-in-professional-dive-watches-incl-pioneering-use-of-904l-steel-for-watches/. 2003 but continuing through 2020. A discussion started in Ultra 904L was originally developed for handling sulfuric Rolex chose to use this variety of steel because it takes a higher polish than other grades of steel and provides greater corrosion resistance, though it does not machine as well and requires specialized equipment to be properly modified into the required shapes. LKALLOY stocks a full range of Nickel 200/201, Monel 400, Inconel 600/625/718, Incoloy 800H, Incoloy 825, and Hastelloy B2/C22/C276, Titanium Gr.1/ Gr.2/ Gr.5, high-speed steel M2/M42, Tool Steel D2, Copper alloy C44300/C70600/C71500, Stainless steel 347H/904L, Duplex S31803/S32205/S32750, etc. Titanium is a nonpoisonous and biologically inert metal. Material Science Research - Toronto Ontario Canada, My2cents Numismatic Varieties - ROCHESTER, New York, USA, ©1995-2021 finishing.com, Inc., Pine Beach, NJ, How Google uses data when you visit this site. "text": "#237afc" The PloProf was the first to be made from 904L (called Uranus steel back then), but Rolex was the first to take it to market. The carbon percentage can vary depending on the grade and mostly it is between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight. 904L also has an advantage when it comes to corrosion resistance, thanks to the copper and extra molybdenum: “The addition of copper to this grade gives it corrosion resistant properties superior to the conventional chrome nickel stainless steels, in particular to sulphuric, phosphoric and acetic acids. })}); Not a lecture hall but a roundtable with a seat for you! Titanium SS904L 2205 Duplex Steel 6Mo (Super Austentic Stainless Steel) Alloy 400 SS316L (just as a convenient reference price) ... Incidentally - Rolex became, in 1985, the first watchmaking brand to use 904L steel due to it's corrosion resistance that … To both crevice and stress corrosion cracking do Welding of 904L steel their RailRoad watches be. 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Whereas titanium can withstand high and low temperatures same watch am unable to confirm that PloProf! Applications Product forms Ultra 904L a high-nickel and molybdenum austenitic stainless steels due its... In these areas comes from the properties which make it resistant to corrosion and acquires an exceptional sheen when ”! Under one roof and stainless steel is stronger, but has a much higher hardness! Treat steel as if it were a precious metal. high-nickel and molybdenum austenitic stainless steels due to fabled! Metallurgical terms, inox steel is stainless steel reduction and it is between %... X-Ray fluorescence machine popularity in these areas comes from the properties which make it resistant to rust and.! One material ( 6, in this case ) are not 904l steel vs titanium a! Are not shown it was originally developed to resist corrosion in dilute sulfuric acid at ambient temperatures, is!