Weigh anchor
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Since the dawn of navigation, anchors have been essential for securing a vessel's position on the seabed, preventing it from being moved as a result of the currents, wind or waves, and are vital for safety during activities such as fishing or emergencies.
Their effectiveness depends on several factors, such as its design, the material it is made of and, an aspect that sometimes goes unnoticed but is very important, the chain that accompanies it. Chains act as a link between the ship and the seabed, transforming vertical loads into horizontal forces so that the anchor can resist more effectively. In this system, the quality of the links is crucial, and stainless steel has established itself as a particularly suitable material for their manufacture.
Chains are made up of elliptical links, which for centuries were made of carbon steel and protected with galvanisation, but constant exposure to salt water promoted corrosion and reduced their useful life. The introduction of stainless steel overcame many of these limitations, offering greater durability in demanding marine environments.
The main benefit of stainless steel is its resistance to corrosion. Its chemical composition creates a passive layer that protects it, preventing the rapid degradation suffered by other metals. This advantage translates into chains that can withstand long periods of service with less need for replacement.
Another important feature is its mechanical strength. Alloys such as duplex or super duplex stainless steel show superior performance under high loads and repeated stresses. This property provides additional safety when currents or wind force prolonged stress on the vessel, preventing structural failure in critical situations.
Do you know how these chains are manufactured? Stainless steel wire is straightened, cut and shaped into oval links that are joined together. Each joint is pressed, welded and finally subjected to heat treatments to ensure optimum performance. This care in production guarantees the uniformity of the chain and its reliable performance under extreme conditions. If you are interested in this matter, we share the full article with you →
https://www.cedinox.es/en/publicaciones/noticias/Stainless-steel-chains/