new Atomic Aquatics 'ST1' regulator ???

[darcyatomic]

It's not a matter of Stainless over titanium, it's just another choice, at a different price range. Stainless is corrosion resistant, not as much as titanium of course. It's also a very strong material - twice as strong as brass. It doesn't require plating or coating either. And just wait until you see how it looks...

 

[rakkis]

It's not a matter of Stainless over titanium, it's just another choice, at a different price range. Stainless is corrosion resistant, not as much as titanium of course. It's also a very strong material - twice as strong as brass. It doesn't require plating or coating either. And just wait until you see how it looks...

Exactly! Someone may not be able to afford a BMW, but may want the extra bells and niceties of a lexus instead of a camry even though they have the same guts inside. It's just another great regulator for us to choose from.

Man.... you're evil, Darcy. I may be buying regs for a tech rig in a few months. Why must you tempt me with a sexy regulator? I'm from the same diving school as Casey... rule #1 is never hold your breath, rule #2 is you gotta look good. :14:

 

[darcyatomic]

Gotta look good!

 

[pro99line]

My question though, is what does stainless steel buy you over brass?
Titanium has zero corrosion. But stainless steel rusts. So will it have any superior qualities compared to chrome plated brass?

Stainless is normally very rust resistant and sometimes never rust. I am not sure about with diving equipment though.

 

[paulwlee]

Stainless is normally very rust resistant and sometimes never rust. I am not sure about with diving equipment though.

No it does rust, although it depends on the grade how rust resistant it is.
The more rust resistant alloys aren't as hard.
I guess an alloy that is comparably resistant to corrosion to marine brass would be harder than brass though.

 

[JackSpearo]

anyone got a pic of it?

 

[Otter]

No it does rust, although it depends on the grade how rust resistant it is.
The more rust resistant alloys aren't as hard.
I guess an alloy that is comparably resistant to corrosion to marine brass would be harder than brass though.

I've been using their SS swivel and SS SS1 and seen no rust, so presumably they will be using the same grade of steel.

 

[Sadamune]

I am very curious to know what specific alloy of stainless steel Atomic plans to use for the ST1. An economical choice would be to use an austenitic alloy like 316, which due to its molybdenum content is more resistant to corrosion than 304 and yet is still affordable. In fact, the nicer backplates out there are made of 316. An even better choice would be to use a duplex stainless steel, which is stronger and more corrosion resistant than austenitic stainless, but with a corresponding higher price (though I'm sure Atomic could afford it).

Hey Darcy, can you shed a little light on the matter?

Cheers,

Sadamune

 

[darcyatomic]

Sure - 316 it is! I'll see If I can find a photo of it...

 

[Sadamune]

Cool! 316 is a really nice grade of stainless steel, especially for marine applications. In fact, it is generally referred to as "marine grade" stainless steel due to its excellent resistance to corrosion caused by the chloride ions in seawater. I have no doubt that the ST1 will be an amazing regulator.

I'm curious though, what specific advantages will the ST1 have over the M1? Atomic's use of monel in the M1 endows it with great corrosion resistance and compatibility with high oxygen concentration gases. Will the ST1 have superior oxygen compatibility compared to the M1? Will it have an improved resistance to corrosion?

Oh, as long as I'm waxing metallurgic, what alloy of titanium does Atomic use to make its T1/T1x/T2 regulators? I own a T1 and I've always wondered what variety of titanium alloy Atomic uses for it's regulators. I've been thinking it may be Grade 5 (6Al-4V) due to it's fairly decent oxygen compatibility, high strength, and good availability. I know that some other manufacturers have used Grade 2 (commercially pure) titanium to make titanium regulators as it is widely available and offers good oxygen compatibility as well.

Thanks for the inside-track information Darcy! It's really cool having an Atomic representative on Scubaboard!

Cheers,

Sadamune