Your Professional Corten Steel Supplier in China

YUXIN STEEL GROUP is a steel mill. The main business of our company is: corten steel coil and plate etc. We can customize boards and building materials of various specifications, sizes and materials for customers.

Professional Solution
We work very closely with you to gain a clear understanding of your individualized needs. Our dedicated sales team is trained to assist you in meeting all of your requirements.

Rich Experience

With over three decades of experience in the industry, we are exceptionally suited to service your steel requirements and to establish ourselves as the go-to supplier for all your steel needs.

Quality Assurance

Our production line is capable of manufacturing corten steel plates and steel coils of various sizes.

Wide Range of Applications

Our products and specialist solutions are used for everything from consumer goods and commercial kitchen equipment to laser-cutting, metal fabrication, construction, mining and public utilities.

  • S355J2WP Steel Plate
    S355J2WP Steel Plate – EN 10025-5 Weathering SteelAtmospheric corrosion resistance 3-5x higher than ordinary carbon steel | Yield strength ≥355 MPa | Certified for bridge, construction & infrastructure projects✅ In stock – 10-15 day
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  • S355J0WP Steel Plate
    Meaning of S355J0WPS: Structural355: Minimum yield strength 355 MPa (plate thickness ≤ 16 mm)J0: Impact test energy absorption at 0°C ≥ 27 JW: WeatheringP: Phosphorus-enhanced weathering resistance
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  • Weathering Steel Applications – Durable, Artistic & Low-M...
    Trusted by architects and landscape designers worldwide. Get corrosion-resistant weathering steel cut to your project specs.
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  • Corrosion Resistant Steel Plate
    Features:No painting requiredLow maintenanceLong service lifeHigh strength, suitable for load-bearing structures
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  • Weathering Steel Plate
    Key Features of Weathering Steel Plates:. Superior atmospheric corrosion resistance. High strength and excellent toughness. Excellent weldability and formability. Natural aesthetic appeal and maintenance-free.
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  • S355J0WP Corten Steel Plate
    S355JOWP:S: Structural steel355: Minimum yield strengthJ0: Impact toughness gradeWP: Weathering steel
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  • S355J2WP Corten Steel Plate
    Grede:S355J2WPType :steel plateStandard :ENSteel Plate Thickness: 2-460mm , Steel Plate Width: 1500-3200mm, Length:6000-12000mmPlace of Origin: China
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  • Q235NHB Corten Steel Manufacturer's Bulk Stock
    Q235NHB Corten Steel is a kind of weathering steel. It is a low-alloy high-strength steel with the main components of iron, carbon, silicon, manganese, phosphorus and sulfur, which contains alloying elements such as copper, chromium and
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  • S355J2W(H) Weathering Steel Plate
    Type:corten Steel PlateStandard:EN10025Technique:Hot RolledShape:PlateThickness: 6MM to 300MMWidth: 1500mm to 4050mmLength: 3000mm to 15000mm
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  • Carbon Steel Sheet
    After heat treatment, hot rolled steel coil will have high hardness and good wear resistance.
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  • Q295NHE Corten Steel
    Q295NHE Corten Steel weathering steel, that is, atmospheric corrosion-resistant steel, is a low alloy steel series between ordinary steel and stainless steel, weathering steel from ordinary carbon steel with a small amount of copper,
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corten steel plate

 

Introduction of Corten Steel

Weathering steel, often referred to by the genericised trademark COR-TEN steel and sometimes written without the hyphen as corten steel, is a group of steel alloys which were developed to eliminate the need for painting, and form a stable rust-like appearance after several years' exposure to weather.
The name COR-TEN refers to the two distinguishing properties of this type of steel: corrosion resistance and tensile strength. Although USS sold its discrete plate business to International Steel Group (now ArcelorMittal) in 2003, it still sells COR-TEN branded material in strip-mill plate and sheet forms.
The original COR-TEN received the standard designation A242 (COR-TEN A) from the ASTM International standards group. Newer ASTM grades are A588 (COR-TEN B) and A606 for thin sheet. All alloys are in common production and use.
The surface oxidation of weathering steel takes six months, but surface treatments can accelerate the oxidation of weathering steel to as little as one hour.

 

 

Features of Cor-ten Steel

Weather Resistance
COR-TEN doesn't rust easily, so it doesn't need to be painted. Unpainted applications not only provide the economic benefit of lowering repainting costs, but they also provide aesthetic benefits due to the relaxing tone of the protective rust. While weather resistance varies depending on the product grade and application environment, COR-TEN has roughly 4-8 times the weather resistance of ordinary steel.

Paint Durability
COR-TEN can be painted just like regular steel. Also, even if there is a problem with the paint, COR-TEN stops the rust from spreading, which makes the paint last longer and saves money on repainting.

Weldability
Trace amounts of alloying elements like copper (Cu) and chromate (Cr) are added to COR-TEN to make it resistant to the weather, but the carbon content is lowered to make it easy to weld. So, COR-TEN can be welded by hand, with a gas shield, or with an arc that is submerged in a liquid. Thin-gauge COR-TEN can also be joined with spot welding.

Workability
COR-TEN is just as easy to work with as regular steels of the same strength. It can be bent, shaped, and cut with gas.

Reliability
Since "COR-TEN" started being sold in 1959, more than 2.6 million tonnes of it have been made.

corten steel plate in stock

 

 
Advantages of Using Corten Steel
 
01/

Little to No Painting
The patina that forms on corten weathering steel reduces, and in most cases even eliminates, the need for paint. This not only helps cut down on maintenance and material costs but also helps to avoid using dangerous and volatile compounds found in some paints.

02/

Strong and Durable Material
Corten’s high tensile strength and durability (Corten B) make it very useful for heavy-duty, load-bearing structures. Weathering steel is four to eight times more durable than traditional steel.

03/

Attractive Rustic Appearance
The reddish-brown rust that naturally forms on its surface makes it a popular choice among architects and design engineers who work with artistic and contemporary structures and applications.

04/

Very Little Upkeep and Maintenance
Due to its chemical composition, corten steel can withstand wet and moist climates and heat that would cause corrosive damage to other forms of steel. Corten’s melting point is around 1450-1510 degrees Celsius. Structures made from corten weathering steel can maintain their integrity for many years. Little to no maintenance is required, which also means less money is spent on upkeep.

05/

Good Machinability and Welding Properties
Corten steel retains a high degree of flexibility despite it being so sturdy. This means that it can be cut, shaped, curved, and welded to customized specifications. Weathering steel can be cold and hot-formed, gas-cut, and welded utilizing almost any type of welding method in use today.

06/

Environmentally Compliant and Friendly
Since it is made of ecological materials that are 100% recyclable, it remains in compliance with most structural standards and codes. Therefore, it offers an attractive option for those looking for environmentally-friendly building material.

 

corten steel Operating environment

 

How Does Corten Steel Rust

The Composition of Rusty Steel
Corten steel is a steel with added phosphorus, copper, chromium and nickel-molybdenum. These alloys increase the corten steel’s resistance to atmospheric corrosion by creating a protective patina on the surface. This patina usually forms in 1 to 3 years, depending on the environmental conditions and the alternation of wet and dry periods that help the patina adhere. Due to the presence of phosphorus, this protective layer regenerates continuously on the surface and forms a barrier against moisture, oxygen and pollution.

The Formation of the Patina
On conventional steels, rust forms on the surface of the metal sheet with moisture and air. When it dries, this layer of rust becomes porous and detaches from the metal leaving room for a new cycle of rust to weaken the metal.
The rust process is exactly the same for corten steel, except that it doesn’t regenerate itself. The addition of the alloys mentioned above produces more stable rust that adheres better. The succession of wet and dry periods acting on corten steel thus produces corrosion on the surface until a layer of resistant and protective metal oxide forms. When this layer matures, it no longer gets any marks and makes the steel less permeable.
The orange-brown coloured patina that forms this way is not perfectly consistent all over. Bad weather can also slow or disrupt its formation. For example, sea air does not create an effective protective layer. The high concentration of corrosive products in this environment prevents the rust stabilising.
The patina matures in 3 years maximum all by itself. It gives corten steel a grainy appearance and different shades often accentuate its aesthetic appearance.

 

Types of Corten Steels

 

Two types of weathering steel are normally produced. These are sometimes referred to as COR-TEN A and COR-TEN B. The types differ primarily in the amounts of P alloyed in the composition. COR-TEN A type is typically produced as sheet or coil and has applications in cladding and ductwork. The COR-TEN B type is more commonly produced as plate, structural sections, or tubes.

Forming
COR-TEN steel can be cold formed in the same way as the general structural steels of the corresponding grades. Successful forming requires good workshop technology from the producer of the steel product. Worn tools, insufficient lubrication, surface defects on plates, and cutting burrs may all reduce the quality. Shot blasting can also be unfavourable. For strip rolled products, bending with the axis transverse to the major rolling direction is preferred. The suggested minimum bending radii for bending longitudinal to the rolling direction are given in exacting forming operations are easier to carry out either by warm forming at a temperature under 600 deg C, or by hot forming at 800 deg C to 1050 deg C.

Welding of COR-TEN steels
A prerequisite for obtaining identical mechanical properties in the weld and in the base material is the application of suitable welding consumables and the choice of appropriate welding conditions. The welding of structural COR-TEN steels is similar to that of conventional structural steels, but COR-TEN such steels generally have higher carbon equivalent (CE) values which can increase the likelihood of hydrogen-induced cracking of the welds which need to be considered when defining preheat levels. One aspect to consider on welded connections is that all joints, including fillet welds, are to be continuously welded to avoid moisture and corrosion traps such as crevices. COR-TEN steels can be welded under workshop conditions using all the common welding processes. Low H2 welding procedures and consumables are recommended. Before welding, the patina is to be removed, down to the bare steel, from the steel surface over a band of around 10 mm to 20 mm wide along the welded joint. It is also equally important to remove any moisture, grease, oil, and other impurities from the surface.

Cutting
COR-TEN steels can be cut thermally and mechanically in almost the same manner as the plain C structural steels. When flame cutting of thick plates then the working temperature used for the welding can be used as a guideline. Due to thin plate thickness COR-TEN A and corresponding steels do not normally need an elevated working temperature for thermal cutting. We can cut stunning patterns on our lasercutter, both decorative and technical details.

 

 

Popular Uses for Corten Steel

Corten steel lends itself beautifully to building materials that will stand the test of time. Some common applications include:

Outdoor Architecture
Façade cladding, walls, entryways, roofing, frames, bridges and more to add depth.

Landscape Design
Planters, sculptures, garden features, and street furniture add elegance.

Marine Settings
Harbours, ship hulls, docks, and bridges near oceans utilise their resistance to saltwater.

Building Structures
Chimneys, towers, storage tanks, silos, and container lifts rely on high strength.

corten steel plate

 

Grade S355J2WP Steel Plates

 

How Does Corten Steel Weather

One of the fascinating aspects of Corten steel is its weathering process, which typically takes around 6-9 months, depending on the prevailing weather conditions. At the start of the process, the steel develops an orange patina. As time goes on, this turns into a darker brown hue, providing Corten steel its iconic look. It’s important to note that Corten steel requires a cycle of alternating wet and dry conditions to form this protective layer effectively.

Step 1
Newly created Corten Steel. At this point, a dark, oily coating is visible on the Corten Steel.

Step 2
The dark coating starts to degrade, marking the start of Corten Steel’s weathering process.

Steps 3 & 4
The “Run-Off” phase. This stage can take between 3 to 9 months, depending on weather conditions and location.

Steps 5 & 6
During these final phases of weathering, occasional ‘run-off’ may still occur. Meanwhile, Corten Steel’s patina evolves towards a more uniform and striking appearance.

 

What is the Difference Between Corten Steel and Regular Steel

 

What is Corten Steel
There are two types of weathering steel:
Corten steel and stainless steel. In a high-temperature oven, corten steels plates are heated and then cooled to produce weathering steel. A unique reddish-brown hue results from hardening the steel.

What is Regular Steel
Regular steel is a form of steel that contains carbon and other components, which makes it a strong and durable material that can be used to create tools such as blades and cutlery for commercial and industrial uses.

Difference Between Corten and Regular Steel
Properties:
Chemically treated steel is called corten steel, which provides better corrosion resistance. In chemical treatment, steel is immersed in a solution that contains chromium, nickel, manganese, and silicon metals. As regular steel is not treated in this manner, it will rust when exposed to moisture in the long run. Regular steel corrodes and rusts when exposed to moisture and oxygen.
Combination of elements: Combined with iron, manganese, and carbon, corten steel plates is more malleable and resistant to impact damage than other steel forms because of the high carbon content. Iron and carbon combine to make regular steel. Regular steel is extremely durable, however, if not treated properly, it can corrode. Using ordinary steel and stainless steel together is a good solution to these issues.
Corrosion resistance: The weathering steel known as corten steel has been rusted to give it an aged appearance. This gives it an attractive and distinctive appearance, while also protecting the substance underneath. Corrosion in ordinary steel occurs due to the chemicals in the metal and its ability to produce a protective coating as well as its ability to oxidize rapidly in damp environments. Intense heat or humidity can wear away or dispense with the protective layer, allowing oxygen to reach the steel and rust it.
Costing: The cost of corten steel varies depending on several factors, such as the length of your project, the steel used for its thickness and quality, and any additional features you choose for your project. Depending on where you live and where you buy your regular steel, and whether or not the steel is already finished, regular steel costs are different. The price of the sheet or bar will be higher if it has already been rolled into sheets or bars compared to raw.
Applications: Steel is one of the most often used building and manufacturing materials. It is not only robust but also lightweight and simple to use. Examples of common steel uses include:

  • Architecture structural support.
  • Instruments, devices, and equipment for light duty.
  • Parts of machinery.
  • Implants for surgery.
  • It is also used in many applications like automobile industries, military, aerospace, and many more.
  • The Corten A Steel Plates material is weathering steel with a corrosion-resistant coating suitable for outdoor use. Corten steel is commonly used for the following applications:
  • Building' roofs, walls, and facades.
  • The terrace and balcony of the apartment.
  • A stairwell, a ramp, a balcony, and a landing on the exterior.

 

Choosing Between A/B Corten Steel
 
Outlining A/B Corten Steel

Corten steel is created using copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) as the primary alloying elements with less than 0.2% carbon (C) present. It is available in two distinct grades, each of which is structurally and chemically distinct from the other.
Corten A is mainly distinguished by additional phosphorous (P), which is generally present in the alloy at concentrations of 0.07 – 0.15%. This imparts enhanced corrosion-resistant properties. Corten B, meanwhile, is not as anti-corrosive but is more suitable for heavy, load-bearing applications.

When to Use Corten A

The self-generating patina of Corten A benefits from the enhanced corrosion-resistant properties of the alloy, enjoying longer-lasting and more robust weatherproof properties. This also enables the use of Corten steel in more harsh environments, such as gas flues and for various components in industrial and hot-working environments.
Corten A is also more suitable for meeting the demands of aesthetic architectural applications. The improved corrosion resistances ensure the attractive, rust-like finish lasts for longer with minimal to no maintenance. In fact, Corten A forms the basis of some of the most famous Corten steel structures around the world.

When to Use Corten B

Corten B is preferable for heavy structural applications due to its enhanced tensile strength. The minimum tensile strength of Corten B strips is approximately 485 N/mm2. This provides significantly improved load-bearing capabilities, which makes Corten B suited for heavyweight fascia and structural elements that are constantly exposed to atmospheric corrosives and weathering conditions.

 

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Common Problem of Corten Steel
 

Q: What is corten steel?

A: Corten Steel (sometimes known as weathered steel) is a group of steel alloys that are often used in outdoor construction. Corten Steel was designed to eliminate the need for painting and if left outside, exposed to the elements, they will develop a rusted appearance in just a few months.

Q: Is corten steel still around?

A: COR-TEN is not available. What is available is steel in an ASTM A606-4, A588, and A847 finish. If somebody tells you that they are supplying you COR-TEN they are almost certainly unaware of their own product. When someone needs COR-TEN they are usually referring to A606 Type 4, A588, or A847.

Q: What is A606-4, A588, A847?

A: Weathering steels, such as ASTM A847, A588, A242, A606 and COR-TEN exhibit superior corrosion resistance over regular carbon steel as a result of the development of a protective oxide film on the metals surface which slows down future corrosion. A606-4 steel is available in metal roofing/siding panels, standing seam panels, flat sheets, and coil form. If you are looking for a panel that will give you a rustic look the two best options are bare cold rolled finish and A606. A606-4 will cost more, but it definitely will last longer. Original COR-TEN received the standard designation A242 (COR-TEN “A”) from the ASTM International Standards Group. Newer ASTM grades are A588 (COR-TEN “B”) which is normally heavier gauge plates and A606 for lighter gauge flat sheets. ASTM A847 is used for pipe and tube. All alloys are in common production and use.

Q: What does corten steel mean?

A: CorTen steel or weathering steel is a corrosion-resistant material. When left uncoated, it forms a protective layer (platina) on the outer surface that protects this steel material from acidic environments and corrosion.
In industrial specifications, weathering steel is commonly known by the name “Cor 10.” This steel is available in sheets, plates, coils, angles, channels, pipes and tubes, and is available in the applicable equivalent ASTM specifications of ASTM A588, A242, A606-4, A847 and A709-50W.
This steel is used for outdoor structures where the opportunities for inspection are minimal or not possible, such as tall building structures, bridges, marine structures, etc.
The disadvantage of this steel is that it requires special welding techniques, which are expensive and only available from a few experts in this field. This steel material is not recommended for humid sub-tropical climates, as it is prone to rust from within if any water pockets are formed in the metal.

Q: What is corten steel made of?

A: Primarily composed of iron and a small amount of carbon, Corten steel sets itself apart due to the inclusion of unique alloying elements: chromium, nickel, copper and added phosphorous which gives the steel its self-protecting properties. A particularly noteworthy feature of this composition is the ability of the materials outer layer to naturally repair itself when subjected to scratches or damage, demonstrating its resilience and longevity.

Q: Is corten steel weldable?

A: If you’re wondering about the welding prospects of Corten steel, it is relatively similar to other low-carbon steels, such as mild steel. However, a special filler material may be required depending on the particular application. This means that, provided with the right machinery and tools, Corten steel can easily be welded and shaped to cater to your unique requirements.

Q: Is corten steel expensive?

A: Although corten might come with a higher upfront cost when you compare corten steel vs mild steel, it turns out to be an economical choice in the long run. Given its resilience and low maintenance requirements, your investment in Corten steel recoups itself as time goes by. Furthermore, when you consider the expenses associated with protecting other sheet metals via processes like painting or galvanizing, the price difference starts to level out, reaffirming the cost-effectiveness of Corten steel.

Q: Where is corten steel used?

A: Corten steel’s unique properties have led to its use across a range of industries, including architecture, construction, and landscape. You’ve probably seen it in the form of large structures like bridges, or even the Angel of the North, a renowned sculpture. But Corten steel isn’t limited to grand structures alone. It’s also become very popular in recent years for creating outdoor garden products such as steel planters, artwork, edging, water features, and street furniture, adding a natural and rustic aesthetic to any outdoor space.

Q: How long does corten steel take to rust?

A: Under normal conditions, and if the surface is alternately wet and dry, the patina forms and matures within 18-36 months. Some weathering steel can even form a patina between 6 months and 1 year. However, the entire process can take between 4-10 years. Patina forms consistently when the Corten steel is subjected to alternating wet and dry periods. The rusting or weathering process depends on the aggressiveness of the environment into which the Corten steel is placed and the frequency of the wet and dry cycle.

Q: How can i speed up corten steel rusting?

A: The more frequent the wet and dry cycle is, the quicker Corten steel will rust. To quicken its natural ageing or rusting process, more frequent wet and dry cycles are needed. Spraying saltwater or a mixture of salt solutions mixed with vinegar and peroxide onto Corten steel also hastens the process. It should then be allowed to dry, and the process should be repeated until rust forms.

Q: Does corten steel stain concrete?

A: Yes, Corten steel can stain concrete. The carbon runoff from its surface, particularly during the early stage of weathering, can stain concrete, stucco, paint and stone surfaces. It takes a few years of exposure to stabilise the material’s rust condition. After the initial reactive period, the steel will cure, mature and self-seal with little to no carbon runoff. To avoid staining altogether, consider alternatives to Corten steel instead.

Q: Can you keep corten steel from rusting?

A: Corten steel oxidation can be prevented with an anti-rust coating or by sealing it to keep the atmosphere from contacting the metal surface. However, since its unique rusting process is the reason for choosing Corten steel, it is more cost-effective to opt for an alternative if this isn’t desired.

Q: Is corten steel sustainable?

A: Being durable, Corten steel is a sustainable choice. It requires relatively low energy levels during its manufacture. Corten also requires little to no maintenance, and its corrosion resistance performance is 8x higher than ordinary steel. This means that you can use it 8x longer than a common steel, without the need to paint it. The average lifespan of Corten steel is over 20 years, and it can last for many decades. With the length of time it can be used for a project, Corten steel can reduce the need for raw materials, as well as other expenses like construction, painting and maintenance.

Q: Is corten steel recyclable?

A: Yes, Corten steel is easily recyclable. It is made from pre- and post-consumer recycled steel and is also recyclable itself. Once its useful life ends, you can take it to any workshop or factory for casting metals to be repurposed. The recoverable percentage when recycling steel is close to 100% and it does not degrade when recycled. Reusing it minimises waste and is environmentally friendly.

Q: Is corten steel safe for vegetables?

A: Yes, Corten steel is safe for vegetables. You can safely grow vegetables in Corten planters by lining the planters’ interior with food-grade waterproofing coats or materials. Corten steel is an ideal garden material because it can last for decades. It can last long even in dirt and soil with next to no maintenance required. Its natural earthy colours are also perfect in a vegetable garden, providing contrast to the green vegetable colour. You can fit Corten steel even in tiny spaces because it’s thin. Shaping it in any way you want is possible, since steel is easy to laser cut and fabricate.

Q: Does it rust completely through over time?

A: No, Corten steel does not rust through over time. The outer layer forms a protective patina that weathers when exposed to the elements, acting as a shield to prevent further corrosion of the inner steel. This rust layer is stable, tightly adhered and prevents full corrosion.

Q: Does Corten Steel require special maintenance?

A: Unlike more common building materials like untreated carbon steel or wood that require frequent repainting, sealing or other protective measures when used outdoors, Corten steel does not need any special maintenance once the rust patina layer forms. The stable rust finish that develops eliminates the need for painting, coatings or other maintenance.

Q: Is Corten weaker than carbon steel?

A: On the contrary, Corten steel matches or outperforms regular carbon steel in strength and durability. The addition of alloying elements like copper, chromium and nickel imparts added protection and boosts the mechanical performance to withstand decades of outdoor exposure.

Q: Does Corten cost more than normal steel?

A: Initially, Corten steel is more expensive than plain carbon steel when you first purchase it. However, as a building material for structures, over decades, using Corten steel is far more cost-effective since you avoid the need for frequent repainting, anti-corrosion treatments and other maintenance required for ordinary steel. The rust patina finish saves significantly on costs over the lifetime of the Corten steel.

Q: How long until the rust layer develops?

A: On average, it takes between 3 to 5 years of continual exposure to the weather for Corten steel to develop the characteristic rust patina finish. Depending on environmental factors like the amount of rainfall, pollution, salt exposure, humidity levels and temperature fluctuations, it can take a bit longer or shorter for the protective rust layer to fully stabilise.

We're professional corten steel suppliers in China, specialized in providing high quality customized service. If you're going to wholesale corten steel in stock, welcome to get quotation from our factory. Good service and low price are available.

corten steel alloy, atmospheric corrosion resistant steel machining, corrosion resistant steel fabrication
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