What is the primary effect of pitting corrosion?

The primary effect of pitting corrosion is the development of localized holes within the metal. This type of corrosion occurs when the protective oxide layer of a metal is damaged, leading to the formation of small pits or cavities where corrosion progresses. The localized nature of pitting means that while the overall thickness of the metal might remain largely unaffected, these pits can penetrate deeply and compromise the structural integrity of the material.

Pitting corrosion is particularly concerning because it can occur undetected until significant damage has taken place, making it difficult to assess the overall condition of the metal just by visual inspection. This contrasts with some other forms of corrosion where the degradation might be more uniform or visible across a broader surface area.