How to Select the Right Stainless Steel Grade for Your Project
Stainless steel is one of the reliable and sustainable metals you can rely on today to make metal products. Other than being durable, stainless steel doesn't rust, and these are some of the features that make it desirable and popular in most industries.
If you are about to embark on a stainless steel fabrication project, perhaps to make products you require in your company or items for sale, it is essential to select the right stainless steel grade. What factors should you consider to make an informed choice? This post will be outlining critical tips you need to keep in mind, especially if it's your first time choosing stainless steel grade.
Application
Before buying stainless steel supplies for your fabrication project, you need to know where the products will be used. What conditions will they be subjected to? Will the product be subjected to lots of pressure or not? How large and robust should it be? How long would you like the product to last? Knowing the answers to these questions will assist you in making an informed decision.
Formation
The formation is another factor you must consider as you choose stainless steel materials for your project. Will the product be subjected to fabrication processes like cutting, bending, welding or machining? Your objective here should be to pick a grade that's easy to form or shape so the task can be less complicated.
For instance, welding stainless steel can be challenging, and the fabricators may face issues like hot cracking, intergranular corrosion cracking or stress corrosion cracking. This is the reason why some people recommend the use of austenitic stainless steel of grade 347 (it contains niobium stabilizers that prevent intergranular corrosion) or 304L (it has a low carbon content). Grades 439 and 430 are also easy to weld, but avoid using martensitic stainless steels as they aren't ideal for welding.
If the formation process is easier, the product will last long, so be sure to get enough information to choose a suitable material.
Resistance
What's the ideal stainless steel grade when it comes to resistance? Well, getting a definite answer is impossible since this varies from one environment to another. If you need to use the most corrosion-resistant material, opt for austenitic or duplex alloys such as grade 904L, 304,304L, 316L, 2205 and 316. Also, it would be best if you considered the impact of resistance in relation to temperature. Ideal grades for low-temperature environments include 316, 904L and 304, while those for high temperatures include S30815, 446 and 310.
To learn more, contact a stainless steel supplier.
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