Stainless steel was among the greatest inventions in human history. It is a type of metal alloy constructed from steel and other metals such as nickel and chromium. What separates stainless steel from the majority of the materials is their usefulness in countless applications. The wide variety of grades enables it to accommodate different applications across many different sectors of industry.
Skytech is a known supplier and manufacturer of SS Round Bars, which is extensively used at several places. We also offer the same in different grades such as Stainless Steel 202 Bars, 304 Bars, 304LBars, Stainless Steel 316 Bars and 316L Bars
Here are 7 things to consider when selecting the correct grade of stainless steel:
Welding requirements
All stainless steel grades are not weldable. Welding can cause problems, such as intergranular corrosion, hot cracking, and stress corrosion cracking, depending on certain grades. In the event that your products need welding, you need to choose weldable grade of stainless steel. Grades of austenitic stainless steel such as 304L, 347, may be used for welding owing to lower levels of carbon. In comparison, ferritic stainless steels such as grade 430 or grade 439 are readily weldable. Martensitic Stainless generally is not appropriate for welding. When welding stainless steel, great care should be taken to make sure that the metal’s mechanical properties are not compromised during the welding process.
Corrosion resistance
Although stainless steel is considered to have resistance to corrosion, different grades of stainless steel have differing degrees of resistance to corrosion. Owing to high amounts of chromium and molybdenum, austenitic stainless steel such as Grade 304 and Grade 316 is the most sought after for corrosion resistance. Ferritic stainless steels and martensitic steels are usually more economical than austenitic stainless steel as they contain less nickel, and also less chromium than austenitic stainless steels, which may contribute to a lack of corrosion. These are ideal for projects requiring the usage of stainless steel indoors, since this restricts weather exposure and other corrosive elements.
Need of machining
Most stainless steel grades can be machined, but it is particularly prone to hardening. The machining method has to be optimized to operate at a pace that helps mitigate this issue, and the machining equipment have to be maintained in good working condition as well. Similar to carbon steels, to improve machinability, sulphur can be added; grade 303 is an example of this. It is similar to grade 304 but for machining purposes, sulphur has been added to it. Stainless Steel 416 is an example of ferritic grade, with added sulphur.
Heat treatment
If the stainless steel is subjected to heat treatment it is necessary to know how the product properties will be affected. Stainless Steel 440C and 17-4 PH, are examples of heat treatable grades.
Strength
The consistency of stainless steel relies on various aspects, and the strength is one of the most significant things to remember when choosing stainless steel. The strength ranges from varying grades. Martensitic stainless steel grade 440C and precipitation hardened stainless steel grades 17-4 PH and 15-5 PH have the highest strength. On the strength scale, austenitic stainless steels come in second. Duplex stainless steels can give ferritic properties in stainless steel while retaining ductility and hardness similar to austenitic stainless steels.
Good Formability
If the application of stainless steel castings involves strong formability, an austenitic grade such as 304 or a ferric grade such as 430 is the most optimum. The martensitic category of stainless steel appears to be fragile and is not easily formable.
Cost-effectiveness
Choosing a good grade of stainless steel is essential for all the above reasons, but cost-effectiveness is the most significant. Your industry needs applications of stainless steel that are cost-effective, suit the expected climate and provide good efficiency in the long term. While certain grades of stainless steel need minimal upkeep, it also needs to be taken into consideration based on the hot, cold, or corrosive climate in which it is required to function.