Stainless Steel practical knowledge
Stainless steel is one of the most versatile and in demand materials available in the modern manufacturing world. Made from a steel alloy, containing a minimum of 10.5% chromium and sometimes referred to as inox steel, stainless steel is known for its corrosion resistance and its ability to resist rusting in many different types of environments.
Due to its strength and durability, stainless steel is used in many industries and applications. It is common to see stainless steel kitchen appliances and commercial cookery, industrial tanks and chemical containers, and even racing car components.
It is important to understand the different types of stainless steel that are available and the applications they are most suitable for.
Ferritic stainless steel contains higher levels of chromium but no nickel, making it cheaper than austenitic stainless steel, but it is more prone to corrosion and less malleable. It is a good choice for low strength requirements on cost-effective work and applications, such as automotive trim, kitchenware and chemical and food processing.
Martensitic stainless steel has higher levels of carbon than ferritic and is usually heat treated. It is also tougher and harder than ferritic but more susceptible to corrosion. It is a good choice for applications that require higher strength and slight corrosion resistance, such as knives and cutlery.
Austenitic stainless steel has a high chromium content and nickel and is a popular choice for many applications. It is stronger and tougher than ferritic and easier to work with. However, it is the most expensive and corrosion-resistant stainless steel. It is a good choice for applications with high requirements for corrosion resistance and strength, such as architecture, medical applications and food processing.
Duplex stainless steel is made up of austenitic and ferritic steels. It is the toughest stainless steel and the most rust-resistant and durable so it is used for applications in oil and gas, chemical, marine and desalination industries.
Lastly, precipitation-hardened stainless steel is a blend of ferritic and austenitic steels that provides a combination of hardness and corrosion resistance. It is a good choice for applications in aircraft, gas turbine blades and medical instruments.
When working with stainless steel, it is important to consider the different properties of the material and the best tools and techniques to use in order to achieve the highest quality end product. It is important to use the right tools, properly lubricate them and use the right temperatures and coolant, as well as the right joining methods.
Additionally, it is important to understand the process of stainless steel welding and how to best utilize different welding techniques depending on the type of stainless steel one is working with. This includes gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), plasma arc welding (PAW) and much more.
Lastly, understanding how to properly select, cut, form and finish stainless steel is paramount for the best results. This includes heat treatment, which increases the strength and hardness of the stainless steel and must be done with care to get the best results.
Stainless steel is an amazing material that is used in many industries and applications and it is important to understand the different types of stainless steel and the best working solutions in order to utilize it optimally. It is not a difficult material to work with, but attention to detail is key in achieving the best results.
