Stainless Steel in the Metalworking Industry
Stainless steel is one of the most common metals used in a lot of metalworking and fabrication and is widely used in a variety of industries for its different capabilities. With so many different types of metals ranging from mild steel to aluminum, choosing the right one for an application can be confusing if you are new to the metalworking industry. What makes stainless steel so popular? Stainless steel is not only incredibly lustrous, but it’s also versatile and inexpensive.
What is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is a common metal that includes chromium (>11%), nickel, or molybdenum. Its alloy content ranges from 15-30%, and its available in a wide variety of shapes like channels, bar stocks, beans, and angles. The most common types are:
- Austenitic – 304 (L), 316, 316 (L), 301, 302
- Ferritic – 405, 409, 430
- Martensitic – 403, 310, 414
Advantages of Stainless Steel
There are an incredible amount of advantages in stainless steel, and the market has picked up on this within the past few years. There are predictions that the stainless steel market will reach up to $174.6 billion by 2027 in the United States – a 5.5% growth. What are the main selling points to stainless steel?
Rust-Resistant
If you want to sell or maintain metal products that do not build up rust, stainless steel is the most sensible choice. Low alloy grades can be corrosion-resistant under certain conditions, while higher alloys are resistant even under acidic environments. This is one of many reasons why breweries, kitchens, and medical are more keen to use stainless steel.
Exceptional Durability
Stainless steel has the capability to self-treat in the presence of oxygen. Chromium in steel allows a film that is invisible to the human eyes on its surface when there is a small amount of damage. The cold hardening properties of some stainless steel material can reduce the thickness and weight, while other grades can be heat treated for high-strength projects.
Environmentally Friendly
Because stainless steel can be recycled, the material is very popular by individuals and organizations who are interested in reducing carbon footprints.
Market Advantages
Stainless can be easily cut, welding, and more. One of the many industries that use stainless for these reasons and more is the food and beverage processing industry. Many food processing and beverage manufacturers have switched to using stainless steel in their production methods. Because of the rust and corrosion resistance, this makes it ideal when dealing with food and kitchen equipment. Stainless steel will not change color, taste, and smell of any food or beverage because it prevents contamination and maintains freshness. The most common grade of stainless steel used in food processing and packing applications is grade 316, or “Food Grade Stainless”.
THE ADVANTAGES OF PREDATOR AMBUSH Ceramic
Ceramics are known to be very tough, sharp and long-lasting. Premium Ceramic grains combine the latest in grain technology with proven results when used on stainless steel or exotic alloy applications. The hyper-sharpened grains allow for small pieces to break away during the process of grinding. The sequential phased breakdown of the ceramic grain provides unique advantages, including:
- higher metal removal rate
- faster cutting speeds
- lower grinding temperature and less friction
- shorter cycle times and fewer equipment changes
- minimized operator fatigue
- reduced cost per part
- excellent cost/performance ratio
Check out our social media pages on Linkedin and Facebook to keep up with our weekly updates!
