Steel fabrication company comes up with different processes for each type of steel (i.e. carbon and stainless).
Stainless steels are very versatile, that is why there are wide ranges of fabricating techniques incorporating it. It will be helpful for us to review some of the said processes in order to achieve better understanding of the benefits of each technique.
Basically stainless steel has high strength and work hardening rates, but still it is malleable enough o be bent, folded, machined, weld and spun.
Below are the three common stainless steel fabrication processes – work hardening, machining and welding.
Work Hardening
It is the process of strengthening the material through deformation. Compared to other steel types, stainless steel work hardens quickly. It can also increase the magnetism, of the stainless steel. It also undergoes greater deformation at slower forming speeds, requiring some high-speed forming processes to be slowed down to improve their work hardening efficiency.
Machining Stainless Steel
Stainless steels are generally more challenging to machine compared to carbon steel.
When machining stainless steels, it is important to ensure that there is no dwell or rubbing caused by machine vibration. Machines must be substantial and capable of making the deep cuts needed.
[What does a Steel Fabricator Do?]
Due to concerns about the possibility of chipping, machining, stainless steel can serve as a complex process. Below is the suggestion that may help.
- Apply coolant or lubricant to the equipment
- Use large tools to help dissipate heat
- Maintain light cuts and constant feeds
- Use chip breaker to deflect the debris
- Select a machine tool that reduces vibration
- Keep the cutting edge sharp
Welding Stainless Steel
Most types of stainless steel can be weld but again the efficiency is depends on the grade. Below is a quick “how to” regarding stainless steel welding.
- Put on proper protective
- Determine the best joining method for your base metals (i.e. T, edge, lap, corner and butt)
- Secure your metal with fixtures and jigs
- Choose the most appropriate process to weld stainless steel for your project
- Choose a compatible inert shielding gas
- Choose a filler metal to use
- Clean the stainless steel base metal
- Bring your stainless steel to room temperature
- Apply welding torch
- Apply post-heat after welding stainless steel
These are just the three common processes regarding stainless steel. In the next posts we will get in detail each process. Until next time!
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