Stainless Steel Fabrication
Due to the high versatility rate of stainless steel, the fabrication techniques vary quite widely. Stainless steel is relatively high in strength as well as in hardening rates. But, stainless steel is still malleable enough to allow its fabrication process to include bending, folding, machining, welding, deep draw and spinning.
Welding
Most any type of stainless steel can be welded. But, there are different degrees of efficiency which will depend upon the grade of the stainless steel. Following are different categories of the metal:
- Austenitic – most grades are well-suited for welding purposes.
- Martensitic – good options for welding, but may be prone to cracking.
- Ferritic – most grades of this type are less suitable for welding.
- Duplex – works well for low thermal expansion and is efficient for welding.
Machining Stainless Steel
The stainless steel fabrication process of machining raises the concern for chipping. This possibility causes the process to become quite complex. There are several things that we do during the stainless steel fabrication process in order to help alleviate this possibility from occurring, such as:
- We apply coolant or lubricants to our equipment.
- Large tools are used in order to dissipate heat.
- Light cuts and constant feeds are maintained.
- Chip breakers are used to deflect debris.
- A machine tool is selected in order to reduce the amount of vibrations.
- The cutting edge is kept sharp at all times.