In product design it is important to chose the correct materials. When choosing a metal, it is important to understand what is expected from its performance. When this is understood, making the best choice becomes simple.
Know What Type of Steel You Need For Your Product Before Contacting a Metal Supplier.
There are experts in metallurgy who can explain the subtle differences between the dozens and dozens of metals available in manufacturing. However, it is good to remember that the average metal supplier doesn’t keep a metallurgist on staff. Make a point to have the type of metal agreed on before reaching out to a metal supplier.
What’s the Production Process of Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is one of the most popular metals used in commercial manufacturing. It is a long-lasting material requiring nearly no maintenance. It is produced by being melted down, casted, and formed. Then a heat treatment is applied, which actually effects how it is used later. An annealed piece of stainless steel will need to be descaled at this point, before being cut and finished.
What Is Stainless Steel Condition B?
There are many grades of steel. The most often used types are 304 and 316. Stainless steel grades are not to indicate which steel is better than another. Rather, the grade is an indication of stainless steel uses. Type 316 is often used for chemical containers, jet engine parts, pharmaceutical applications, boat fittings, and food processing equipment. Within type 316 is condition A stainless steel which is highly corrosive resistant, and condition B, which is more ductile due to its heat treatment.
How Does a Manufacturer Choose the Right Type of Metal?
When planning a new product, it is important to keep budgetary constraints in mind. This will be an indication of what category of metal will be best for the project. Secondly, it is essential to know how strong the metal needs to be for the product to work well. Finally, if it’s a product that will be handled by customers, consider the appearance and acoustics of the metal.
The right metal for a product is the metal that can handle the work required. If this means resisting corrosive materials, 316 condition A stainless steel would work great. Need to make strong, rigid metal clips? Try 316 condition B stainless steel. Knowing what you want the end product to do determines the material selection. You’ll be ready to contact a metal supplier soon.
