Archive: Aug 2021

All You Need to Know About the AMS 5510 Standard

Integral to the manufacture of tools, appliances, and equipment necessary for modern life, the U.S. metal fabrication industry continues to grow by significant margins. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the industry will record a CARG of 9% between 2016 and 2026, adding at least 12,000 jobs to the workforce. The increasing demand for combined metals in the automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries will continue to drive up the growth of metal fabrication.

A critical aspect of thin metal sheet use is the industrial standards. Specifications such as the AMS 5510 provide a guideline of the technical, chemical, and physical properties of the different metal sheets. The standards also dictate the use of the specific metal in certain industries.

The AMS 5510

The AMS 5510 is a stainless-steel specification for the 321 stainless grades. Type 321 is a chromium-nickel stainless steel grade with an addition of titanium. The titanium sets it apart from the 304 stainless steel series and increases its industrial applications.

Learn more about the properties of the AMS 5510 stainless steel below.

Resistance to Intergranular Corrosion

One of the greatest challenges in welding stainless steel under high temperatures is carbide precipitation. At temperatures between 930°F and 1470°F, the chromium combines with carbon to form chromium carbide grains at the edges, becoming a detriment to the corrosion resistance properties of the stainless steel.

Manufacturers using thin metal strips of stainless steel can combat intergranular corrosion by using the AMS 5510 specification 321 grade. At high temperatures, carbon has a higher affinity for titanium over chromium, thus preventing the formation of chromium carbide grains. This makes the stainless steel 321 grade a better option than the 304 series.

Oxidation and Corrosion Resistance

The AMS 5510 specification for the 321 stainless grade guarantees better corrosion and oxidation resistance at higher temperatures of 800°F to 1500°F. This makes the stainless-steel grade an excellent metal for use in chemical manufacturing industries with high intermittent temperature ranges. Besides, the 321 has higher creep and stress rupture properties than the 304 or 304L stainless.

Fatigue Strength

The high endurance mechanical properties of the AMS 5510 make it an ideal metal for use in high-temperature exposures. In an annealed condition, the typical fatigue limits in the 321 stainless steel are higher than those in the 304 or 304L stainless. This increases the ductility of the 321 in high-temperature welding conditions.

Temperature Factors

The temperature factors in 321 are slightly higher than those of the 304 and 304L at elevated temperatures. This makes 321 an excellent choice for higher temperature ranges such as aircraft piston manifolds, exhaust pipes, refinery equipment, and high-temperature chemical plants.

Availability

You can order the 321 stainless steel grades in a variety of forms. The AMS 5510 is available in sheet, strip, bar, tube, plate, strip, or forging fork. You can discuss your exact thickness specifications with your compound metal supplier in Chicago.

The AMS 5510 321 stainless steel grade may provide better corrosion and temperature endurance properties than the 304 series. To discuss your order for the stainless steel or other thin metal sheets, contact Thin Metal Sales today.

The Main Advantages of 6061 Aluminum

The 6061 aluminum alloy is a popular choice among many metalworkers and manufacturers. It is advantageous because it can resist corrosion, which is its most notable attribute. Aluminum as a whole is not extremely strong. However, this particular one is more resistant to corrosion and places less stress on parts. The 6061 aluminum alloy has a steel-like texture, but it’s easy to work with and can be polished to achieve different colors.

What Is 6061 Aluminum?

Let’s define what the 6061 aluminum alloy is. This metal is composed primarily of three different elements: magnesium, silicon, and aluminum. The percentage varies depending on what use it will have. For example, parts for aircraft often contain about 1% magnesium and copper, while ball bearings contain more silicon than other varieties.

The remaining elements vary due to their alloy type, which refers to combining alloys made from two or more metals to create a specific characteristic. This makes them ideal for desired purposes, such as creating long-lasting parts with maximum strength and resistance to corrosion. It’s also worth noting that because aluminum itself has a low melting point, it’s often alloyed with other metals to increase its strength.

Here are some of the most notable benefits of using 6061 aluminum.

High Resistance to Corrosion

The combination of silicon and magnesium makes it more resistant than most others in its family of aluminum alloys. Because of this, you can use it inside or outside without having to worry about significant rust forming on your equipment – even if weather conditions aren’t ideal. In fact, it is one of the best materials available for water cooling and underwater welding. If your product is frequently exposed to moisture, humidity, or saltwater, 6061 aluminum is an excellent choice because it won’t corrode any quicker than other types of aluminum.

Strength

This is partly owed to the addition of silicon to the mix, which increases its ability to resist corrosion and increases strength. Additionally, it has excellent cold work properties, which means that it can be bent and molded without cracking or breaking. For example, if you need a certain curve in your product, 6061 aluminum is ideal because you can bend it into shape easily instead of cutting panels out then weld them together with high-strength joints. In fact, this type of metal is often used for bridges and buildings because they want something that will hold up over time while remaining cost-effective for consumers.

Marine Applications

Because of its corrosion resistance, this alloy is a popular choice for boat building and other marine applications. If your boat or ship will be exposed to salt water, the 6061 aluminum alloy makes an excellent material to use because it won’t rust as quickly as you would expect; some people have even used it in their underwater cars. It’s also worth noting that it can withstand marine environments with ease while remaining strong enough to handle the stress placed on it.

Most Affordable Variety of Aluminum

Because 6061 aluminum is used so often, and the machines that make pieces out of them are incredibly efficient, this alloy is very cost-effective when compared to other materials.

Additionally, some people and industries prefer 24-4 alloy or 5086 instead; these two have higher tensile strengths but are less resistant to corrosion than 6061 aluminum. It’s important to research what industry you’ll be working in before choosing which alloy is best for you. Regardless of whether you are looking for thin aluminum strips, combined metals, or stainless steel at Thin Metal Sales, Inc., we have you covered.