Category Archive: Steel

Questions You Should Ask Yourself Before Purchasing Thin Metal Strips for a Project

Thin metal strips are a popular material for many different applications. They allow people to have the versatility of using metal in their projects without having to deal with the weight and expense of thicker metals. But how do you ensure you buy the right thin metal strips for your next project?

Here are some questions that will help guide your decision process.

1. What Is the Quality of Material Used to Make the Strips?

Your first consideration should be the quality of the material being used to make the thin metal strips or thin sheet metal. A high-quality metal will last longer, be easier to work with, and can endure more heavy use than lower-quality ones.

2. Does It Come with Different Thicknesses?

In some cases, you may need thin sheets that are slightly thicker or thinner than others. If this is the case, look for thin metal strips that offer multiple sizes of products so you have choices when designing your project.

3. What Is The Reputation Of the Supplier?

It is always a good idea to check the reputation of the supplier you plan on using. Find out what other people who have used their services had to say about their quality, service, and shipping times. This information can help give you a clear picture of how that company operates and whether or not it may be right for your needs.

When you purchase thin strips or metallic sheeting from an unknown supplier, there’s no way to be certain of the quality.

4. How Much Will This Material Weigh?

You should always look into this information before purchasing to ensure that your project can accommodate the extra weight associated with working with these types of materials. If not, you will need to find something lighter to reduce the overall load on your project.

5. What Type of Thin Metal Strips Do I Need?

If you are purchasing thin aluminum strips for a specific project, then you want to make sure that you know exactly which type of material is compatible with the project.

Thin aluminum strips: These strips can be found in very thin gauges as small as .020 inches thick. Many people choose to work with thin aluminum strips because they’re incredibly lightweight. This characteristic makes it easy to incorporate them into projects without worrying about extra weight putting strain on other parts of your project.

Thin copper strips: Copper is another type of material that can be purchased in ultra-thin gauges more than 60% thinner than standard gauge copper, so it may be worth checking out if this level of density is necessary for your project.

Steel strips: Another type of material that can be purchased in a thin gauge is steel strips. They are commonly used for projects like building boat hulls, but they also have other industrial uses, such as reinforcing and protecting the deck of an off-road vehicle.

6. How Durable Is the Thin Metal Strip That I’m Purchasing?

Several factors can affect the durability of thin metal strips. One of these is the gauge, which changes how thick or thin material is once it’s been manufactured. The thinner a strip is, the more vulnerable it will be to bending or breaking apart during use.

If you need something that will last for years on your projects and provide maximum protection against damage from everyday wear and tear, make sure you buy materials made from durable metals like stainless steel.

Thin metal strips are the best sheeting materials for use with a wide variety of projects due to their incredible flexibility, lightweight design, and resistance to damage. It’s important when working on your project that you choose thin metal from a reputable supplier so you can be certain about the quality of materials you’re using for your project.

4 Key Benefits of Purchasing Thin Sheet Metal From a Certified Vendor

The metal fabrication industry has a broad application across the manufacturing industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry is poised to grow by 9% from 2016 to 2026. The metal fabrication industry is also on track to add over 12,000 jobs over the next decade. This employment growth reflects the expected increase in industrial, commercial, and domestic use of combined metals.

Maintaining the quality of your thin metal strips is a critical factor to business success in the hyper-competitive manufacturing eco-system. Consumers are incessantly pushing for high-quality products, with the heat turning on plant managers. Manufacturers then request tight quality controls from their suppliers, aligning to regulatory compliance and consistency.

ISO 9001:2015 Certification

To meet the demands of both consumers and metal fabrication plants, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) creates an international standard for quality management systems. It allows manufacturers to find providers for thin metal sales near me that follow the best practices through QMS principles. Here are four advantages of ordering metal sales near me from an ISO-certified supplier.

1. Standardized Quality

The main pilar in ISO 9001:2015 is the standardization of GMP and QMS practices. Acquiring the certification can take months on end, as the company proves it can produce and supply quality products on a consistent basis.

For combined metals of Chicago consumers, it means the production of high-quality products throughout, reducing supply chain headaches. With a well-documented QMS, you can expect standard quality for your 3003-aluminum order from the certified vendor.

2. Reliability

With the increasing demand for combined metals, firms in the metal fabrication industry are finding it hard to meet their needs for the sheet strips. ISO’s complex framework covers data management and quality control that allows for the effective distribution of thin metal products, foils, strips, and sheets.

Certification makes it easier to find a vendor that has the capacity and technology to supply all the aluminum, stainless steel, brass, and copper that you need for your manufacturing.

3. Consistency

ISO certifications are not permanent. Companies have to reapply to renew their certificates after an inspection of their facilities. It ensures that the suppliers are consistent in their service delivery. QMS help to consistently improve the supplier’s distribution channels. Picking certified distributors of metal sales near me make it easier to establish long-term partnerships that quickly adapt to the changes in the fabrication industry.

4. Credibility and Trust

ISO 9001:2015 is a globally recognized standard of quality across 160 countries. The QMS is a flexible standard that allows businesses to define for themselves what their objectives are and how to achieve them. It creates an environment of trust where you can rely on a reputable supplier to provide you with all of the aluminum-grade metal sheets that you require. With a certification, you can have the peace of mind that the vendor has at least created systems that guarantee quality.

Finding a trustworthy supplier is critical to finding the right metal sales near me. An ISO-certified supplier goes over and above certification requirements to provide the best-in-class customer service. Thin Metal Sales is an ISO-certified distributor that you can rely on for all of your combined metal needs.

Understanding The Most Common Types Of Sheet Metals

While the sheet metal market continues to expand at an average growth rate of about 4.09%, the growth is projected well into 2022. Thanks to this growth, just a thin steel sheet is seen as a valuable commodity for various businesses and industries. In fact, sheet metal is one of the most adaptable building materials within the manufacturing industry. Let’s examine some of the most common kinds of sheet metals that are utilized for an array of products.

Stainless Steel

While the versatility of just one thin sheet is quite impressive, one of the most common kinds of sheet metal is stainless steel. There are several grades of stainless steel to choose from. Some of the most common that are found in sheet metal fabrication include Martensitic, Ferritic, and Austenitic. Each has properties that are durable, strong, and corrosion-resistant.

Additionally, stainless steel can withstand an array of temperatures. High heat can be no match for a thin steel sheet of stainless steel. Thin metal strips of stainless steel and other forms of stainless steel offer far more flexibility, making it a more viable choice for various applications in lots of industries.

Aluminum

Aluminum is one of the most common materials utilized in manufacturing and various sheet metal fabrication. There are many benefits of just one aluminum thin steel sheet. Not only is it lightweight, but it is also resistant to corrosion. Aluminum also has a remarkable feature of ductility while its density and low melting point make it easy for a fabricator to work with. When you melt the aluminum, it’s bendable and can be crafted into various shapes and forms.

Low/Mild Carbon Steel

Low carbon is also known as mild steel. Thanks to its low carbon content, mild carbon steel is the ideal choice for many fabricators. Mild steel is also far more pliable and flexible compared to stainless steel, offering more ease when it comes to welding. Compared to aluminum and stainless steel, mild carbon steel is less expensive. Furthermore, a thin steel sheet of mild carbon steel has both great heat transfer and ductility.

Regardless of what your steel needs are, we supply businesses and industries with quality thin metal strips, thin aluminum strips, thin-gauge sheet metals, and more. As an experienced high-quality stainless steel sheet supplier, copper and brass outlet, and aluminum sheet supplier, we offer thin steel sheet solutions for your fabrication needs. We also service such industries as aerospace, medicine, and more. Connect with us for your thin steel sheet metal needs today and let us help you propel your business.

How To Choose The Right Stainless Steel Supplier

Since the late 1800s, steel remains a product material for choice for a wide variety of industries. With millions of applications across every major industry, the demand for stainless steel only continues to surge. Statistics from World Steel show that the steel industry sold products worth $2.5 trillion in 2017 while adding a net value of over $500 billion.

Finding the right stainless-steel grades for your industrial applications can be a daunting task. First, you may need to find a reputable supplier to source your 302 stainless, 304 stainless, and other steel grades. Here are five tips to help guide you in picking the right vendor.

1. Understand Your Needs

Stainless steel has a variety of applications across different industries. You may need to determine the specifications and properties required within your industry before placing the order. You may have to study the different steel grades and series available carefully and find the right fit for your applications. Determine the sheet thickness and finishing that you want for your steel supply.

Understanding your needs may help narrow your search to suppliers that only provide the quality you require.

2. Reliability

Additionally, you may need to find a stainless-steel supplier that can handle your order requirements. If you require large batch deliveries of thin sheet metal, find a vendor that has the capacity and technology to handle your stainless-steel demands. Delivery delays can result in halting your production processes, which may affect your business bottom-line.

Always ensure you find a company with established communication channels that will allow you to raise any queries that you may have about their service or product quality.

3. Consistency

You may need to evaluate the quality of stainless steel from the different potential suppliers. You ought to find vendors that will not compromise on the specifications you provide on all of your orders. Please inquire about the quality assurance processes and validation that they undertake to verify their work quality. You can learn a lot about their work ethic from reviews and testimonials from past clients.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

Steel is relatively pricey — the high costs are a result of the high costs of raw materials utilized in the production process. However, technological advancements and recycling are effectively lowering the same. Currently, approximately 40% of steel production globally is from recycled metal. Steel production may at times exceed demand, resulting in competitive pricing across the board. You may need to find a combined metals supplier that fits within your budget estimates. As you receive multiple quotes from different vendors, remember not to compromise quality for cheaper products.

5. Reputation

Finding the right stainless-steel supplier may blossom into a long-term relationship that grows with time. You may need to find out more about the vendor and how they conduct their business. Please find out how long they have been in operation. Longevity may indicate experience and quality service. Reading through customer comments and recommendations on their site and other review sites may also help you get a glimpse of what to expect. It is also important to review their delivery times.

Finding the right stainless-steel supplier is key in increasing your production output. Thin Metal Sales can help supply all the steel that you require, no matter the quantity. Reach out to us today to receive your quotation on the stainless steel grades you require.

5 Ways of Strengthening Thin Metal Strips

Sheet metal is one of the most common metal forms used in metalworking applications. This is because it is strong, lightweight, and non-corrosive. Its market has particularly expanded over the years with analysts predicting growth of 4.09% between the years 2018 and 2022 globally. Despite its many applications, its lightweight construction makes it prone to deformation. Knowing how to modify and strengthen thin metal strips enhances their performance for any application, including body repairs, restoration, or rebuilding projects. Here are techniques used to strengthen thin metal strips.

1. Bending the Edges

Bending the edges of the panels reduces the risk of the sheet deforming and enhances its structural integrity. This is because most of the damage sustained on the thin steel sheet happens on the outer edges. Once the edges bend, the rigidity and thickness of the vulnerable areas increase, eliminating the risk of deformation.

Note, the extent of the bend depends on the metal’s minimum bend radius. As such, excessive bends may cause the sheet metal to crack instead of strengthening it. There are several ways of bending sheet metal. The simplest involves clamping the stainless steel metal on a table and using your weight to bend it over. Alternatively, you can use a body hammer and the edge of a dolly to fold the metal to create a firmer bend. However, if you want to make crisper bends and have a little more control, a metal brake should come in handy. The type of metal brake used determines the size and the thickness of the metal you can bend. High-quality metal brakes are designed to handle 20- and 18- gauge thin metal strips easily.

2. Creating Structural Grooved Seams

This technique is most effective when you want to create a round shape on metals such as copper and brass. Creating ribs or groove designs into the sheet metal increases strength significantly while adding to the design of the panel. This is because the stretched metal on those areas hold tension better and improves its structural rigidity.

You can use a hammer and brass, wooden, or plastic chisel, or a panel beater bag to make the grooves. Bead rollers also make excellent tools for adding grooved seams, and large tools like the Pullmax come in handy.

3. Creating Hemmed Edges

This method is similar to bending in that it adds more strength and resilience to thin aluminum strips. The process still involves bending the sheet metal panels at the edge, but this time you determine the size of the bend depending on the project requirements. A small piece of wire is used to improve the final look for the panels while enhancing the metal’s rigidity.

4. Stretching the Metal Profile

Stretching the profile of thin metal strips improves their strength significantly. The process changes the shape of the metal and creates a curve or bulge on the panel. You can use a regular hammer, a power hammer, or an English wheel designed for creating compound curves. While the metal sheet stretches regardless of the tool used, you can determine the degree of the stretch based on the amount of work and the time invested in the project.

5. Punching Holes on the Metal Sheet

Normally, punching holes on a metal panel reduces its strength, but if you’re stretching it into the edge of the hole, the material is strengthened. Creating a grooved seam or bead around the hole strengthens the sheet metal. Sheet designers use hammers to punch holes, but tools such as the small draw-through punch-flare have been developed to make work easier.

A combination of these methods should strengthen thin metal strips while creating attractive designs for a range of applications. You also need a handful of metal fabrication tools on hand for the best results.

4 Advantages of Using AMS 5510 Stainless Steel

There are many different stainless steel grades, and each is better suited for different purposes. If you are looking for stainless steel with high resistance to intergranular corrosion and excellent mechanical properties, then AMS 5510 fits the bill. A variant of type 321 stainless steel, AMS 5510, has many industrial uses compared to type 304L and 304 stainless steel. These are the advantages of using AMS 5510 stainless steel.

1. Presence of Titanium in 321 Steel Makes It Resistant to Intergranular Corrosion

Carbide precipitation is one of the greatest challenges when welding steel at extremely high temperatures. The weld areas with temperatures of 930°F – 1470°F are referred to as carbide precipitation zone. At these high temperatures, Chromium combines with Carbon, and this forms chromium carbides at the grain boundaries. As a result, the corrosion resistance of steel is greatly impacted, reducing its effectiveness in high-temperature industrial uses such as making chemical processing equipment.

To counter the carbide precipitation effect, manufacturers utilize stainless steel with lower carbon content, such as 304L stainless steel. However, the most efficient way of combating carbide precipitation is by using type 321 steel, which is stabilized using Titanium. When AMS 5510 steel is exposed to high temperatures – 930°F – 1470°F-, the Carbon is attracted to the Titanium instead of Chromium. Therefore, precipitation of chromium carbides is avoided. Resultantly, equipment made from 321 steel is more resistant to intergranular corrosion and can be used in many applications requiring high temperatures or involve corrosive substances such as chemicals.

2. Fatigue Strength

For steel to be workable and utilized in many industrial applications, it should have a high endurance limit. AMS 5510 has a higher fatigue strength compared to 304 stainless. In its annealed condition, type 321 steel has an endurance limit close to one-half of its tensile strength. This increases the ductility of 321 steel, and the high endurance limit allows manufacturers to use it for high-temperature welding purposes. Additionally, it has a high creep and stress rupture threshold, which prevents temperature sensitizations in applications with prolonged high-temperature exposures.

3. Type 321 Steel Resists Oxidation up to 1500 Fahrenheit

321 Stainless steel provides the best resistance to corrosion and oxidation more than 304 stainless or 302 stainless. It has high creep strength that allows it to be used in applications that require continuous or intermittent service temperatures. This means that AMS 5510 can be used in equipment that requires cooling or heating within the range of 800 to 1500 Fahrenheit without sustaining rust. It is best suited for chemical processing equipment that works under high temperatures and where corrosion has to be avoided at all costs. Applications that involve diluted organic acids and pure phosphoric acids are sensitive to corrosion even under lower temperatures. This makes 321 stainless steel highly effective in making thin metal strips, tubing, thin steel sheet, and steel pipes commonly utilized in chemical processing plants.

4.Type 321 Steel Is Perfect for Welding

Besides preventing carbide precipitation during welding, 321 stainless steel forms easily, and it can be hardened by cold working. This saves manufacturers a lot of time and resources that would have been used for hot working. For large industrial welding processes that take place in high temperatures, AMS 5510 works best. Most manufacturers prefer 321 steel over 304 stainless when welding expansion joints and manufacturing aircraft piston engine manifolds and exhaust stacks. Other industrial applications that may utilize 321 stainless include thermal oxidizers, refinery equipment, food processing equipment and storage, and high-temperature chemical process equipment.

The benefits of AMS 5510 stainless steel in industrial applications include resistance to intergranular corrosion, fatigue strength, high oxidation resistance, and are highly weldable. With the many benefits of 321 steel, it is good news that more than 80 million tons of steel is recycled in the U.S. every year. This accounts for 69% of all steel produced globally. To get the best quality of 321 steel, you should trust the top thin sheet metal supplier near you.

Understanding The Production Processes Behind Aluminum And Steel

When investing in different types of metal, one must first understand what each of those types is really made up of, as well as what purposes those different metals can ultimately serve. It’s one thing to invest in thin metal strips, but it’s another entirely to buy metal strips that actually serve the purpose you intend them for. Of course, there are obscure metals that can be much more difficult to get. But generally speaking, the most common metals to be purchased by consumers include aluminum in bar, tube, sheet, or plate form, then hot or cold-rolled steel, and finally stainless steel. With that being said, let’s look into the different qualities carried by these different types of metals.

What Is Aluminum? What Are Its Qualities?

Essentially, aluminum is made of alumina, from which it is melted down and condensed. Therefore, it does not exist in a pure form. It first has to be chemically refined into aluminum, after initially existed as an ore called bauxite. Bauxite itself is often found in the topsoil of tropical and subtropical regions. Looking at it, you would never imagine that the thin metal strips you may buy would be sourced from such a simple ore. Aluminum found within the bauxite is then extracted into alumina, and then smelted into pure aluminum. From then on, it can be turned into the metal we’re more familiar with, from thin metal strips that you may be more familiar with to cans, foils, kitchen utensils, and even airplane parts. The reason why aluminum is so valued as a metal is that it ultimately is quite malleable, and can therefore be used for a variety of different types of projects. However, it won’t necessarily stand up to pressure the way that certain other metals might. The affordability of this type of metal, as well as its versatility, keeps it popular among metalworkers.

What Does It Mean For Steel To Be Hot Or Cold Rolled?

To define hot or cold-rolled steel, you are essentially discussing the milling process used during the steel’s production. Hot rolled steel is steel that is rolled at a temperature higher than its recrystallization temperature, which would usually be around 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. As you may imagine, cold-rolled steel is processed further within cold reduction mills. The material would be cooled down to room temperature and then treated with annealing or tempers rolling. Whereas hot-rolled steel would be used within welding and construction trades, ultimately being used to create railroad tracks and I-beams, cold-rolled steel is relied upon more in projects that require an emphasis on straightness, as well as concentricity and surface condition. When looking for thin sheet metal, you may very well find yourself working with cold-rolled steel.

How Is Stainless Steel Created?

Though we may all be more familiar with stainless steel than other types of metals, and may have encountered some thin steel sheets made out of stainless steel, many of us don’t understand how it is made and why. Stainless steel is created when a combination of its base ores, which are melted down on an electric furnace and then cast. It will then go through a shaping process, followed by annealing, and then descaling. Ultimately, the metal will be cut and then finished after the descaling, and finally further shaped and molded. This is how you can ultimately end up with the thin metal strips that you are more familiar with.

Clearly, the processes used to create and refine different metals can vary wildly. But the more than metalworkers understand about these metals, the more they can ultimately do with them.

Why Choose 7-17 Stainless Steel?

69% of all steel is recycled in North America every year. This ends up being almost more than 80 million tons of steel. It’s important to make sure you’re using the best steel for whatever you require it for. 17-7 stainless steel has many great qualities and can serve a variety of purposes. 17-7 stainless steel has two main qualities that make this steel an excellent choice. Those qualities are high corrosion resistance and high strength. This stainless steel is precipitation hardened, meaning it possesses not only high strength, but high hardness, great corrosion resistance, good fatigue properties, and minimal distortion with high heat temperatures.

Aerospace Applications

Because of these particular properties, 17-7 stainless steel is great for aerospace applications. This kind of stainless steel is preferred over another type of metal like aluminum. It’s the better choice for aerospace applications because of how it has high corrosion resistance, high strength, and high formability. Being able to withstand high heat temperatures without distorting is also very important for aerospace applications, making 17-7 stainless steel the perfect option.

Food Processing Equipment

17-7 Stainless steel can withstand high heat temperatures, making it great for food processing equipment. Like other steels, like 302 stainless or 304 stainless, 17-7 stainless steel does develop rust over time with heavy use. However, it rusts significantly less than other steels, making it the option to produce the least amount of rust. This makes it a safe option for food processing equipment.

Chemical Processing Equipment

Whenever processing any kind of chemical, it’s important to use a metal that can withstand any condition. Chemical processing equipment not only requires a metal that can withstand high heat temperatures, but it needs a metal with high corrosion resistance, fatigue properties, and high strength as well. 17-7 stainless steel contains all of these properties, so it’s no surprise that it’s a go-to option for chemical processing equipment.

General Metalworking

While this particular stainless steel is great for harsher uses, it’s also great for minimal or general metalworking. Simple machinery that requires springs or washers is perfect for 17-7 stainless steel. Again a lot of general metalworking machines require metals that can withstand very high temperatures, and 17-7 stainless steel can do just that.

Oil and Petroleum Refining Equipment

Metal that works closely with oil and petroleum must have a high resistance on wearing down. Oil can make metal rust more and break them down, which can be costly if the wrong metal is chosen. 17-7 stainless steel is known for being a great option for oil and petroleum refining equipment. It has a high resistance on wearing down and does not rust as much as another metal would in that environment.

17-7 stainless steel is a great metal that has a variety of uses it is perfect for. It’s properties allow it to be a great option for both heavier metalwork and general metalwork. It’s a reliable type of metal that will last longer and continue to be durable in intense environments.

5 Properties That Make 304 Stainless Steel Fit for Different Uses

One of the most versatile and useful grades of stainless steel is 304 stainless steel, commonly referred to as 304 stainless. Type 304 stainless is the most common grade of austenitic stainless steel in the T 300 series. 304 stainless is the standard “18/8” stainless that is largely used to make household equipment such as cookery tools, and industrial applications such as fasteners and machinery parts. What qualities make 304 stainless so useful?

Chemical Composition

Type 304 stainless is composed of different elements at varying percentages. The two dominant elements are Chromium and Nickel. The minimum amount of Chromium you’ll find in 304 stainless is 18%, while Nickel accounts for 8% at the minimum. This is what informs the denotation “18/8” stainless steel. Other elements present in 304 stainless steel include carbon (0.098%), Nitrogen (.10%), Sulfur (.030%), Phosphorus (.045%), Silicon (.75%), and Manganese (2.00%).

Corrosion Resistance

Type 304 stainless is corrosion resistant in many environments that other materials could be affected by rust. For instance, the Marine Environment. The chromium added in steel alloys is what gives 304 stainless steel its corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron, and the presence of Chromium prevents rusting. That’s why many equipment and machinery used in the Marine environment, outdoors, and in the kitchen are made from stainless steel. Otherwise, this equipment would be highly susceptible to rusting because they are frequently exposed to water and moisture. Additionally, 304 stainless is resistant to the moderately aggressive organic acids, thanks to the 8% Nickel composition. The corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel increases its utility in different environments. Even more, it helps preserve and maintain the aesthetics of equipment by preventing rusting.

Good Welding Properties

Again, the presence of Chromium and Nickel in stainless steel makes it good for welding. Chromium facilitates ferrite formation that is very useful when welding. Using Grade 304L, the lower carbon version of 304 stainless, there is little or no need for post-weld annealing. This makes it suitable for use in high gauge components. The low-temperature properties of 304 stainless steel enable the hardening of welded parts and joints through cold working. Ultimately, welders find it easy to work with stainless steel because they can use any arc welding processes — MMA, TIG, MIG, and SA.

Easy to Clean and Maintain

The equipment made from 304 stainless is easy to clean using soap water. When you have tougher dirt accumulating on the stainless steel surface, you can use the regular detergent without damaging your equipment. The anti-corrosion properties of stainless steel make it easy to clean with soap and water without accumulating rust.

Aesthetic Appeal

304 stainless steel is attractive and gives products and equipment a good visual appeal. The shiny appearance of most cooking appliances such as pots and pans is due to the stainless steel. Given that 304 stainless is resistant to corrosion from acids found in vegetables, fruits, meats, and milk, it’s best suited to make most kitchen appliances.

There are different grades of 300 Series stainless steel austenitic. They include 302 stainless and 304 stainless. Type 304 stainless is widely used all over the globe because of its desirable qualities, such as corrosion resistance and good welding properties. Compared to other materials such as aluminum, copper, and brass, 304 stainless is most suitable for domestic and commercial uses. The majority of the everyday machinery, domestic appliances, and equipment utilize stainless steel. Today, it’s estimated that 40% of steel production across the world is made with recycled metal.

7 Outstanding Qualities of Stainless Steel

They are many types of stainless steel available for various industrial uses. Austenitic stainless steel is the most common type of stainless steel, and it is largely utilized in many industries such as aviation, oil refinery, and construction. The benefits of stainless steel are innumerable because of the desirable qualities of the different types of stainless steel, such as ams 5510, 302 stainless steel, and 304 stainless steel.

Why Use Stainless Steel?

Most industries rely on stainless steel for the production of their equipment. Stainless steel is used for the production of both outdoor and indoor equipment because of its high resistance to corrosion. Ams 5510, which is a variant of type 321 stainless steel, is largely known for its resistance to chemical corrosion and oxidation. It is estimated that there are more than 150 grades of stainless steel, and they are all useful and effective for commercial and domestic purposes. Given the multiple and important uses of steel, it is good news that it is recyclable. Each year, the United States recycles more than 80 million tons of steel, which is about 69% of all the steel used.

People do not trust and rely on stainless steel for no reason. Steel has many more benefits as compared to other types of materials, such as copper and brass. Here are the benefits of stainless steel that make it one of the most widely used alloys.

1. Contains Chromium That Makes It Corrosion-Resistant.

Stainless steel contains 10.5% of chromium in its composition. Resistance to corrosion is one of the greatest quality of stainless steel that increases its utility in many industries. The fact that even low-grade stainless steel can resist high humidity and rain makes stainless steel a reliable and suitable material for outdoor use.

2. Stainless Steel Is Readily-Available

With 40% of the world’s stainless steel being made from recycled metal, there is little risk of running short of raw materials. Additionally, iron, the main raw material for all steel, is easily extracted and affordable. As such, there is enough supply of stainless steel. You should trust the reputable metal dealers who also deal with other alloys such as brass and bronze, to supply you with quality stainless steel.

3. Stainless Steel Is Easy to Clean and Maintain

Given that stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, it is easy to clean using soap water and other cleaning detergents without inviting rust. Even more, stainless steel doesn’t need vigorous scrubbing to give it a shiny look. Far from that, a simple wiping procedure makes the stainless steel shiny again.

4. Stainless Steel Is Affordable

The affordability of the different types of stainless steel such as ams 5510 makes it suitable for industrial use. Given that a substantial percentage (about 40%) of stainless steel is made from recycled metal, the cost of production is relatively down.

5. Strength and Durability

Stainless steel contains nickel that makes the steel alloy strong and tough. Nickel is added to stainless steel in the manufacturing process and it also makes it non-magnetic. The strength of steel makes it suitable for use in the construction industry.

6. A Wide Variety of Stainless Steel

Other than the austenitic stainless steels, you can choose from three more types of steel. These are Ferritic stainless steel, Martensitic stainless steel, and Duplex stainless steel. This ensures that you get the right type of stainless steel that is most suitable for your needs.

7. Stainless Steel is Recyclable

Once stainless steel has reached the end of its useful life, it can be recycled for other uses. Keeping in mind that most equipment that we use utilizes stainless steel, it is extremely beneficial to our economy that we can repurpose stainless steel for other uses.

No matter the type of stainless steel that you choose for your project, you are bound to enjoy the numerous benefits attached to stainless steel. You will find all types of stainless steel, including ams 5510 from a metal service dealer.