Due to its versatility, there are a wide range of stainless steel

fabricating techniques. It may be helpful to review some of

the processes involved in order to better understand the
benefits and disadvantages of the different types of stainless
steel fabrication.

Although it has relatively high strength and work hardening

rates, stainless steel is malleable enough to be bent, folded,
machined, welded, deep drawn, or spun.

Work Hardening with Stainless Steel

Work hardening is the process of strengthening material

through deformation. Relative to other varieties of steel,
stainless steel work hardens quickly, although the exact rate
depends on the specific grade of the alloy. The austenitic family
of stainless steel, for example, has a hardening rate slightly
higher than that of carbon steel and is a frequently used grade
series in fabrication processes.

It is also helpful to match the steel grade with a work hardening

treatment that is well-suited for it. Since austenitic stainless
steel can usually be hardened only through cold working, a
thermal treatment process would be better applied to other
grades, such as those in the martensitic family.

Work Hardening Rates of Stainless Steel

Since ferritic stainless steels yield lower work hardening rates, austenitic and
martensitic stainless steels are the series that benefit most from work
hardening applications. In some instances, austenitic stainless steel can be
cold worked up to 1,000 MPa, although the maximum is typically in the 800
MPa range. When cold drawn, stainless steel may reach tensile properties of
2,000 MPa or greater, but such high strength levels are usually limited to fine
wire sizes. Size is a concern due in part to the quick work hardening rate of
stainless steel, which yields diminishing tensile strengthening at the core of a
wire as its diameter increases.

A fast work hardening rate provides certain benefits, as well. For example,
stainless steels hardening rate renders the alloy effective in projects that
require high strength and corrosion resistance. Common applications include
the manufacturing of nuts and bolts, machine parts, cryogenic machinery and
hospital equipment. The martensitic group, in particular, displays the highest
levels of hardness and corrosion resistance among the stainless steel
categories, making it a popular alloy for the production of tools, valve parts,
bearings, and cutlery.

Tips on How to Machine Stainless Steel

Due to several concerns, such as the possibility for
chipping, machining stainless steel can be a complex
process. Here are some suggestions that may help with
machining this alloy:

Apply coolants or lubricants to the equipment

Use large tools to help dissipate heat
Maintain light cuts and constant feeds
Use chip breakers to deflect debris
Select a machine tool that reduces vibration
Keep the cutting edge sharp at all times
Welding Stainless Steel

Contact us
AMAZING Engineering
#17,Padavsttamman Industrial Estate,
Chennai-98

Phone: +91 9884057124

Email:amazingengineeringindia@gmail.com

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