Some metal fabricators concentrate on materials like steel. It is easy to work with, and when you specialize in steel, you have few problems. However, a lot of fabrication work these days requires corrosion resistant materials like stainless steel. For best results, it is important to know the difference between things like ferritic and austenitic stainless steel. Here is a brief discussion on the subject to help you improve your business.
Austenitic
Types 200 or 300 series are austenitic stainless steel products. These are the most common type of stainless steel metal fabricators work with today. 300 series stainless steel has as much as twenty-two percent chromium with as much as fourteen percent nickel. These amounts may vary some. 200 series austenitic stainless steel is cheaper because it has less nickel and uses more nitrogen and manganese.
The most popular grade of austenitic stainless steel is SS304. Sometimes called 18/8 stainless steel. The 18 refers to chromium content, and the 8 is the nickel content of the alloy. When welding with austenitic stainless steel, you can lose chromium rapidly during the cool down process. This increases the chances for corrosion. To limit this problem, consider a lower carbon grade alloy like 316L.
Ferritic
Ferritic stainless steel has high amounts of chromium and low amounts of carbon. This is known as the 400 series. It offers excellent corrosion protection. Except for grades like SS409 (which has less chromium), 400 stainless steel can develop corrosion issues. Although both austenitic and ferritic grades work harden during welding, metal fabricators should consider ferritic grades because they harden more slowly.
Temperatures
For higher temperatures (exhaust systems) ferritic grades are the best choice. For low temperatures, austenitic is best because it does not become brittle like ferritic alloy. Because there are so many grades in which to choose, consult a trusted supplier before you buy.
