Improving the Machinability of Stainless Steel Fabrication Using Advanced Techniques

by Patrick Duncan Marketing Manager

Stainless steel fabrication in Brisbane is highly popular due to the versatile range of mechanical properties that the metal offers. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio and also shows considerable elongation and work hardening properties. These useful properties of stainless steel make it perfect for meeting the challenges of complex and three-dimensional seamless designs.

A wide range of techniques for steel fabrication in Brisbane are available that include:

Work hardening

Stainless steel work hardens quickly. The exact rate depends on the specific grade of the steel. For example, austenitic stainless steel has a higher work hardening rate than that of carbon steel. However, austenitic steel is work hardened only through cold working, while other grades such as martensitic steel can be work hardened easily with a thermal treatment. It displays the highest levels of hardness and corrosion resistance among other categories of stainless steel. Ferritic stainless steel yields lower work hardening rates. 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.

Work hardening makes stainless steel fabrication in Brisbane most effective for those projects that require high strength and corrosion resistance.

Machining

Machining stainless steel can be a complex process. To accomplish the process in a smooth way, large tools should be used to help dissipate heat as well as chip breakers which deflect debris. The cutting edge should be kept sharp at all times while a tool that reduces vibrations should be used.

Welding techniques for stainless steel

Most grades of austenitic steel are well suited for welding purposes. However, austenitic grade is susceptible to sensitization and inter-granular corrosion. These issues can be addressed by using low carbon content grades, such as 304L or 316L. Martensitic steel should be pre-heated and post-heated to reduce the possibility of fractures while welding this grade of steel. The duplex category of stainless steel is welding efficient and can be welded efficiently under low thermal expansion conditions.

Arc welding can be used to join thin and thick materials of any shape. It results in weld properties equal to the annealed condition of the material, while also resists fatigue and cyclic loads. Press fitting is used for stainless steel fabrication in Brisbane processes that involve tubes. It results in perfectly clean surfaces as no flames are created in the fabrication processes which involve the use of press brakes. Adhesive bonding makes joints almost invisible, enhancing product appearance. It results in uniform distribution of stress and a greater stress-bearing area. The welding method minimizes electrochemical corrosion between dissimilar materials and provides joints with smoother contours.

Adhesive bonding

This welding technique is free from heat-induced distortions and provides a good strength-to-weight ratio. Adhesive bonding offers a practical solution for building applications where stainless steel has to be fastened to masonry or natural stone. It can be used to create a flexible modular system in banister constructions. The additional processing steps such as grinding and polishing can be avoided.

Resistance or spot welding is incredibly versatile and can be used both for small and large projects. It uses an electrical current to heat frayed metal edges and seal them together. The welding technique is exceptionally productive on metal with a low melting point. MIG welding is a semi-automatic process that offers a strong join of two pieces of stainless steel.

Choosing a welding method

Choosing the right method for welding stainless steel depends on what qualities you are looking for in your project. For a more affordable weld, spot welding is the best option. However, if you are working on a thin metal, TIG or tungsten arc welding would be a better choice.

Improving machining efficiency

Brisbane Metal Products (BMP) uses exclusive steel melting techniques to improve the machinability of various stainless steel grades to improve machining efficiency and contribute to longer tool life. BMP has over 50 years of experience for stainless steel fabrication in Brisbane and has successfully completed over 55,000 projects. BMP uses the latest techniques such as robotics that automate steel fabrication processes, providing you with high accuracy and high precision projects. The company provides metal, wire, and aluminium fabrication for projects of all sizes. BMP is equipped with nationwide distribution capabilities.

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Created on Mar 29th 2021 22:55. Viewed 263 times.

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