Stainless Steel Sheets

Stainless steel AINSI 304 (1.4301) is an austenitic steel, its chemical resistance is very high, its ductility is comparable to that of copper or brass, it is non-magnetic, and also its mechanical characteristics are high. The content of additive elements is around 18% chromium and 10% nickel. The carbon content is very low and the stability is improved by elements such as titanium or niobium. It is a very poor conductor of heat.

 

Bending with a press or with a wheel does not present any particular difficulty. Stamping requires machines twice as powerful as those used for mild steel. The best way to weld stainless steels is with austenitic filler metal. All the traditional processes can be used, arc welding with a coated electrode, submerged arc welding, processes under inert atmosphere such as TIG and MIG, plasma welding.

 

The flow of argon or helium around the electric arc prevents oxidation of the molten pool and during the transfer of the filler metal.

Maintenance: In many cases, cleaning with soap is sufficient. There are suitable detergents available, but nothing beats nitric acid which removes deposits and leaves a very well passivated surface.