Producing components with stainless steel is a smart choice for durability and product longevity because of its natural oxide protection layer. However, warping, corrosion, or even metallurgical changes can occur if best practices are not used.
Metalworkers new to stainless, or even experienced welders and fabricators in a hurry, need to pay close attention to proper stainless steel handling techniques and procedures to maintain the integrity of the metal and keep the final product in-spec.
Find out why introducing surface contaminants is one of the riskiest blunders in handling stainless steel and how to avoid this and other mistakes during stainless steel fabrication.
How it happens:
Cutting Options:
In his article on HAZ, Andrea Bustreo notes the four types of cutting and factors that should be noted in employing them during stainless steel fabrication.
Weld Decay:
Intense localized heat from welding can result in the depletion of chromium in the base metal around the weld. This change in the metal makes it sensitive to corrosion. ASM International published a paper listing these options for controlling stainless steel sensitization.
How it happens:
Stainless steel’s low thermal conductivity and high expansion rate make it an easy target for distortion during welding
Welding Tips:
How it happens:
Proper welding and cutting techniques, awareness of the HAZ, and adherence to good quality control and anti-contamination measures will give you an in-spec, well-finished stainless steel product. Make sure that you and your team read this article to keep common stainless steel fabrication mistakes at bay.
To learn more about stainless steel fabrication, download your copy of A Metalworker’s Guide to Stainless Steel.
https://www.assda.asn.au/technical-info/surface-finishes/stainless-fabrication-common-traps-to-avoidhttp://www.thefabricator.com/article/arcwelding/common-technical-mistakes-new-welders-make-and-how-to-avoid-them
https://www.scribd.com/document/341395448/Special-Report-Avoid-Common-Mistakes-With-Vessels