Metallurgists won’t stop presenting innovative techniques in metal engineering, in the endless effort to make stainless steel a more machining friendly material.
Stainless steel alone is tough to machine. Most stainless steels are made out of austenitic grades like 303, and these grades are generally tough to produce with a good surface finish, even though Advance Grinding does it wonderfully.
Metallurgist are constantly coming up with different ways to produce better machined and finished stainless steels. Engineering formulas are made to improve conventional cutting speeds so that feeds would perform well at high speed in high temperature cutting conditions.
Aside from the formulation for cutting speeds, taking proper control of other alloying elements including nickel, nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur contributes to the improvements of steel machinability characteristics. With the addition of sulfur, for example, there comes a great ease in machinability.
Advantages of Sulfur in Stainless Steel:
- Reduces friction and extends tool life
- Forms a lubricating layer on top of cutting tool
- Helps break stainless steel chip during machining
The formula of adding sulfur to stainless steel has expanded throughout the metalworking industry, giving rise to the machining of steel grades such as 303, 416, and 420F. However, while sulfur helps stainless steel with its machining ability, it also affects its good attributes. It comprises the corrosion resistance of the metal and makes it more prone to cracking.
Two of the best reasons for the enhancement of stainless steel production and machinability:
Maximize
Though there have been findings that sulfur and other elements put limitations to stainless steel machining, adding these elements allows production to maximize efficiency. A lot of solutions are being created for the reformulation of stainless steel without sacrificing its good mechanical and physical properties.
Consistency
Consistency is a prime factor in the metalworking industry and an important attribute in machining. Metal workers have been developing methods to bring out the best steel products with consistency in fine finishes.
Metallurgy has never stopped finding ways to improve stainless steel machinability – all for better productions to meet customers’ operations. Moreover, different machining methods are explored, such as cutting speed and temperature adjustment. With careful exploration and innovation, no matter how hard a material is to machine, fine results will still be achieved!
Are you looking for stainless steel for your high-performance application? Advance Grinding has the capability for ultra fast turnaround rates and competitive pricing on any type of round bar. Get a quote today!
The Basics of Aluminum Alloy
Aluminum is the most abundant metal in Earth’s crust after silicon and oxygen. It has a silvery-white appearance and contains a lot of valuable mechanical properties. It possesses 60% of the electrical conductivity of copper, with much lower density, making it a lightweight material perfect for aircraft and aerospace construction.
Pure aluminum is soft and ductile, but it can be strengthened when it is alloyed with other elements like magnesium, copper, and silicon. Such alloys possess better corrosion resisting properties, with a protective oxide coating that is achieved and enhanced through the process of anodization. Their lightweight and non-toxic mechanical properties enable them to be easily machined and cast. One good thing about aluminum is that it is recyclable, which can save considerable amounts of energy. They only need to undergo a melting process in order for them to be reused.
Powerful Properties
Aluminum alloys have low density, therefore, they are lightweight which is one of the key factors to consider in constructing an aircraft and its vital parts. Other important properties they possess are malleability, high strength, easy machining, good electrical and thermal conductivity, and excellent corrosion resistance.
Aluminum in the Aviation Industry
80 percent of commercial transport aircraft frames are made up of aluminum. This alloy is the top choice for the construction of aircraft and parts like wings and fuselage. Most navy aircraft are mainly made of fabricated aluminum. The focus on aluminum casting technology is continuing to earn recognition with its countless advantages in forming complex parts for aircraft structure. With a low manufacturing cost, Aluminum Alloy is the top choice for incorporating innovative and complicated design concepts in the aviation industry.
Let Advance Grinding Services be your tool in understanding and choosing the correct material for your manufacturing needs. With partners in our sector, you can submit a request for 3 quotes today!