Cutting of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel are highly alloy materials, the various types possess different mechanical properties and physical properties. Further, these properties are, in most instances, vastly different from low carbon (mild), medium carbon and low alloys steel, with a corresponding effect on the cutting methods and procedures.
It must be emphasised that the information and recommendations given here serve as a guide to aid in the cutting of Stainless Steel. Many of the common problems may thus be avoided. Procedures and results which have been successful in actual practice should be adhered to. Experience, type and condition of the equipment utilised may indicate slight change of modification to the information given in this article.
Stainless steel can be cut and profiled in the same way and using the same type of equipment as for most other steel. Some differences in technique apply and these are explained below. The information in this article is specifically directed towards austenitic stainless steel, the most frequently used family of stainless steel.
Austenitic stainless steel exhibit strong work hardening characteristics which affect many of the forming techniques. Machinery capability levels need to be increased (or existing capability levels down-rated) compared with carbon steel. A higher rigidity of tools and machinery is necessary for working stainless steel.
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