A-1 AccuTech Inc.

United States

As specialists in deep drawn stainless steel stamping, A-1 AccuTech has in-depth knowledge of how stainless steel affects the deep drawing process. As with all metals, stainless steel has its own unique characteristics, features and benefits. Therefore, deep drawing stainless steel can be substantially different from deep drawing other metals. Together with our staff of highly skilled engineers, operators and technicians, we are dedicated to providing knowledgeable services and solutions to our customers. Stainless Steel Facts Stainless steel is essentially a low-carbon steel which contains 10% or more chromium by weight. The addition of chromium gives steel its unique stainless, corrosion-resisting properties. Additional alloying elements are added to increase the corrosion resistance, improve the fabrication properties, increase the high temperature performance, and improve the machining characteristics, resulting in more than 60 grades. These grades can be grouped into five classes of stainless steel that are identified by the alloying elements which affect their microstructure. The chromium content of the steel allows the formation of a rough, adherent, invisible, corrosion-resisting chromium oxide film on the steel surface. If damaged mechanically or chemically, this film is self-healing, providing that oxygen, even in very small amounts, is present. The corrosion resistance and other useful properties of the steel are enhanced by increased chromium content and by the addition of other elements such as molybdenum, nickel and nitrogen.

The many unique values provided by stainless steel make it a powerful candidate in materials selection. Engineers, specifiers and designers often underestimate or overlook these valuable features due to the typically higher initial cost of stainless steel. However, stainless is often the most efficient option when considering the lifetime value of a project. Stainless steel is a very versatile and useful material used in a wide variety of applications such as automotive parts, food processing, chemical processing, industrial, medical, marine, pharmaceutical, household goods, kitchenware and more. Stainless steel is usually chosen when a product or part demands high wear, strength, duarability, and exposure to heat, certain corrosives or other elements. Stainless Steel Benefits Corrosion resistance Lower alloyed grades resist corrosion in atmospheric and pure water environments, while high-alloyed grades can resist corrosion in most acids, alkaline solutions, and chlorine bearing environments, properties which are utilized in process plants. Aesthetic appearance The bright, easily maintained surface of stainless steel provides a modern and attractive appearance. Hygienic properties Its low maintenance and proven cleanability makes stainless steel the normal material in hygiene-critical applications such as in hospitals or food processing. Strength-to-weight advantage The work-hardening property of austenitic grades, that results in a significant strengthening of the material from cold-working alone, and the high strength duplex grades, allow reduced material thickness over conventional grades, therefore cost savings. Ease of fabrication Modern steel-making techniques mean that stainless can be cut, welded, formed, machined, and fabricated as readily as traditional steels. Impact resistance The austenitic microstructure of the 300 series provides high toughness, from elevated temperatures to far below freezing, making these steels particularly suited to cryogenic applications.