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Available in a wide range of grades, the versatility of stainless steel means it’s perfect for an extensive range of projects. However, as the team at L. Levine & Co. in Cincinnati, Ohio, explains, choosing the right grade for your project can make or break your results.

By considering the following factors related to your project, you can select the right stainless steel grade:

  • Strength Requirements: Stainless steel is a naturally strong substance, but there’s no denying an aerospace application will need more durable materials than an automotive exhaust system. Martensitic stainless steel is considered to offer the greatest strength and ductility, followed by austenitic stainless steel.
  • stainless steelCorrosion Resistance: Corrosion is a concern among manufacturers, especially when a final product will be exposed to harsh environmental or chemical conditions on a regular basis. The high level of chromium in austenitic stainless steel makes it a superior option when corrosion resistance is a top priority, while Ferritic steel should be avoided.
  • Welding & Machining: Welding and machining can be complex processes, and if the wrong grade of stainless steel is used, you could easily crack, corrode, or otherwise damage your steel pieces. Austenitic, ferritic, and duplex steel can be welded with relative ease, though martensitic stainless steel is not recommended for welding projects. For machining, stainless steel with added sulfur is considered to be more easily machined and is less likely to suffer from work hardening. 
  • Typical Uses: Perhaps the simplest method for choosing the right grade of stainless steel is to see which grades are typically used for projects similar to yours. For example, ferritic stainless steel is often used for food industry applications, while precipitation hardened stainless steel is used for fasteners and valves. Researching standard applications can help you quickly get an idea of which grade you need.

For high-quality stainless steel fabrication, you can turn to the team at L. Levine & Co. To learn more about the products and services available from this steel supplier, visit them online or call (513) 471-5900.

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