Frequently Asked Questions
In which situations is an “L-Grade” of stainless steel best suited?
"L-Grade" stainless steels are low carbon grades typically used for parts which can not be annealed after fabrication by welding. The low carbon minimizes sensitization, or chromium depletion at the grain boundaries of the material which would otherwise reduce it's corrosion resistance.
Which grade of stainless steel is right for my application?
Determining the grade of stainless steel that will perform best in a particular application is a difficult one. Careful consideration should be given to the stress levels and thermo-chemical environment in which the metal is required to perform. United Performance Metals is one of the few service centers that employs a full-time metallurgist to address customers’ questions regarding a grade’s suitability for a given application.
Can different grades of stainless steel be welded to one another?
For purposes of welding, most grades of stainless steel within the same family (i.e. 300 series to 300 series) are compatible. Welding different families of stainless steel (i.e. 300 series to 400 series) is more problematic. It is important when welding together different grades of stainless steel to ensure that each of the grades is adequately suited for the application. When welding stainless steel a filler rod or electrode made of stainless steel must be used.
Is stainless steel more resistant to wear than carbon steel?
Stainless steel in many instances is more wear resistant, especially in corrosive environments, than carbon steel. There have been numerous examples of much softer grades of stainless steel outperforming hardened grades of carbon steel. For best results, it is always recommended that you determine the best grade of stainless steel for your specific application.
What is the difference between 410 and 410S stainless steel?
410 is a basic, general purpose, hardenable martensitic stainless steel. 410S is a lower carbon modification of 410 which is more easily weldable, but with reduced mechanical properties.
What condition is United Performance Metals's 410 material received?
United Performance Metals 410 is sold in an annealed condition. This means the product is in the softest possible condition.
What does RC41 communicate on a test report for 410 stainless?
RC41 communicates the hardness of a metal on the Rockwell scale. In the case of the AMS 5504 specification, the metal is required to be heated treated to a hardness of between 35-45 on the Rockwell scale.
