The Ultimate Guide to Choosing stainless steel precision casting

Stainless steel is a popular choice for many safety-critical applications requiring durability, integrity, and strength. But, there are a wide array of stainless steels, each suited for different applications. If you’re not sure which type of stainless steel is best for your application, keep reading this article. We’ll discuss the most commonly used stainless steel in casting, as well as how to select the right type of stainless steel for your application.

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Let’s start by discussing the overall benefits of stainless steel casting.

Benefits of Stainless Steel

Investment casting is typically used to create complex shapes that have tight tolerances. Stainless steel is used in investment casting particularly when high corrosion and wear resistance are necessary. Its high corrosion resistance makes it great for many military, medical, and industrial applications.

The benefits of stainless steel will vary depending on the alloy. All stainless steels contain at least 10.5 percent chromium, but some may contain significantly more depending on the application. Higher chromium content results in increased corrosion resistance. Additional alloying ingredients include molybdenum, nickel, titanium, aluminum, copper, nitrogen, phosphorus, and selenium.

Most Commonly Used Stainless Steel

Although many different types of alloys can be used in the investment casting process, 304 (CF-8) is the most commonly used grade. 304 stainless steel, sometimes called 18/8 steel, is a low-carbon (0.08% or less) alloy steel that usually contains 18% chromium and at least 8% nickel. This makes it resistant to scaling and corrosion at high-operating temperatures. The low carbon prevents the precipitation of carbide during welding, allowing it to be welded without annealing, even in potentially corrosive environments.

Additionally, all of the stainless steels in the 300 class have nickel in them, which helps them retain their austenitic structure as they cool down from high temperatures. Austenitic steels tend to have high ductility and can be easily welded.

304 is often used when manufacturing high-strength components for safety-critical industries in harsh environments. Other widely used stainless steel grades include: 316, 304L/316L, 410 and 416, and 17-4.

Barron Industries’ Stainless Steel

Barron Industries pours more than 50 stainless steel alloys, and we commonly provide custom alloys with specific material chemistry and mechanical specifications. These are just a few examples:

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Do you have an application that requires outstanding resistance to corrosion and wear? Stainless steel castings may be just what you're looking for. Stainless steel's properties make it a prime choice for parts subjected to wear and corrosion. Combined with investment casting's advantages, stainless steel provides durable, intricately cast components for a wide range of industries.

This article will review the advantages of stainless steel, explore different stainless steel types and answer the question, "Where are stainless steel castings typically used?"

The Advantages of Stainless Steel Castings

When it comes to picking the right material for your casting needs, stainless steel often rises to the top of the list. But why? Let's look at the crucial advantages that make stainless steel castings a go-to choice in investment casting.

• Corrosion resistance — Ever notice how some metals rust quickly while others seem shiny and new for ages? That's one of stainless steel's star features. It holds up remarkably well in different environments, whether exposed to rain, sea air or harsh chemicals, making it a prime pick.
• Strength and durability — It's not just about resisting rust. Stainless steel parts are tough. They can handle wear and tear, ensuring the components last longer and do their job without faltering.
• Aesthetic appeal — There's no denying the beauty of shiny stainless steel. Its natural luster isn't just pleasing to the eye but also practical. If you want, it's easy to polish stainless steel to an even brighter shine, making it great for applications where appearance counts.
• Non-reactivity — Some metals can react with chemicals, causing problems in certain settings. Not stainless steel. Its inert nature means it won't readily react with various chemicals, making it versatile for varied applications.
• Economical for the long term — While the initial cost might be a consideration, think about the bigger picture. Stainless steel parts won't need frequent replacing or costly maintenance. In the long run, you save money. Stainless steel is also 100% recyclable.

In essence, stainless steel isn't just a choice — it's often the best choice. With these advantages in mind, it's clear why so many industries lean on stainless steel investment castings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stainless Steel Castings

The stainless steel market — valued at $111.4 billion —  is vast, and it can be hard to know who to trust. As a leading stainless steel castings manufacturer, Bescast has a wealth of knowledge to share. Read the following questions for the answers you need.

Is Stainless Steel Good for Casting?

With its outstanding resistance to corrosion and wear and superior surface finishes, stainless steel is excellent for casting.

What Are the Typical Applications of Investment Casting?

Typical investment casting applications include everything from aircraft parts to surgical instruments, food processing equipment, automobile components and so much more.

What Industries Use Investment Casting?

Nearly every industry uses investment casting, including aerospace, medical, automotive, food processing, energy and marine.

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