Stainless steel is used primarily when corrosion or oxidation is a problem. The features that it delivers cannot be duplicated by other materials at a comparative cost. Over 50 years ago, it was discovered that a minimum of 12% chromium would impart corrosion and oxidation resistance to steel. The term stainless steel was given to those ferrous alloys that contain a minimum of 12% chromium for corrosion resistance. This development was the start of a family of alloys which has enabled the advancement and growth of chemical processing and power generating systems upon which our technological society is based.
Subsequently several important sub-categories of stainless steels have been developed. The sub-categories are austenitic, martensitic, ferritic, duplex, precipitation hardening and super alloys.
304 / 304L – $0.8869
316 / 316L – $1.4259
410 – $0.2984
2205 Duplex – $1.4275
321 – $0.9367
SAE International, as a standards organization, maintains several alloy numbering systems, one of which, for steel grades, is the SAE steel grades system.
Today, steel quotes and certifications commonly make reference to both SAE and AISI, not always with precise differentiation. For example, in the alloy/grade field, a cert might say "304L", "AISI 304L", or "SAE 304L", and in most light-industrial applications any of the above is accepted as adequate, and considered equivalent, for the job at hand, as long as the specific specification called out by the designer (for example, "304L plate per ASTM-A240" or "304L plate per AMS 5511") is certified to on the certificate. The alloy number is simply a general classifier, whereas it is the specification itself that narrows down the steel to a very specific standard.
The SAE steel grade system's correspondence to other alloy numbering systems, such as the ASTM-SAE unified numbering system (UNS), can be seen in cross-referencing tables (including the ones linked below). For a listing of the grades in stock at Stainless Processing Inc., please refer to our inventory listing.
A large portion of the products manufactured by SPI are flanges utilized in a variety of industries. Every flange specification is unique and Stainless Processing Inc specializes in fabricating them with precision from stainless steel plate. There are several categories of flanges including pipe, tube and blind and SPI has developed reference guides to help our customers with project management and ordering.
CLICK HERE to request our Stainless Processing, Inc. Plate Flange Reference Guide (includes AWWA Flanges).
In most cases a drawing is not required but Stainless Processing, Inc is adept at helping out customers through each stage of the process and the process always begins with a design. We accept CAD, CAM and PDF files of your part drawings and can assist with the development of a drawing when you call (800)345-8126.
For many parts and shapes CAD files are not required. For more involved parts a printed sketch or drawing is usually sufficient. Our draftsmen will create the necessary CAD files for you at no additional charge.
Standard two dimensional file formats that can be opened by AutoCAD LT 2013® are recommended. If you use a different CAD application, please export your drawing as a standard DWG or generic DXF before sending. Native three dimensional CAD or image formats are not acceptable.
Production drawings should be produced to scale while generic drawings for a class of parts in various sizes cannot be used for direct to production.
Keep all the elements of the profile on a single layer, separate from notations and dimensions and close all shapes.
Sending a CAD file with the RFQ helps our sales team quote you our best and most accurate price and delivery.
Every production drawing regardless of source is reviewed for accuracy and potential production problems by at least three draftsmen before it is released.
All CAD files are archived on our servers after a job ships so they're ready and waiting when you need to reorder.
Please remove any information not necessary for the production of the part before sending if you are concerned with the drawing containing proprietary information.
Files may be submitted here while attaching the files to an email message is also acceptable. If necessary, large files can also be transmitted to our secure cloud. Call for more information.
Almost all CNC controllers require spline curves to be exploded. Exploding creates a set of simple line and arc elements that approximate more complex mathematical curve elements. When exploding, set the tolerances to the minimum acceptable for your application. If the tolerances are set too high the resulting approximation will contain a very large number of very small elements which can cause problems when the job is run. For almost all applications, the factory default settings on your CAD application will work well.
You may use any standard unit of measurement including metric.
Questions?
We are standing by to help! Submit your question through our online form or call (800)345-8126 to talk to an SPI stainless expert.
Stainless Processing, Inc.
200 Waverly Blvd., Coatesville, PA 19320
Phone: (800)345-8126 ■ (610)384-1278
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