Brief Guide to Stainless Steel Castings

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.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of investment casting stainless steel parts. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

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:

Stainless Steel GradeConditionTensile Strength (PSI)Yield Strength (PSI)% ElongationHardness Range or MaxCommon
ApplicationsReference Specification303 (CF-20)Solution Anneal65-75,-35,- RbElectrical components, valve bodies, nuts and bolts,
gears, and screwsASTM AL (CF-3)Solution Anneal70-85,-50,- RbFood processing equipment, medical equipment,
threaded fasteners, marine hardware, and kitchenwareASTM A351MIL-S- (CF-8)Solution Anneal70-85,-50,- RbFlanges, marine fittings, bearings, food processing
equipment, valve components, heat exchangersASTM AL (CF-3M)Solution Anneal70-85,-50,- RbMedical/pharmaceutical equipment, heat exchangers,
food equipmentASTM AL (CF-8M)Solution Anneal70-85,-50,- RbFittings, flanges, and pressure-containing componentsASTM A743ASTM A351MIL-S- (CF-8C)Hardened95-200,-160,- Rb-45 RcFasteners, ovens, containers, and vatsASTM A743AMS (CA-15)Hardened95-200,-160,- Rb-45 RcAutomobile components, tools, bolts, shafts, and screwsASTM A (IC 416)Hardened95-200,-160,-894 Rb-45 RcValve parts, gears, screw-machined components, 
and pumpsMIL-S--8 PHHardened130-180,-150,--40 RcAerospace components and injection molding
equipmentAMS -4 PHHardened150-190,-160,--44 RcAerospace components, food processing equipment,
pumps, and motor shafts.ASTM A747AMS AMS -5 PHHardened135-170,-145,--38 RcEngine parts, marine gas turbine compressors, papermill
equipment, fasteners, gears, and aerospace componentsAMS AMS

Have Questions? Contact Barron Industries Today!

The right type of stainless steel grade depends on specific requirements of your application. If you have questions about each type of stainless steel alloy, or need help selecting the right grade, get help from Barron Industries. We&#;ve been providing metal casting services for over 100 years, and take pride in being a name synonymous with quality. Contact us today, and let us know how we can help you.

Selecting the right metal for your casting project is crucial for ensuring the success of your manufacturing process. Whether you&#;re working in the automotive, defense, or oil and gas industries, understanding how to select the right metal can significantly impact the performance, durability, and cost-efficiency of your components. This guide will walk you through the essentials of choosing the right metal for casting, highlighting the best metals for casting projects and providing valuable casting metal selection tips.

Understanding the Importance of Metal Selection

Choosing the right metal for casting involves more than just picking a material based on availability or cost. The properties of the metal can affect the casting&#;s strength, durability, and overall quality. Here&#;s a metal selection guide for casting that will help you navigate through the various options:

1. Casting Metal Properties and Selection: Metals have unique properties such as melting points, fluidity, and strength, which affect their suitability for different casting processes. Understanding these properties is essential for making an informed decision.
2. Types of Metals for Casting: The choice of metal depends on the specific requirements of the casting project. Commonly used metals include aluminum, bronze, brass, copper, and cast iron, each offering distinct benefits.

Key Metals for Casting Projects

Here&#;s a closer look at the optimal metals for casting applications and their uses in various industries:

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1. Aluminum: Known for its lightweight and corrosion-resistant properties, aluminum is a popular choice for automotive casting. It is used in components such as engine blocks, wheels, and transmission cases. In the defense industry, aluminum castings are used for lightweight yet durable parts in aircraft and military vehicles. Additionally, aluminum is employed in the oil and gas industry for components like pump housings and fittings due to its resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand harsh environments.
2. Bronze: This metal is valued for its strength and resistance to wear and corrosion. Bronze castings are used in defense applications for components like ship propellers and bearings. In the automotive industry, bronze is used for parts such as bushings and gears due to its excellent machinability and resistance to friction.
3. Brass: Brass offers excellent machinability and is commonly used in automotive applications for parts like fittings and valves. Its good corrosion resistance makes it suitable for oil and gas applications, including various fittings and connectors. In the defense industry, brass is used for components like ammunition casings and military hardware.
4. Copper: Copper&#;s high thermal and electrical conductivity makes it an ideal choice for automotive casting applications such as radiators and electrical connectors. In the defense sector, copper castings are used in components requiring high conductivity and resistance to corrosion. The oil and gas industry utilizes copper for piping and tubing due to its durability and resistance to harsh environments.
5. Cast Iron: Known for its excellent castability and durability, cast iron is frequently used in automotive applications for engine blocks and brake components. In the defense industry, cast iron is used for parts such as tank components and machinery due to its strength and wear resistance. The oil and gas industry relies on cast iron for pump casings and valves due to its ability to handle high-pressure environments.
6. Steel: Steel is renowned for its strength, durability, and versatility, making it a widely used metal in casting applications. It is commonly utilized in automotive components such as chassis, frames, and structural parts. In the defense industry, steel castings are essential for weapons systems and armored vehicles due to their ability to withstand high stress and impact. The oil and gas sector also employs steel for robust pipeline fittings and drill components.
7. Stainless Steel: With its exceptional corrosion resistance and strength, stainless steel is often used in applications where hygiene and durability are critical. In the automotive industry, stainless steel castings are used for exhaust systems and various fittings. In the defense sector, stainless steel components are employed in naval applications and military hardware to resist corrosion in harsh environments. The food processing and pharmaceutical industries favor stainless steel for equipment and parts that must meet stringent cleanliness standards.