Stainless steel, you may be surprised to learn, is not just a single metal. It actually comes in 20 or more different "grades," or metal mixtures. The grade you need depends on several factors, and Mid Pacific Steel, the premier aluminum, iron, and stainless steel sales specialists in Honolulu, HI, explain what to consider when choosing a grade of stainless steel.

Here are the factors to consider when selecting a grade of stainless steel for your project:

• Resistance To Corrosion & Heat: To select the best grade for your needs, a metal fabricator needs to know the intended environment and temperature range. How much exposure to heat and corrosive properties must the stainless steel product endure? Lower alloyed grades resist atmospheric and water corrosion, while higher grades are better for acid, alkaline, and chlorine environments.
• Mechanical Properties: Qualities like strength, rigidity, and impact resistance vary by grade, so it is important to understand any stressors and load requirements, especially at extreme temperatures. For instance, grades featuring high chromium and nickel content maintain their strength at higher temperatures.        
• Fabrication Method: Ease of manufacture varies by grade, so the fabrication method—e.g. stamping, forging, machining, or welding—is another important consideration.
• Overall Cost: The final factor to consider when selecting a grade of stainless steel is its overall cost. This includes materials and manufacturing expenses, as well as the savings you can expect from choosing a long-lasting product that requires little or no maintenance.

Mid Pacific Steel offers high-caliber workmanship, quality products, and red carpet customer service with a focus on communication. To learn more, call (808) 839-0606 and speak with a friendly, knowledgeable expert about your stainless steel requirements.