When looking for the right stainless steel grade for your project, you must first decide what result you want to achieve. Taking into account the material’s formability, corrosion resistance, and other properties can ensure that you get the proper grade to match your needs.

Below are some of the things you need to consider when choosing a stainless steel grade:

• Formability: If you’re looking for something malleable, choose steel with an austenitic grade because they are more formable and have a lesser tendency to break.

• Machinability: Steel that has sulfur added to it is the best material to use when your project requires machining. They are least likely to harden during the entire project, giving you maximum control over the material during machining. Grade 416 is one of the best materials for projects that need to be machined because it has just the right amount of sulfur.

• Strength: Regardless of what you’re working on, you should use a material that has sufficient strength and ductility. If you’re looking for a high-strength material, you can go for a grade 440C martensitic steel. A duplex grade, on the other hand, will give you just the right amount of strength with a bit of flexibility.

• Weldability: If you’re planning to do some welding, stay away from martensitic stainless steel because it has high levels of carbon, and the heat from welding can change its mechanical properties. A Grade 347 has niobium stabilizers integrated into its components, which makes it the perfect welding material.

Choosing the right steel grade helps you fabricate or construct more seamlessly. Before buying the material, you should discuss your needs with the vendor so they can provide you with appropriate recommendations. If you’re looking for quality bar grating and other stainless materials, contact Magna Steel Sales at (203) 888-0300. They have provided excellent products and services in Westport, CT, since 1984. You may also visit their website to check out their wide inventory of beams, angles, flitch plates, and more.