Which grade of Stainless Steel is more soft or ductile in Sheet form?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on selecting the appropriate grade of stainless steel sheet for a project requiring a thickness of 1.2 mm, with dimensions of 18 inches by 24 inches. The most recommended grades are AISI 304 and AISI 316, with AISI 316 offering superior corrosion resistance. For applications involving contact with human tissue, duplex stainless steels such as LDX 2101, 2202, or 2304 are suggested due to their lower nickel content and enhanced ductility. The choice of alloy may also depend on the specific environmental conditions and the intended use of the item.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of stainless steel grades, specifically AISI 304 and AISI 316.
  • Knowledge of duplex stainless steels, including LDX 2101, 2202, and 2304.
  • Familiarity with metal forming techniques, particularly punching and bending.
  • Awareness of corrosion resistance factors in stainless steel applications.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties and applications of duplex stainless steels.
  • Explore the corrosion resistance benefits of molybdenum in stainless steel alloys.
  • Learn about the metal forming and machining characteristics of AISI 304 and AISI 316.
  • Investigate the economic factors influencing the selection of stainless steel grades for specific applications.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for metal fabricators, engineers, and designers involved in projects requiring stainless steel materials, particularly those focused on corrosion resistance and ductility in various environments.

Pratap
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
TL;DR
I want to make a small item in Stainless Steel Sheet of 1.2 mm thick, 18 inch width & 24 inch length, by "Metal Forming & Punching of Holes". Please suggest me, which grade of Stainless Steel Sheet is more soft or ductile? It has to be economical as well. Thank you.
I want to make a small item in Stainless Steel Sheet of 1.2 mm thick, 18 inch width & 24 inch length, by "Metal Forming & Punching of Holes". Please suggest me, which grade of Stainless Steel Sheet is more soft or ductile? It has to be economical as well. Thank you.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Annealed austenitic stainless steel is ductile, and most common grades (and therefore economical) are AISI 304 or 316. 316 is more corrosion resistant than 304.

What is the environment, e.g., swimming pool, ocean/sea, contact with human tissue? If in contact with human tissue, e.g., skin, one may wish to use a low nickel, duplex stainless steel, e.g., LDX 2101, 2202 or 2304.

Some examples - https://www.bssa.org.uk/topics.php?article=668

Information on duplex stainless steels containing Mo. Mo has a synergistic effect with Cr in promoting corrosion resistance. Note that the International Molybdenum Association has an interest in promoting the use of Mo.
https://www.imoa.info/molybdenum-uses/molybdenum-grade-stainless-steels/duplex-stainless-steel.php
 
  • Like
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: anorlunda and berkeman
For some composition information on the various alloys, machining and forming information, performance, environment and chemical compatibility applications, etc, I'd go here:
https://www.rolledalloys.com/technical-resources/

The gauge thickness you have (1.2mm/18 ga) may preclude some alloys that just aren't produced due to market, or if the process for making the material is incompatible with sheet manufacture.

Duplex and super duplex alloys are much stronger than 304/316 grades, and are more difficult to bend and machine.

Can you tell us more about the application?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
7K