Technical Information about Stainless Steel - Fabrication and Special Finishing Methods

Stainless steels have some characteristics which should be considered when planning finishing operations:

1. High tensile strength.
   This fact determines the power necessary for efficient metal removal in grinding and polishing.
2. High surface hardness.
   This governs the selection of abrasive materials and their cutting behaviour.
3. Low heat conductivity.
   This requires attention to precautionary measures that will prevent rapid or excessive rise in temperature which can cause heat tint discolouration, bluckling and, possibly, a reduction in corrosion resistance.
4. Rapid work hardening.
   This necessitates proper grinding techniques, especially of austenitic grades in which residual stresses at the metal surface may affect in-service corrosion resistance.
5. Need for cleanliness.
   This means attention must be given to grinding and polishing media to keep them clean and free of iron particles, which can be picked upif also used with carbon or alloy steel products.

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