Stainless Steel Metal Stamping: Precision & Durability

Stainless steel is an incredibly versatile material for creating lightweight and corrosion-resistant products in a wide range of sizes and shapes. One method of making these products is to use metal stamping and create a die that cuts the shapes out of a flat panel of stainless steel. This method is a great choice for the majority of stainless steel production, but it requires a robust understanding of the metal itself.

There are many different types and grades of stainless steel, each with different characteristics that will influence manufacturing. At Fairlawn Tool, we understand the nuances of stainless steel stamping, and we use that knowledge to create high-quality components every time. Here’s a look at this versatile material and the characteristics that affect metal stamping processes.

Characteristics of Stainless Steel

One of the primary benefits of stainless steel is its corrosion resistance, which comes from the addition of chromium. When chromium is added to carbon steel, the final product forms an invisible but protective film on its surface when exposed to oxygen. This helps the metal effectively resist corrosive materials.

Other substances can be added to stainless steel to deliver additional benefits, like high-heat resistance or luster, making them more appropriate for specific applications such as appliances or sharp cutting tools. Another way to adjust the characteristics of stainless steel is to treat it with heat or cold-working, which can modify its malleability and hardness.

Types of Stainless Steel

There are three main types of stainless steel used in metal fabricating applications:

• Austenitic: Austenitic stainless steel is ideal for deep-formed parts because it is annealed and has a lower carbon content, along with added nickel. However, it must be cold-worked.
• Ferritic: Ferritic steel has no nickel, but offers heat resistance, making it a popular choice for appliances and automobiles. It’s also magnetic.
• Martensitic: This type of stainless steel has a higher carbon content, which means it can be heat-treated. This treatment gives it exceptional hardness, perfect for cutting tools like knives. It is not suitable for drawing or stretching because of its brittleness.

Tempers of Stainless Steel

Another factor that will influence how stainless steel behaves is its temper. The different tempers of stainless steel move from the softest fully annealed grade to the hardest. The harder the metal, the more brittle it becomes. It gets more difficult to form a component because the steel loses its malleability. For 1/4 and 1/2 hard grades, cold-working and heat-treating can add strength to the finished product.

The grades are as follows, starting with the annealed version of stainless steel:

• Soft
• 1/4 hard
• 1/2 hard
• 3/4 hard
• Full hard

Expert Stainless Steel Metal Stamping at Fairlawn Tool

If you want to create metal-stamped components out of stainless steel, working with the experts is essential. At Fairlawn Tool, our expert technicians understand the intricacies of stainless steel and know how it must be treated to work well for your specific application. Whether you need it for aerospace parts or kitchen utensils, our stainless steel stamping services are performed with expertise and high-quality processes every time.

Reach out to us today to request a quote or learn more about our stainless metal stamping options.