Stainless Steel coils have been one of the most versatile and in-demand materials for various industries. They have numerous applications and are used to make pieces of equipment used in kitchens and at the same time are used in high-end manufacturing industries.
They are extremely strong, light in weight, durable, and cost-efficient. They do not require any kind of maintenance. Once installed, they don’t have to be replaced often. Stainless steel coils are flexible and can meet various requirements.
Stainless steel coils are produced by hot rolling slabs of stainless steel to form thin sheets that are coiled up. This process is carried out at a specific temperature known as the recrystallization temperature. The ideal temperature to roll out stainless steel coils is between 1100 degrees Celsius and 1300 degrees Celsius.
Here are some of the benefits and properties that one needs to consider while purchasing stainless steel coils:
1. Machinability:
As we all know, stainless steel is available in numerous grades, standards, and specifications. The commonly used grades of SS to make coils are grade 304 and grade 321. Both of these grades provide smooth and efficient machining abilities. Grade 321 usually has an upper hand as it is more durable and sturdier. Grade 304 needs annealing after the welding process. It does not lose any of its strength during the welding procedure but annealing ensures maximum corrosion resistance. Coils made out of stainless steel regain their physical properties and machining abilities post the welding process.
2. Weldability:
Although stainless steel coils are easily weldable, it is essential to carry out the welding process with the use of filler materials. Stainless Steel 304 coils are vulnerable to the formation of carbide precipitates post welding. However, stainless steel 321 coils do not incur any unwanted precipitate formation. This is due to the addition of titanium in the alloying composition of grade 321. Post welding annealing is a requisite as it helps retain strength and ensure corrosion resistance along with malleability and ductility.
3. Anti-Corrosive:
Stainless Steel is a naturally anti-corrosive metal alloy. The chromium oxide layer formed due to the reaction of chromium in the alloy and oxygen in the air makes Stainless Steel resistant to most forms of corrosion. This property is enhanced by adding more filler elements to the alloying composition such as molybdenum, nitrogen, etc. Stainless steel coils inherit these incredible properties of the alloy and are thus resistant to most forms of corrosion. However, besides the overall corrosion resistivity, stainless steel 304 coils are subject to intergranular corrosion if not stabilized.
4. Hot worked v/s Cold worked:
While buying stainless steel coils, one should consider the difference between hot and cold-worked coils.
For outdoor applications and beautifying purposes, it is ideal to use cold worked stainless steel coils as they have a smooth finish and a shiny and attractive appearance.
For applications that do not demand aesthetically pleasing visuals and instead demand strength and good wear resistance, hot-worked stainless steel coils are the best choice.
Both types of SS coils are equally strong and durable. The only major difference between the two is the varying appearance.
