[ Fabrication ]
[ Fabrication ]
Revolutionizing stainless steel fabrication : the impact of the right wheels
Stainless steel is a material synonymous with durability , corrosion resistance and sleek aesthetics . It is the backbone of industries ranging from shipbuilding and heavy equipment fabrication to medical device manufacturing and architectural design . However , working with stainless steel isn ’ t without its challenges . That ’ s where choosing the right wheels comes into play — helping transform the way users cut , grind and finish this resilient material .
By Doris Vrečko , Product Manager , Weiler Abrasives
Abrasives designed for stainless steel The basic styles of abrasive products used to clean , finish , cut and grind stainless steel are the same as those used on carbon steel . But there are several differences in the makeup of these products that make their use easier and more productive .
For instance , cutting and grinding wheels that are labeled as contaminantfree or INOX boast a special formulation containing additives to ensure that they contain less than 0.1 % of certain elements , such as iron , sulfur and chlorine . This formulation preserves the stainless steel ’ s corrosion-resistant properties , which are crucial for applications requiring pristine surface integrity . Bonded abrasive products labeled as INOX are contaminant-free . Whether or not a contaminant-free product is needed depends on the final requirements of the application . It ’ s also important to avoid using a product on stainless steel after it ’ s been used on carbon steel . Coated abrasives designed for stainless steel typically feature an extra coating layer , or “ topcoat ,” that helps reduce heat buildup during the grinding and finishing processes , and wire brushes have stainless steel wires that do the cleaning . It ’ s important to understand how stainless steel responds to finishing and why it ’ s so critical to use products specifically designed for this material . Doing so can save time and money while helping users achieve the desired results .
Cutting stainless steel : Precision and efficiency Cutting stainless steel to the desired size and shape is the first critical step in fabrication . Cutting this material efficiently is crucial to maintain productivity and quality across many industries . Look for wheel options that are designed specifically to tackle this task with precision , offering fast cut rates , reduced downtime and extended product life , which helps ensure cost effectiveness and fewer replacements . Certain wheels , like Metalynx INOX 2.0 wheels from Weiler Abrasives , are engineered to minimize heat buildup to prevent the dreaded discoloration and maintain the integrity of the stainless steel . These wheels also feature a new blotter design that includes an industry-first Optimum Use Line . This line is a visual indicator that helps the user utilize the wheel to its full life to reduce wheel changeovers and help improve productivity while also reducing waste and abrasive spend . Best practices for cutting stainless steel include using thinner wheels , such as the increasingly popular 1-millimeter options . Thinner wheels minimize heat and material waste , ensuring a clean cut every time . It ’ s also critical to avoid cross-contamination and always use tools dedicated to stainless steel to prevent compromising the material ’ s anti-corrosive properties . QUICK TIP : Employ a slight sawing motion and apply consistent , steady pressure to enhance efficiency and extend wheel life .
Grinding stainless steel : Speed and precision Following the initial cut , grinding stainless steel smooths out rough
The right abrasive wheels help transform the way users cut , grind and finish stainless steel .
Coated abrasives designed for stainless steel typically feature an extra coating layer , or “ topcoat ,” that helps reduce heat buildup during the grinding and finishing processes .
52 Stainless Steel World October 2024 www . stainless-steel-world . net