In the modern world, most people buy items online and this includes stainless steel metal. There are so many online stores which sell a variety of metals and hence you can easily find the different grades of stainless steel. If it’s your first time doing this kind of online purchase, you might feel a bit lost. You probably don’t know what to look for to ensure you receive quality stainless steel metal.
Basically, the metal you choose should be suitable for the application you intend it for. In this case, it’s not just about quality but also about the appropriate grade for the job. Here are a few tips that you can use when buying stainless steel online.
Look for a reputable metal supplier
The truth is you are likely to come across a wide array of stainless steel metal suppliers with online stores. However, you have to ensure that you are buying from a reputable provider to avoid any regrets and mishaps later. Check any reviews available on the kind of services offered by a particular seller. Are there any complaints from prior customers? If yes, what was the problem? Afterwards, you will be in a better position to determine if you are buying from the right person. Here’s an example of a reputable online metal supplier – https://shop.aero-flex.aero/.
The type of corrosion resistance required
The main advantage that comes with all types of stainless steel metal is the resistance to corrosion. On the other hand, you have to keep in mind that the different types of stainless steel consists of various amounts of resistance to corrosion. The grade with the most corrosion resistance is the austenitic.
Heat treatment
Do you require stainless steel that will be subjected to heat treatment? If yes, then it’s mandatory that you familiarize yourself with how the different grades are affected by heat. Generally, austenitic and ferric metals are not hardened by heat. The stainless steel metals that can be heat treated are the martensitic and precipitation hardened.
Strength requirements
This is another major factor to look for in stainless steel depending on the application and also environments it will be exposed to. If you want metal with very high strengths, then you might want to consider the martensitic and precipitation hardened. Furthermore, austenitic stainless steel can also provide a high degree of strength but it’s not the same with the martensitic. Therefore, when looking for toughness there are certain grades that are better than others.
The cost
The price tag is usually among the things to consider when buying anything including stainless steel metal. There are times when the best option is too expensive. However, don’t just look at the initial cost. Consider the durability and years of service the stainless steel metal will give you.
The type of application
The best way to know the type of metal you need is through its application. Therefore, depending on the different applications that can be used with stainless steel, you have to choose a suitable grade. For instance, there is a grade most suited for the food industry, fasteners, welding and so on.
