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Posted on April 1, 2006 by Tyron Tollett | Posted under   Consumer Electronics


Why Use 440C Stainless Steel



There are many grades of stainless on the market and knowing which grade you should use for what can be very beneficial. For example 440C stainless steel is often used for rolling bearings, valve seats, high quality knife blades, chisels, and surgical instruments.

With heat treatment grade 440C stainless attains the highest strength, hardness, and wearability of all the stainless steels. That's because it has a really high carbon content which is why it is such a good choice for valves and bearings.

Grades 440A and 440B is the same base as 440C but it has less carbon so it is not quite as hard. Then again 440F has the same high carbon content as 440C.

440C has good resistance to mild acids, alkalis, fresh water, corrosion, rust, and it's smooth polished surface was pleasing to the eye.

Because of the reduction in properties this level of stainless doesn't have quite the heat resistance as others do. That said we are still talking around 900 degrees Celsius would cause annealing while 1065 degrees Celsius was the hardening temperature.

If you need to weld this level of stainless you need to pre-heat to 250 degrees Celsius and then follow welding with a full anneal. You will need a 420 filler if you want a high hardness weld where as 309 will produce a soft weld.

440C stainless is commonly found throughout the industry as it is incredibly strong and versatile and that's why it is commonly used in rolling bearings, valve seats, high quality knife blades, chisels, and surgical instruments.

Surgical instruments require a special degree of reliability and hygienic capability and 440C stainless was the answer to that. It was the most hygienic alloy on the market. Add that to the ability to withstand the high temperatures required for sterilization. It is also a metal that is hypoallergenic so when it is used on a patient the risk of reaction is reduced. Add that to the ease of maintenance, the ability to quickly and easily clean, and you've got a winner for the medical field.

Now the same scenario applies to knife blades which are used to cut a variety of things so it is important that the blades be hygienic, and able to maintain a sharp edge. 440C can produce.

And then there are the valve seats, bearings, and the likes which require a smooth finish that is able to withstand high temperatures and corrosion and rust. Again the 440C delivers.

You can quickly see why this particular grade is so highly recommended for its' specific purposes. The 440C stainless steel is like other grades - designed to deliver!



About The Author:
Tyron is a professional writer and writes about various different subjects. One of his favourite subject is stainless steel. Visit the website at http://www.stainless-steel-now.com to get more information about various different stainless steel products available in the market.


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