(011) 747 5700 (Tel)
(011) 422 2221 (Fax)
steven@steelmor.co.za
Tolerance is one of the most misunderstood specifications in stainless steel cutting. Tighter is not always better. Specifying tolerances without understanding the cutting method's capabilities leads to unnecessary cost or rejected parts. Precision in cutting is...
The fabrication method applied to stainless steel shapes more than its geometry. It influences residual stress, surface condition, microstructural integrity, and ultimately how the steel performs under load or in corrosive environments. Choosing a method that matches...
Choosing the wrong cutting method for stainless steel affects more than surface finish. It shapes dimensional accuracy, structural integrity, and downstream fabrication cost. Laser, waterjet, and plasma cutting each suit different applications, and the gap between...
Stainless steel failure in service is rarely a material problem. In most cases, the root cause traces to a decision made during fabrication — the wrong grade, incorrect welding parameters, or contaminated tooling. Understanding the most common errors allows engineers...
The fabrication method applied to stainless steel shapes more than its geometry. It influences residual stress, surface condition, microstructural integrity, and ultimately how the steel performs under load or in corrosive environments. Choosing a method that matches...
Coastal installations face accelerated corrosion from salt spray, humidity, and airborne chlorides. Standard stainless steel grades that perform well inland fail within months near the ocean. Selecting corrosion-resistant alloys for South Africa's 3,000km coastline...
Specifying the wrong stainless steel grade can result in premature corrosion, project delays, or unnecessary material costs. Each grade offers distinct corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and cost profiles. Understanding when to use 304, 316, or duplex...
Food processing equipment demands materials that resist corrosion from acidic products, alkaline cleaners, and thermal cycling while maintaining hygienic surfaces. The wrong grade choice leads to contamination risk, equipment failure, or regulatory non-compliance....
Pressure system failures result from inadequate material strength, corrosion-induced wall thinning, or stress corrosion cracking. Material selection must satisfy pressure vessel codes, withstand operating conditions, and provide reliable service over design life....
Stainless steel is selected specifically for its resistance to corrosion, yet surface degradation still occurs on structures and components that were poorly specified or inadequately maintained. Several failure modes can compromise the passive layer that protects...
The cutting process you choose affects edge quality, dimensional accuracy, and the fabrication costs per part. Laser cutting and plasma cutting are both widely used in South Africa, but they are not interchangeable. Knowing where each process performs best helps you...
The grade of stainless steel you specify directly affects how long a component lasts, what it costs to maintain, and whether it meets industry requirements. The difference between 304 and 316 comes down to one element: molybdenum. That single addition shifts the...