Can You Fabricate Stainless Steel?

 

March 6th, 2025, Stainless Steel Fabrication, Metal Fabrication

 

Stainless steel is a metal alloy made primarily from carbon and iron with the introduction of alloying elements such as chromium and nickel. Stainless steel combines the benefits of each of these metals, but do these benefits apply in the metal fabrication space? Working with stainless steel can be challenging, but it’s far from impossible.

 

 

Can You Fabricate Stainless Steel?

 

Yes, stainless steel can be fabricated. In fact, many manufacturers favour its high strength, corrosion resistance, and fire resistance. Moreover, stainless steel is known for being recyclable, aesthetically pleasing, and built to last. 

 

What’s important to remember, however, is that it’s very different from other types of steel. Its alloying element is usually chromium, while mild steel’s alloying element is carbon. Compared to carbon steel, the properties of stainless steel are not as malleable and easy to shape. 

 

Understanding these inherent differences and how they impact the fabrication process is crucial for effective stainless steel fabrication. If a manufacturer were to fabricate stainless steel the same way they fabricate carbon steel, they wouldn’t achieve the same results. At best, it would not live up to its material advantages, and at worst, the workpiece would break from the pressure applied. 

 

 

Why is Stainless Steel Difficult to Manufacture?

 

Stainless steel alloys are harder to manufacture due to their high tensile strength, making it more difficult to cut, bend, and weld them. Stainless steel is also more expensive than other types of steel, such as carbon steel, leading to higher production costs.  

 

There’s a process called work hardening, also known as strain hardening, in which the workpiece’s material strength increases during deformation. Stainless steel is prone to work hardening. Work hardening is sometimes done on purpose to ensure the strength and durability of the material. Sometimes, the stainless steel hardens to a point that it increases wear on the cutting tools. 

 

Additionally, stainless steel has a low thermal conductivity and is susceptible to becoming too hot during welding. With a lack of thermal control, manufacturers have to be mindful of warping and distortion while fabricating low thermal conductivity metals. 

 

Keep in mind that stainless steel fabrication is not always difficult. Although a newcomer may struggle, most manufacturers will find that stainless steel becomes easier to work with as they gain experience and start using the right tools and techniques. 

 

 

 

How Does a Stainless Steel Fabricator Work with Stainless Steel? 

 

There are multiple fabrication methods at one’s disposal for stainless steel, this includes machining, stamping, welding, and work hardening.

 

Machining Stainless Steel

 

Stainless steel fabricators use processes such as milling, drilling, and turning when machining stainless steel. 

 

• For milling, high-speed cutting tools are used to shape the workpiece, achieving high levels of accuracy with smooth edges. 
• Turning is the opposite, it rotates the workpiece at a high speed and uses a stable cutting tool to make cuts.
• Drilling is a secondary machining process that drills holes into the workpiece. These holes make room for screws and bolts that assemble the final product.

 

Stamping involves the use of a die to create complex and intricate shapes, typically on stainless steel sheets. Mechanical and hydraulic presses can also be used to stamp the workpiece. 

 

Welding combines heat and excessive pressure to fuse two different metal pieces together. It’s able to fuse two different types of metal together, joining stainless steel with carbon steel when applicable. Stainless steel has varying levels of carbon, so each grade has a unique reaction during the welding process. 

 

Work hardening techniques such as rolling, bending, and twisting are used to strengthen the stainless steel workpiece. Not only does it become harder, but also more corrosion resistant. This effectively alters the properties, but additional methods are needed for creating intricate shapes. 

 

 

Best Stainless Steel Fabricator in Kitchener

 

With almost 40 years in the business, Ball Service Group provides comprehensive end-to-end stainless steel fabrication services. From prototyping to delivery, we got you covered. Our manufacturing team is experienced in various fabrication methods, tools, and metal types, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions. We use our expertise to ensure your project aligns with industry demands, balancing cost-effectiveness, speed, and quality. From machining and stamping to welding and work hardening, our team utilizes each stainless steel fabrication technique according to your project’s unique needs. 

 

Get started with best-in-class stainless steel fabricators, request a quote!