Valve Bodies Electropolished 316L Stainless Steel Casting Water
Treatment Parts
What is Stainless Steel Casting?
Stainless steel casting is a manufacturing process that involves
pouring molten stainless steel into a pre - made mold cavity. Once
the molten metal cools and solidifies, it takes the shape of the
mold. This process is widely used in various industries due to the
unique properties of stainless steel and the versatility of casting
techniques.
Common Stainless Steel Grades Used in Casting:
1. 304/304L: General-purpose grade with good corrosion resistance
and weldability.
2. 316/316L: Superior corrosion resistance, especially in chloride
environments; ideal for marine and chemical applications.
3. 2205 Duplex: High strength and excellent resistance to stress
corrosion cracking.
4. 17-4PH: Precipitation-hardening grade with high strength and
toughness.
5. 310S: Excellent high-temperature resistance, suitable for
furnace parts and heat exchangers.
Comparison of Stainless Steel Casting with Other Manufacturing
Methods:
Aspect | Stainless Steel Casting | Machining | Forging | Plastic Molding |
|---|
Material Strength | High (excellent mechanical properties) | High (but material loss) | Very High (grain alignment) | Low (limited strength) |
Complexity of Shapes | High (can produce intricate designs) | Moderate (limited by tooling) | Low (simple shapes) | High (but limited by material) |
Cost for High Volume | Moderate to High | High (labor-intensive) | High (tooling costs) | Low (for large volumes) |
Corrosion Resistance | Excellent (inherent in stainless steel) | Depends on material | Depends on material | Moderate (varies by plastic) |
Surface Finish | Good (can be improved with post-processing) | Excellent (smooth finish) | Moderate (requires finishing) | Good (mold-dependent) |
Lead Time | Moderate (mold creation required) | Short (for small batches) | Moderate to Long | Short (for large volumes) |
Surface Treatment Options for Stainless Steel Castings:
1. Electropolishing: Enhances corrosion resistance and provides a
smooth, shiny finish.
2. Passivation: Removes free iron and improves corrosion
resistance.
3. Sandblasting: Creates a matte finish and removes surface
imperfections.
4. Coating: Adds additional protection against wear and corrosion.
5. Pickling: Removes oxide layers and scales from the surface.
Quality Control in Stainless Steel Casting:
To ensure the quality of stainless steel castings, several quality
control measures are implemented. Non - destructive testing
methods, such as X-ray inspection, ultrasonic testing, and magnetic
particle inspection, are used to detect internal defects like
cracks, porosity, and inclusions. Mechanical testing, including
tensile testing, hardness testing, and impact testing, is performed
to verify the mechanical properties of the castings. Chemical
analysis is also carried out to confirm the composition of the
stainless steel, ensuring that it meets the required standards.
