Stainless Steel is a group of iron-based alloys containing Chromium and Nickel (and to a smaller degree, other metals) to provide physical strength and corrosion resistance.
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) designates many varieties of Steel and Stainless Steel based on standard compositions. They have developed a three-digit numbering system to identify each type.
Type 304 (also called 18/8) is the most common type, composed of Steel, plus 18% Chromium and 8% Nickel. Stainless Steel is an excellent choice for applications in electrical and electronic industries where it is in contact with moisture or other corrosive elements.
Fotofab's chemical etching process produces designs that can withstand harsh indoor and outdoor environments. The process uses a strong caustic chemical to etch unprotected parts of a metal surface to create a design or image formed to your project's specifications.
Fotofab products are made in the USA and distributed worldwide.
Characteristics of Stainless Steel
- Anti-corrosive and tarnish resistant
- Better thermal conductivity than steel
- Low conductor of electricity
- Depending on the specific alloy type, there are both magnetic and non-magnetic types
- Excellent formability and high-temperature performance
Stainless Steel Grades We Work With
We work with most grades of Stainless Steel in many different applications. Below are some of the most popular grades of Stainless Steel. If you do not see the grade your project needs please contact us today.
- 300 Series
- 301
- 302
- 304
- 316
- 321
- 400 Series
- 410
- 416
- 420
- 430
- 440
Acid Etching for Stainless Steel Applications
Stainless Steel is excellent for applications that come in contact with moisture and other corrosive elements because of its anti-corrosive characteristics and tarnish-free surface. It is often used for components in commercial applications and industry for its strength, temperature and corrosion resistance, and appearance. Stainless Steel products etched and fabricated by Fotofab include:
- Medical instruments and device components
- Autoclave instruments and blades
- Masks
- Washers and shims
- Filters or screens
- Reflective optical components and light baffles
- Optical encoders
- Shielding
- Flat springs
- Mechanical parts
- Identification plates
- Enclosures
- Semiconductor components
Other Factors
- There are more than 60 grades of stainless steel, which can be categorized into 5 series based on their alloying elements.
- As a material to accept various fabrication methods, stainless steel can be more challenging than softer metals.
- The average carbon footprint of stainless steel is estimated to be 2.90 kg of CO2 per kg of stainless steel produced.