Stainless Steel Me

The British stainless steel advisory (BSSA) is launching an initiative to find out exactly how the less well known grades of stainless steel are used. There are two main purposes:
1) Obtain interesting stories from end users about why the particular grade was used
2) To simplify the standards for stainless steel by identifying those grades which no-one ever uses where there are usable alternatives

The European standards for stainless steel list 187 grades of stainless steel across a wide range of products. It is no wonder that many end users are completely bewildered by the large number. Some engineers use the mechanical properties to design some equipment, only to find that the Purchasing Department can’t actually obtain any, at least not within a sensible timescale.  At the end of the Gradespotting project, it is hoped that there will enough evidence to allow a considerable simplification of the grade list which will benefit all parts of the supply chain.

It is taken for granted that 304/304L (1.4301/1.4307), 316/316L (1.4401/1.4404) and 430 (1.4016) are well known enough not to warrant any special attention. Any other grade can be the subject of a “Gradespotting Story”. Stories will appear in the leading magazine for the UK stainless steel sector – Stainless Steel Industry. The most interesting story in each month will win a free place at one of the BSSA’s Starter Workshops plus a free copy of Understanding Stainless Steel.

Please send any suggestions for a story to: ssas@bssa.org.uk