316 LVM?  What is that?

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What do you call that highly refined grade of stainless steel that all your medical device customers ask for? If you're like us, and most people in the business, you call it "316 LVM" and never really think about it. At least not until a customer print calls for something like "316L ASTM F138" or "Implant Grade 316" or "316LS²". Then you might get out your books, search Google, check the specs and mill test reports, and make sure that what you're buying or selling is just what they need. And chances are you've got it right. But why all the names? What should it really be called?

There's only one definitive answer to that, but before I reveal that magical answer let's first look at the path we take to get there.

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The 4 Types of Stainless Steel

Well known for its versatility and sustainability, stainless steel is a commonly used material, easily recognized and present in many homes and industries. The name “stainless steel” is a broad term, applying to any metal with a minimum of 10.5% chromium content. There are many types of stainless steel, each given a numerical grade and organized under one of four general groups. These grades are based on the steel’s composition, properties, and uses. Familiarity with grade numbers and groups give quick insight into the steel’s makeup and applications.

The four general groups of stainless steel are austenitic, ferritic, duplex, and martensitic.

Austenitic

As the most frequently used type, austenitic stainless steels possess high chromium and nickel content. Their weldability, strength, and corrosion resistance make them a metal used both for household kitchen cutlery and structural components in the aerospace industry. Unlike ferritic types, austenitic stainless steels are not magnetic.

Types of austenitic stainless steel: 316LVM, 330, Biodur108, Nitronic 60.

Ferritic

An often magnetic, low nickel material with good corrosion resistance, ferritic stainless steels are a popular material for indoor applications. They are commonly chosen for their resistance to stress corrosion and cracking, particularly in situations that require contact with other corrosive materials. These uses include cookware and car components. Ferritic stainless steel’s cost effectiveness and decreased malleability differentiate them from austenitic types.

Types of ferritic stainless steel: 430, 430FR.

Duplex

Named for its nearly 50/50 composition of austenitic and ferritic, this hybrid is stronger than either of its alloys of origin. This strength gives duplex stainless steels improved corrosion and cracking resistance. Additionally, due to its high ferritic content, it is magnetic. Duplex stainless steels are relatively weldable and well suited for saltwater corrosive conditions, making them useful for the underwater oil industry.

Types of duplex stainless steel: S31803, S32205.

Martensitic

With a structure similar to ferritic, martensitic stainless steels stand apart with their higher carbon content (1%) and greater hardening capabilities. With their high strength and average resistance to corrosion, martensitic stainless steels have a wide range of uses, ranging from surgical instruments to turbine parts.

Types of martensitic stainless steel: 15-5PH, 17-4PH, 416, 420F, 420 MOD, 455, 465.

Stainless steel is well known and frequently used due to its strength, versatility, and recyclability. The four general categories assist in beginning to outline the many compositions and uses for the material.

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430FR is the choice metal for solenoids

430FR "Solenoid Quality" stainless steel rod is specifically formulated and treated to be used as the inner shaft of a linear solenoid.

Solenoids are, at heart, simple machines. You can make one yourself using copper wire, a drinking straw, a battery, and any magnetic metal. You can even use an ordinary nail for the shaft (or armature, as it is known). Coil up the wire around the straw, put the nail inside and attach the two loose ends of the wire to a battery. That's it. Watch the nail move in and out of the straw as the electrified wire creates a magnetic field that attracts or repels the shaft.

Here's the content of a brief conversation I had with ChatGPT about metal alloys used in the Aerospace industry. ChatGPT really put together a nice summary:

Question: What metal alloys are used in the aerospace industry?

ChatGPT: The aerospace industry uses a wide range of metal alloys for various applications due to their unique properties such as high strength, corrosion resistance, and lightweight. Here are some of the commonly used metal alloys in the aerospace industry:

1. Aluminum Alloys: Aluminum alloys are lightweight, strong, and resistant to corrosion. They are commonly used in aircraft structures, such as wings, fuselages, and engine parts.
2. Titanium Alloys: Titanium alloys are strong, lightweight, and resistant to corrosion. They are commonly used in aircraft engines, landing gears, and structural components.
3. Steel Alloys: Steel alloys are strong and durable, making them ideal for use in aircraft engines, landing gears, and other structural components.
4. Nickel Alloys: Nickel alloys are resistant to high temperatures and corrosion. They are commonly used in aircraft engines and gas turbines.
5. Magnesium Alloys: Magnesium alloys are lightweight and have high strength-to-weight ratio. They are used in aircraft components, such as helicopter gearbox housings.
6. Cobalt Alloys: Cobalt alloys are strong and resistant to high temperatures and corrosion. They are commonly used in gas turbine components and aircraft engines.

Overall, the selection of metal alloys used in the aerospace industry depends on the specific requirements of the aircraft and its components, such as strength, weight, corrosion resistance, and operating temperature range.

Question: Can you include specific alloys in your answer?

ChatGPT: Sure, here are some specific alloys used in the aerospace industry:

1. Aluminum Alloys:

• 2024-T3: Used for wing and fuselage structures.
• 7075-T6: Used for aircraft structural components that require high strength-to-weight ratio.

1. Titanium Alloys:

• Ti-6Al-4V: Used for turbine blades, compressor blades, and structural components.
• Ti-5Al-2.5Sn: Used for compressor discs and blades.

1. Steel Alloys:

• AISI 4130: Used for landing gears, engine mounts, and other structural components.
• AISI 4340: Used for aircraft engine components, such as gears and crankshafts.

1. Nickel Alloys:

• Inconel 718: Used for high-temperature applications, such as gas turbine engines.
• Inconel X-750: Used for gas turbine engine components that require high strength and resistance to high temperatures and corrosion.

1. Magnesium Alloys:

• AZ31B: Used for helicopter gearbox housings and aircraft components that require low weight.
• WE43: Used for aircraft structural components that require high strength-to-weight ratio.

1. Cobalt Alloys:

• Haynes 188: Used for gas turbine engine components, such as combustion chambers and afterburner liners.
• Stellite 6B: Used for aircraft engine valves, bearings, and pump components that require wear resistance.

There are many other alloys used in the aerospace industry, but these are some of the most common ones.

Question: What about hardenable stainless steels?

ChatGPT: Hardenable stainless steels are also used in the aerospace industry for their high strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. These steels are capable of being hardened by heat treatment, which increases their strength and wear resistance. Some examples of hardenable stainless steels used in aerospace applications are:

1. 17-4 PH: This is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel that is used in the aerospace industry for its high strength, corrosion resistance, and fatigue resistance. It is commonly used in aircraft landing gear, structural components, and engine parts.
2. 15-5 PH: This is another precipitation-hardening stainless steel that is used in aerospace applications for its high strength and corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in aircraft engine parts, landing gear, and structural components.
3. 13-8 PH: This is a precipitation-hardening stainless steel that is used in aerospace applications for its high strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. It is commonly used in aircraft engine parts, landing gear, and structural components.

Overall, hardenable stainless steels are used in the aerospace industry where high strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance are required, and where the weight of the component is not a critical factor. The specific choice of hardenable stainless steel alloy depends on the application and the requirements of the component.

What is the DFARS Specialty Metals Clause?

The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, better known as "DFARS", is an enormous and far-reaching document. As part of the even larger 'Federal Acquisition Regulations' it covers things like how a Department of Defense purchasing contract is written, negotiated, awarded, and paid for. It's an important set of guidelines designed to protect the political interests of the United States. DFARS is aimed at keeping money and quality control in the hands of our friends, and away from threats to US interests.