How to Cut and Fabricate Stainless Steel 316 Angle for Custom Applications

Stainless Steel 316 is a versatile material used for different applications due to its strength, durability, and corrosion-resistant properties. However, fabricating stainless steel can be challenging, especially regarding cutting angles. This blog post provides expert tips on properly cutting and fabricating Stainless Steel 316 angle for custom applications. With these tips, you’ll be able to work smoothly with the material and achieve a precise and clean cut.

Choose the Right Tool for stainless steel 316 angle

Stainless Steel 316 angle is popular for custom applications due to its excellent corrosion resistance and durability. You’ll need the correct tools to properly cut and fabricate stainless steel. Start by selecting a cutting tool – oxygen-acetylene torch or plasma cutter are two common options – then choose a welding and grinding tool based on your application needs. After preparation, use safety gear to protect yourself from sparks/heat during cutting/welding operations. Once complete, be sure to clean off any residue before continuing with other fabrication processes – this will help ensure the optimal performance of the project!

Secure the Material

The first step is to secure the material when cutting and fabricating stainless steel 316 angle for custom applications. This can be done by clamping down two opposing edges of the material onto a workbench or similar surface. Once you have clamped down the material, use a measuring tape and scribe or marker to accurately mark off where you want to cut, along with any other necessary cuts. Once all measurements have been taken, use either an abrasive wheel cutter, coping saw/scroll saws with metal blades, shear snips or even an angle grinder set up properly with specific discs such as turbo segmented diamond blade discs designed for cutting stainless steel. After making all of your cuts, you can now sand down any rough edges using progressively finer grits of wet and dry paper until the desired finish. Finally, ensure all applied fasteners have proper hold strength and integrity before using your customized parts.

Protect Your Eyes and Arms

Safety must always come first when working with stainless steel. Wear safety glasses and protective gloves when handling sharp edges or corners of 316 angle. When cutting the stainless steel, be prepared for sparks, as they can cause serious damage to your eyes if not protected. Use a high-speed saw blade (preferably tungsten carbide) and lubricate it regularly with cutting oil that withstands temperatures up to 500°F (260°C). Once cut, use grinders or sanding tools to smooth the edges of the 316 angle so it fits securely and snugly into its custom application. Finally, clean any debris from surfaces before welding or bolting together parts of your custom application for longevity and maximum durability.

Consider Using Lubricant

Fabricating stainless steel 316 angle is a complex process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. To ensure accuracy and minimize risk, it’s best to enlist the help of an experienced metal fabricator. Cutting stainless steel 316 requires lubricant to reduce friction and heat buildup while cutting and drilling. This helps prevent warping, cracking, or damaging the material during fabrication which can result in costly delays or even scrap parts needing replacement. Lubricants also increase tool life by reducing wear on cutting edges and drill bits, so consider using them when fabricating this type of stainless steel angle.

Follow the Guidelines

Finally, following the guidelines and best practices when handling Stainless Steel 316 angle is essential. Use the right technique, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on using the saw, and don’t force the blade into the material, as this may cause it to break. Take your time, have patience, and let the saw do its job.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cutting and fabricating Stainless Steel 316 angle is challenging, but it’s simple if you know the proper techniques. You’ll achieve a clean and precise cut by choosing the right tool, securing the material, protecting your eyes and arms, using lubricants, and following proper guidelines. Keep these expert tips in mind when handling Stainless Steel 316 angle, and you’ll be able to complete your custom applications with ease and efficiency.