Apart from aluminum, stainless steel – like in the form of AMS 5510 – is also one of the world’s most used thin sheet metals. This element is abundant as it naturally occurs in the crust of our planet. Therefore, many industries and companies see it as a precious resource for their business.
Aluminum alloy, which is the metallic form of the base aluminum element, comes in numerous variations, including 3003 aluminum and thin aluminum strips. Each of these varieties is suitable for a vast range of applications that utilizes its unique properties and material characteristics.
In the process of alloying, other metal components like zinc, magnesium, and copper are introduced to the base material or metal. The process considerably improves its base properties for both AMS 5510 and aluminum alloy.
What It Is
With many different types of alloys available, the Aluminum Association had to introduce a 4-digit naming convention that could help classify them based on the combined metals and their general qualities.
One of the most widely available metal alloys, AMS 5510, is extensively used in manufacturing and other industries. This specification or naming convention is applicable for the 321 stainless steel grade, where titanium is added to a chromium-nickel variant of stainless steel. Titanium is the primary difference that distinguishes it from the 304 series, which significantly broadens its applications in the manufacturing industry.
The steel fabrication industry in the United States is extremely vital to the production of appliances, equipment, and other tools needed by people to live in this modern world. In fact, this sector is growing at a rapid pace.
The industry involving steel fabrication is expected to grow between 2016 and 2026 at a CARG of 9%. This is according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the United States. Additionally, the growing demand for combined metal alloys and steel products in many industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing will propel metal fabrication forward and add at least 12,000 jobs to the industry.
Industrial standards are an important aspect when using thin metal sheets. Standards and specifications such as that of the AMS 5510 outline the physical, chemical, and technical properties of the various sheets of metal. The specifications also clearly state how each particular metal should be used in different markets and industries.
Read on to discover more characteristics of 5510 stainless steel and its various properties.
Resistance to Oxidation and Corrosion
When it comes to the 321 stainless grade, you can expect the specification to ensure improved resistance to both oxidation and corrosion at temperatures ranging from 800°F to 1500°F. As a result, you can use stainless steel in chemical manufacturing sectors where there are wide temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, 321 stainless grade has better stress rupture properties than other grades like 304 and 304L.
Temperature Variables
As mentioned above, 321 stainless grade has better temperature factors at elevated temperatures compared to 304 and 304L. For this reason, many applications that require higher temperatures rely on using this specification. Such examples include refinery equipment, exhaust pipes, high-temperature chemical plants, and aircraft piston manifolds.
Fatigue Strength
Because it has the mechanical property of having high endurance, 5510 is ideal when manufacturing requirements call for a metal that can withstand high-temperature exposures. The usual fatigue limits of grade 321 stainless steel in an annealed state are greater than those of 304 and 304L. As a result, you can see an improvement in 321’s ductility when exposed to high-temperature conditions for welding.
Availability
You will notice that the 321-grade stainless steel is available in different forms and sizes. Depending on your project requirements, you can purchase 5510 in strip, sheet, plate, tube, bar, or forging fork configurations. To ensure getting the right product for your needs, you should discuss it with your metal supplier and convey the exact thickness you require in your project.
With 321, you’ll have better temperature endurance and corrosion resistance.
Use the Correct Stainless Steel Grade for Your Manufacturing Needs
Now you have a more understanding and high-level overview of the physical and mechanical properties and the various applications of 5510 stainless steel. So if you’re looking for an alternative to 304 stainless with better formability, you can opt for 321 grade. In doing so, you can have a metal base that can work across a wide range of manufacturing industries.