Specifying the right materials for any application can be tricky. There is a lot to think about, and in most situations you need to find a material with the ideal combination of characteristics. Additionally, the cost and service life can be big factors. We want to have a closer look here at how you can ensure you specify the right kind of steel for valves. Then, if you want to order high quality stainless steel Grade 1.4123 for medical equipment and other types of machinery, we can supply it.
Why is it so hard to specify stainless steel?
The biggest challenge if you want to use stainless steel is navigating the hundreds of different options. It’s mind boggling how much choice there is.
Firstly you need to examine the broad families: austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, duplex, and PH. The easiest thing to do is look at the main characteristics that group them. You can then decide which will be best for you. When it comes to valves, martensitic is a great option because of the wear resistance and good machinability.
When you decide what family of stainless steel to look at, you can start considering the individual grades and variations. We’re not kidding when we say there are literally hundreds of options. This can include alloys with only tiny differences in their compositions. Stainless steel Grade 1.4123 is a top choice, a modified version of 420 with high molybdenum to provide impressive characteristics.
The most important criteria
If you’re having trouble specifying stainless steel for valves, it’s best to consider your criteria. Look at them in terms of importance and it will help you to narrow down the choice of materials efficiently.
Corrosion resistance
In the vast majority of cases, especially when you’re considering valves for medical devices and industrial machinery, corrosion resistance will be the most important characteristic. It will have a serious impact on performance, maintenance, safety, hygiene, and costs. Make sure you plan for the environment; will it be a mildly or severely corrosive? Will the material come in contact with strong chemicals, acids or alkalis?
However, there is a vital thing to keep in mind here; higher corrosion resistance can increase the cost of stainless steel. This is largely due to the fact it often requires the inclusion of higher levels of expensive elements. The key thing you need to do is specify enough corrosion resistance for the setting and service life you want. Don’t over-alloy or you will likely be wasting money. Ask us about Stainless steel Grade 1.4123.
Mechanical properties
While keeping corrosion resistance in mind, it is just as important to ensure you choose a stainless steel with the right mechanical properties. This includes essential things like strength, ductility, impact and wear resistance, and hardness. In most cases, you will need a very specific array of these properties.
What you need to do here is rank the properties you need in terms of importance. Then, factor in corrosion resistance. You need to ensure you get the right balance. Luckily, with so many different types of stainless steel, there are combinations for all needs, such as high strength/low corrosion resistance, mid strength/high corrosion resistance, and more. If you need high strength/high resistance, it’s a good idea to look at alloys strengthened by nitrogen (including 1.4123).
Physical properties
Next, it is wise to have a look at what you need in terms of physical properties. Do you need a lightweight (low density) material? With some valves, including solenoids for medical equipment and machinery, the steel must be magnetic. Consider that some non-magnetic types of stainless steel can exhibit magnetic properties if you cold-work them. Stainless steel Grade 1.4123 is a great option, offering a uniform, homogeneous microstructure and very high hardness.
Fabrication
Finally, you need to think about how you are planning to make valves. A big advantage of stainless steel is you can cold work it. This can include forging and machining. However, every alloy is different. You need to think about the machinability, weldability, and formability of each type. In some cases you will be better off with modified alloys; they can help to make fabrication easier thanks to distinct properties.
If you’re considering Grade 1.4123, keep in mind it is suitable for hot forging. As a result, you can use it to create complex valves. Plus, it will improve the mechanical properties.
Talk to us about Stainless steel Grade 1.4123
Brindley Metals is one of the friendliest, most reliable suppliers in the UK. We know how valuable a great service is. We aim to provide it every single time, including offering as much information about materials as we can. When you work with us, we can help you to select the best material for your applications.
So, if you want stainless steel Grade 1.4123 to create quality valves for medical equipment and machinery, speak to us. We have bars in various sizes, including 50mm diameter up to 105mm. They comply with various specifications, including ASTM F-899-20 for medical instruments.