Stainless steel is harder to work with due to several factors:
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Time-intensive cooling process: Stainless steel requires a slow and controlled cooling process to prevent cracking and to maintain its mechanical properties. This slow cooling is necessary because stainless steel has a high chromium content, which increases its hardness and toughness but also makes it more susceptible to thermal stress during rapid cooling.
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Difficulty in keeping tight dimensional tolerances: The high hardness and toughness of stainless steel make it challenging to machine and shape without causing significant tool wear. This hardness requires more force and specialized cutting tools, which can lead to difficulties in maintaining precise dimensions and tolerances during manufacturing processes.
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The need for additional machining: Stainless steel often requires additional machining steps compared to other materials due to its inherent properties. The stable oxides on the surface, such as Cr2O3 and TiO2, are difficult to remove and can affect the wettability and spreading of filler metals during processes like brazing. This necessitates extra steps to clean or prepare the surface before joining or forming operations.
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High electrical resistivity: Stainless steel has a high electrical resistivity compared to other metals like copper. This property means that it heats up quickly when subjected to induction heating, which can be both an advantage and a disadvantage depending on the application. However, in processes where precise temperature control is crucial, the rapid heating can complicate the process and require more sophisticated control mechanisms.
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Formation of stable oxides: The presence of elements like chromium and titanium in stainless steel leads to the formation of stable oxides on the surface. These oxides are difficult to remove and can interfere with processes like brazing, where the wettability and spreading of the filler metal are critical. This necessitates additional surface preparation or the use of special techniques to ensure proper bonding.
In summary, stainless steel's hardness, the formation of stable oxides, high electrical resistivity, and the need for precise thermal management during processing make it more challenging to work with compared to other materials. These factors require more specialized equipment, techniques, and careful process control to achieve the desired outcomes in manufacturing and fabrication.
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