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300 Series vs. 400 Series Stainless Steel: Key Differences to Keep in Mind

PA Steel on May 8, 2023

Stainless steel is an important building material in industries across the world. What some may not be aware of, however, is how stainless steel grades can differ and what unique qualities they can offer for different projects.

Today, the steel experts at Pennsylvania Steel Company are breaking down two of their most popular grades, 300 series stainless steel and 400 series stainless steel. Keep reading to learn what makes them different and which you should choose for your project.

What are Stainless Steel Grades?

Stainless steel, at its basic level, is an alloy of chromium and iron. In addition to these metals, stainless steel may also include elements like: 

  • Carbon
  • Nickel
  • Manganese
  • Nitrogen
  • Sulfur
  • Copper

Stainless steel grades are determined by which elements they contain and the percentage of each present. Based on this, the alloy can take on different properties that make it suited for various applications.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) developed the three-digit grading system for stainless steel to reflect the elements present. 300 series and 400 series contain varying compositions reflected by the last two digits in the grade.

Other organizations, like the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), have their own numbering systems to categorize stainless steel. But this article will focus on the three-digit classification for simplicity.

While over 150 stainless steel grades are available on the market, Pennsylvania Steel Company specializes in 300 series and 400 series stainless steel.

Although all stainless steel offers high durability and resistance to rust and corrosion, there are some critical differences between the 300 series and 400 series that you should remember when choosing which is suitable for your project.

What is 300 Series Stainless Steel?

300 series stainless steel, also called SS 300, is the most popular stainless steel grade on the market. Due to its nickel content, SS 300 is non-magnetic and highly corrosion-resistant – even more so than other stainless steel grades. It also has high heat resistance, making it ideal for use in industries like:

  • Automotive production
  • Aerospace engineering
  • Construction
  • Machinery

While 300 series stainless steel is not heat-treatable like other grades, its high versatility makes it an excellent choice for projects that need to withstand long stretches of use in corrosive environments.

What is 400 Series Stainless Steel?

400 series stainless steel, or 400 SS, is made with little to no nickel content compared to its 300 series counterpart. While this makes it susceptible to rust under certain conditions, it also gives it superior toughness and resistance to damage from wear and abrasions.

400 SS used to make kitchen equipment

Because of its robustness and high durability, 400 SS finds much of its use in:

  • Tools
  • Kitchens and culinary services
  • Agriculture
  • Furnaces

 While it lacks the top-shelf rust resistance of the 300 series, 400 series stainless steel is both heat-treatable and magnetic, making it ideal for manufacturing objects that experience daily use and manipulation.

300 vs 400 Series Stainless Steel

Now that we’ve looked at what makes them unique, let’s review how 300 series and 400 series stainless steel grades compare side-by-side.

Composition

300 series contains nickel, making it more resistant to corrosion. 400 series has a higher carbon content, which makes it more resilient but more prone to rust.

Strength

300 series is more ductile than the 400 series and has less resistance to surface wear and tear. This makes the 300 series more suitable for sensitive applications like surgical instruments or machinery, whereas the 400 series’ hardness makes it ideal for hand tools or agricultural use.

Price Point

The 300 series is not heat-treatable, so it can be more expensive to manufacture. Due to this, the 400 series can be a more cost-effective option when there is a lower risk of exposure to corrosive elements.

Let Pennsylvania Steel Company Build with You!

Pennsylvania Steel Company has been a trusted provider of stainless steel products for over 50 years. Our company is dedicated to providing total care and attention to each customer’s needs, and we offer next-day service in most of our locations. 

If you’re ready to begin your next project, request a quote online or call one of our distributors in Pennsylvania; Bethpage, NY; Naugatuck, CT; Cleveland, OH; Stanley, NC; or Ashland, VA for more information about our wide variety of 300 series and 400 series stainless steel products!

How to Cut Steel Plate

PA Steel on March 13, 2023

Cutting through a material as strong as steel requires specialized machinery and training. The appropriate technique for a job depends on the project’s budget, specifications, and production schedule. The pros at Pennsylvania Steel Co. prioritize these specific needs to ensure only high-quality results and 100% customer satisfaction. In this guide, they cover the primary methods and safety tips to know when planning how to cut steel plate.

4 Main Methods for Cutting Steel Plate 

Those wondering how to cut steel plate and achieve the desired result while avoiding injury must consider the significant differences between each technique. Most fabricators cut steel plates using one of four primary methods:

1. Oxy Fuel Flame Cutting

  • Process: cuts through plate using an oxygen-fueled flame
  • Primary Function: for cutting ferrous materials as little as ¼ inch thick, but typically sheets greater than 1 inch thick
  • Quality of Cut: generates some slag, but the surface is relatively smooth

2. Plasma Cutting

  • Process: a conductive stream of heated gas produced by a plasma torch cuts the plate 
  • Primary Function: for cutting thinner sheets anywhere from ¼ inch to 1 ½ inches
  • Quality of Cut: results in smooth edges when cutting within the recommended range

3. Laser Cutting

  • Process: a chemical reaction between iron and oxygen creates a fine laser beam that cuts through the metal plate
  • Primary Function: usually for processing plates less than 1 inch thick
  • Quality of Cut: capable of precise, square edges and small holes

4. Waterjet Cutting

  • Process: uses a high-pressure stream of water to cut through metal plates
  • Primary Function: for processing thicker metal plates up to 6-8 inches thick
  • Quality of Cut: produces a smooth and accurate edge

four main methods of cutting steel comparison chart infographic

How to Choose the Best Way to Cut Steel

Most steel sheets and plates require a specific process for safe and effective cutting. So what is the best way to cut steel materials for your project?

Identifying the Proper Technique for Cutting Steel

As we know, manufacturers supply different steel varieties with varying properties. These attributes include thickness, corrosion resistance, heat resistance, grade, and reflection. Makers must consider the following properties when determining how to cut through steel for their project:

Attributes to Consider 

  • Thickness – How thick or thin is the steel plate material? Oxy fuel flame cutting can process plates up to 12 inches in thickness. Conversely, laser cutting is the typical choice for very thin plates.
  • Precision – How precise of a cut is needed? Waterjet cutting results in a precise edge, while laser cutting is effective for creating small holes.
  • Edge Quality – How clean does the edge need to be? Many steel plates require secondary processing for refining corners and edges. Plasma or laser cutting usually produces clean edges that don’t require further processing.
  • Material Properties – How corrosive, conductive, or reflective is the plate you’re cutting? For example, most manufacturers prefer plasma cutting for more corrosion-resistant materials, and laser cutting can be challenging with reflective materials.

Expert Tips for How to Cut Metal Safely

Properly and safely cutting steel plates requires adequate preparation and methodology. Safety is always the priority despite the chosen cutting method. Below, Pennsylvania Steel Company offers a few tips for how to cut steel responsibly:

Remember PPE.

Gloves, goggles, masks, and headgear are just a few basic examples of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) necessary when cutting steel and other metal materials. Regardless of the selected cutting method, every project requires adequate PPE free of holes or tears.

Practice proper tool etiquette and safety.

Tools make our jobs more manageable, but only when utilized properly. Only use tools for which you’ve received training in full, and ask for assistance from a superior when needed. Furthermore, sufficiently maintain tools and replace or repair components when necessary.

Keep the work area clear.

Avoid tripping and other safety hazards by clearing the immediate work area of any clutter. Keeping tools and materials organized and out of the way ensures a productive workspace for everyone.

pennsylvania steel company supplies metal plates and steel sheeting east coast usa

Turn to Pennsylvania Steel Company for Steel Plate Supply & Processing 

After browsing the various cutting steel plate methods, weigh which techniques are most appropriate for your project’s scope. Generally, the best way to cut steel is the safest method. Our experienced metal distributors employ decades of industry knowledge to ensure our customers receive only premium metal supplies and services. 

From North Carolina to New York, Pennsylvania Steel Company provides top-notch metals to fabricators and manufacturers up and down the east coast. Contact the sheet plate distributors at Pennsylvania Steel Company today for fast delivery options for your steel plate project.

Differences Between Alloy and Carbon Steel

PA Steel on January 17, 2023

The vast differences between metal types make the variety you use for a project significant. For example, steel skyscraper construction metals require much more strength than the delicate metals used in producing jewelry.

How can fabricators accurately determine the appropriate steel type? Alloy steel and carbon steel possess specific properties and capabilities to function in different roles. Pennsylvania Steel Co. specializes in steel processing techniques and how to pick a suitable metal for the job. We provide top-quality metals for various east coast locations with warehouses in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut, and more. Below we outline the significant characteristic differences between alloy steel and carbon steel.

What is Alloy Steel?

The phrase “alloy steel” is a blanket term to describe the resulting product from mixing metal elements. Common alloying elements include but are not limited to:

  • Silicon
  • Chromium
  • Boron
  • Nickel
  • Aluminum
  • Cobalt
  • Tungsten

The addition of particular alloys affects the steel’s hardness, toughness, wear resistance, heat resistance, and tensile strength.

Types of Alloy Steel

Varying combinations of alloy metals result in different physical properties and characteristics. These combinations fall into one of two general categories:

  • High-Alloy Steel: contains a high percentage of other alloying elements (most commonly: stainless steel, which is approximately 12% chromium)
  • Low-Alloy Steel: contains a lower percentage (1%-5%) of alloying elements, making it generally less costly to use

Uses & Applications

Metalworkers use alloy steel as a manufacturing material in assorted industries, including mining, aerospace, automotive, and railroads. Industrial demand for alloy steel is high, as you can customize its alloying features for diverse structural needs. Its machinability makes it a desirable material for transportation infrastructure and other construction purposes.

What is Carbon Steel?

Put simply, carbon steel is an alloy (mixture) of carbon and iron. The high amount of carbon (ranging from 0.25%-1.25%) in this type of steel makes it incredibly durable and versatile, depending on the specific percentage of carbon.

Types of Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is prevalent and diverse in its applications. In general, carbon steel falls into one of three categories:

  • Low-Carbon Steel (>0.25%): the most widely-used variety of carbon steel that is particularly ductile and welds easily
  • Medium-Carbon Steel (0.25%-0.6%): slightly stronger due to higher manganese concentration (0.6%-1.65%)
  • High-Carbon Steel (0.6%-1.25%): high wear resistance and very low elasticity, with a manganese concentration ranging from 0.3%-0.9%

Typically, this type of steel becomes more challenging to work with as the carbon percentage increases. For this reason, high-carbon steel often has more specialized applications, including springs, wires, and knives.

Uses & Applications

Like alloy steel, carbon steel is useful in numerous industries, especially in the chemical, oil, and gas sectors. Carbon steel’s advanced, versatile strength makes it ideal for pipes, pressure vessels, cutting tools, and even weaponry.

metal processing steel alloys showing heat resistance

Comparing Alloy Steel vs. Carbon Steel

Is carbon steel strong? Is alloy steel stronger than high-carbon steel? These answers depend on what you mean by “strong.” The list of attributes below expands on specific comparisons between steel types, including overall strength.

Chemical Composition

As previously mentioned, carbon steel contains mainly two elements: carbon and iron. Any other present alloys are usually regarded as impurities. On the other hand, alloying of additional components (manganese, nickel, chromium, etc.) in alloy steel alters the chemical properties and limits of the resulting metal.

Strength

Overall, fabricators regard carbon steel as having higher strength than alloy steel. In other words, carbon steel can withstand significant pressure but doesn’t bend easily. Alloying metal variations adjust tensile strength.

Hardness

Carbon steel owes its superior strength to being harder than alloy steel. However, higher carbon content decreases ductility and weldability, making this steel type slightly more challenging to work with.

Melting Point

In general, alloy steel’s additional elements give it a higher melting point than carbon steel.

Malleability

Steel becomes less malleable as you add more alloying metals. Therefore, the lack of variation in carbon steel’s composition allows for better malleability than steel alloys.

Weldability

Alloy steel is difficult to weld and prone to cracking, giving carbon steel higher weldability. However, the prior allows for adjustment of certain alloying elements to help streamline heat treatment.

Corrosion Resistance

Alloy steels have higher corrosion resistance than carbon steel, meaning they deteriorate (rust) at a slower rate.

Cost

The price of carbon steel varies and depends on the metal’s carbon content. As the carbon percentage increases, so does the price. Additionally, alloy steel is often costly due to varying amounts of alloying elements.

Quality Alloy and Carbon Steel from Pennsylvania Steel Co.

Only premium metal materials can craft superior construction projects. The experts at Pennsylvania Steel proudly supply leading manufacturers in numerous sectors throughout the U.S., from Cleveland, OH to Charlotte, NC. If you need alloy or carbon steel for your next project, request a quote from the Pennsylvania Steel Company Inc. team today.

The Difference Between Cold-Finished and Hot-Rolled Steel

PA Steel on July 1, 2022

Business owners and makers have thousands of steel varieties on the market to choose from. With such an array of metal options, selecting the correct type, grade, and finish of your building material can be tedious. Pennsylvania Steel Co. offers a vast assortment of premium steel products at locations all over the United States. Plus, our online resources help our clients build the best projects possible.

Steel Manufacturing, Summarized

Not to be mistaken with the four main types of steel, the general steel manufacturing process falls into two main categories: hot-rolled and cold-rolled. This process starts with the extreme heating and consequent oxidation of mined steel ore.Basically, pieces of large, rectangular metal called billets are heated and flattened into sizable rolls. 

From there, the steel will go through one of the aforementioned rolling processes for its finalized design. “Rolling” refers to the vital step in the manufacturing process that involves forming the metal by using a series of rollers in an attempt to reshape it or enhance its properties. This formation method (hot or cold rolling) will determine the material’s ultimate function.

Hot Finishing Process vs. Cold Finishing Process

"In the conversation about hot-rolled vs. cold-finished products, all cold-finished products are hot-rolled, but hot-rolled products are not necessarily cold finished. Instead, it’s all a matter of how the bars are processed."

ryerson.com

Once steel is heated past its recrystallization temperature (over 1700º F) it can be easily formed and sized. If the material isn’t processed further at room temperature, it’s considered hot-rolled. The steel that goes through further refinement processes is categorized as cold-rolled. Explore further metal rolling methodology differences, capabilities, and tolerances below!

Hot-Rolled Steel

As hot-rolled steel cools, it tends to shrink and form asymmetrically, allowing for more variation in shape and size. For this reason, hot-rolled steel is used in projects where the finished product doesn’t have specific dimensional requirements.

For example, one of the most commonly recognized forms of hot-rolled steel is sheet metal, which is frequently used in creating air ducts and motor vehicles. In these applications, surface finish and proportions don’t need to be precise.

As a result, hot-rolled steel is typically cheaper in price simply because it doesn’t involve any further processing. Since it doesn’t require any reheating, production costs for hot-rolled steel are much lower.

Cold-Finished Steel

That being said, cold-rolled steel needs reheating to further refine its structural properties. In order to achieve more exact dimensions and surface quality, the metal is re-rolled at a lower temperature. This supplemental rolling results in more specified attributes including exterior finish, durability, and dimensional parameters. 

PA Steel, for example, carries a variety of cold-finished bars in a range of grades and finishes for businesses all over the eastern United States. This equipment is used for creating products such as furniture, garages, and home appliances.

Although it’s typically up to 20% more durable than hot-rolled, cold-finished steel is limited to basic square, round, and flat shapes. Despite its improved resistance, the additional processing performed on cold-rolled metals may make it more susceptible to internal stress. Finalized materials need to be stress relieved prior to grinding or cutting to avoid potentially volatile warping or distortion.

Determining the Appropriate Steel Type

Put simply, the last step in the manufacturing process will influence the final product’s application. If tolerance, surface finish, symmetry, straightness, or aesthetics are a key factor in the project’s creation, cold-rolled steel is likely the ideal choice. Conversely, hot-rolled steel can be used for large-scale or low-budget operations that can account for dimensional changes as it cools.

Tolerance Variety

The table below outlines the varying tolerances of hot-rolled vs. cold-finished steel products:

Data source: rapiddirect.com/blog/hot-rolled-vs-cold-rolled-steel

Premium Steel and Pipe Supply From Pennsylvania Steel, Co.

Visit our new and improved website to browse our selection of high-quality products, including several varieties of cold and hot-rolled steel, plus carbon tubing, stainless steel, finished bars, and more. PA Steel Company employs an expert team of industry professionals that are prepared to supply you with the ideal metal for any size project. Browse our locations in Pennsylvania, Richmond, Cleveland, Charlotte, Long Island, and more!

If you’re still having trouble figuring out the ideal steel production process for your project, check out our FAQ page or request a quote online today!

What are the Different Types of Steel?

PA Steel on March 7, 2022

Since steel is so versatile in its uses, reliable steel companies like Pennsylvania Steel offer various steel types for the multitude of projects our customers execute. The material’s type is determined by two main factors: the individual amounts of its alloy components (such as carbon and iron) and its production process.

The Four Main Types of Steel

Although there are technically over 3,500 types of steel available on the market with varying physical properties, we’re not going to provide you with a complete list of steel types. Instead, we will focus on four predominant types of steel: carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel, and tool steel. Learning the differences between these will help you understand which is the best for your project and why it’s the best for the job.

pa steel types of metal

Carbon Steel

As the name suggests, carbon steel contains mainly carbon and iron, and a trace of other elements (such as magnesium or chromium). There are three main subcategories of carbon steel which include:

  1. Low Carbon Steels (less than 0.3% carbon)
  2. Medium Carbon Steels (0.3% – 0.6% carbon)
  3. High Carbon Steels (greater than 0.6% carbon)

This specific profile will define the applications for your carbon steel type. While low carbon steels are very flexible and easy to work with, high carbon steels offer the most strength.

Generally, this type of steel is used in materials such as construction equipment and automotive components. In fact, carbon steel accounts for about 90% of total steel production in the entire industry because it’s inexpensive to produce and durable enough for use in large commercial projects. 

Alloy Steel

The name “alloy steel” suggests a large mix of different elements in addition to the characteristic carbon and iron combination. Examples of common additives are:

  • Magnesium
  • Chromium
  • Nickel
  • Silicon
  • Molybdenum
  • Titanium
  • Copper

The percentages of these elements will determine the appropriate application for the material. Manipulating these proportions changes the steel’s properties, such as heat resistance, hardness, and ductility. Companies often utilize this type of steel to produce commercial equipment like aerospace and aircraft components, transformers, pipelines, and power generators.

Stainless Steel

Steel in this category contains 10-20% chromium, making it incredibly resistant to corrosion and staining. This concentrated chromium coating also makes this material rust-proof. Classified by their microscopic structures, there are three subsets of stainless steel:

TYPE OF STAINLESS STEELGRADEPROPERTIES% ALLOYING ELEMENTSCOMMON USES
Austenitic300non-magnetic and non-heat-treatable18% chromium
8% nickel
<0.8% carbon		kitchen and food processing equipment
Ferritic400magnetic10.5-27% chromium
<0.1% carbon

heat exchangers and furnaces, auto parts
Martensitic400magnetic and heat-treatable
11-17% chromium
<0.4% nickel
<1.2% carbon		cutting tools, dental and surgical equipment

Stainless steel is a highly versatile material due to its notable resistance to heat and discoloration. Its unique resilience makes it the best type of steel for a number of industries, ranging from culinary and catering to standard machinery and cars.

Tool Steel

A combination of carbon and alloy steel, tool steel generally offers high hardness and abrasion resistance. These features, along with its superior ability to retain its shape, make it the ideal material for composing various tools. Surgical equipment, drills, dyes, bits, molds, and punches are examples of instruments made using tool steel.

Manufacturing quality tools requires quality steel components. PA Steel produces a number of different tool steels, which consist of carbon and alloy steels. Tool steel offers advanced abrasion resistance and toughness. We stock many different tool steel grades, including:

  • Air Hardening (A-Grades)
  • High-Carbon High-Chromium (D-Grades)
  • Shock Resisting (S-Grades)
  • Mold Quality/Hot Work (H-Grades) 
  • Oil Hardening (O-Grades) 
  • Water Hardening (W-Grades)

To learn more about our tool steel inventory, grades, and their applications, check out our detailed Tool Steel Guide.

Choosing The Best Steel For Your Project

As previously mentioned, the selected steel’s type identifies its key properties, including ductility, hardness, weldability, and more. Naturally, these qualities will determine the applied uses of the chosen metal.

In other words, selecting the wrong metal can prove detrimental to the quality of your project. For example, high alloy or low carbon steels are most effective in extremely cold temperatures because they retain high tensile strength even in frigid conditions. Therefore, residential and commercial structures being built in freezing climates should use these types of metals in their structural designs.

If you’re unsure about what your metal project requires, feel free to contact the specialists at Pennsylvania Steel for further insight into your ideal metal for the job. We can help you confirm your choice and walk you through your potential options for a high-quality result!

Contact PA Steel For a Custom Quote

Regardless of the job you take on, PA Steel offers a wide stock of the different types and grades of steel to help you prepare for your next project. Our knowledgeable staff has years of expertise, so feel free to contact the steel warehouse closest to you with any questions or to receive an estimate. We have steel supply warehouses in Pennsylvania, Virginia (Richmond), New York, New England, North Carolina (Charlotte), and Ohio.

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