Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel Precision Ground Bars

Stainless steel precision ground bars are high-accuracy metal bars that undergo precise grinding to achieve tight tolerances and superior surface finishes. These bars are widely used in industries requiring high precision, such as aerospace, automotive, medical, and manufacturing.

Key Features:

  • Material: Typically made from stainless steel grades like:

    • 303: Good machinability and corrosion resistance.
    • 304: Excellent corrosion resistance and weldability.
    • 316: Superior corrosion resistance, especially in marine and chemical environments.
    • 416: High machinability with moderate corrosion resistance.
    • 17-4 PH: High strength and corrosion resistance.

  • Precision Tolerance: These bars are ground to extremely tight tolerances, such as:

    • h6, h7, or h8 tolerance classes (depending on requirements).
  • Surface Finish: Achieved through centerless grinding, resulting in a smooth surface (Ra ≤ 0.2 - 0.8 µm).
  • Straightness: Highly straight with minimal deviation, making them suitable for applications like shafts and linear motion components.
  • Hardness & Strength: Varies based on material and heat treatment. Some grades can be hardened for increased wear resistance.

Manufacturing Process:

  • Cold Drawing: Stainless steel bars are drawn to approximate dimensions.
  • Grinding: Precision centerless grinding refines the diameter and improves surface finish.
  • Polishing: Enhances surface quality for lower friction and improved aesthetics.
  • Inspection & Testing: Ensures compliance with mechanical properties and dimensional accuracy.

Applications:

  • Shafts & Bearings: Used in high-precision rotary applications.
  • Linear Motion Components: Guide rails, pistons, and actuators.
  • Medical Instruments: Surgical tools, orthopedic implants.
  • Aerospace & Defense: Aircraft components requiring high durability.
  • Precision Machining & Tooling: Used in CNC machining for precise manufacturing.
Stainless steel round bars come in various grades, each with different compositions and properties suited for specific applications. Here are some common grades:

Austenitic Stainless Steel (Most Common & Corrosion-Resistant)

  • 304 / 304L – General-purpose, excellent corrosion resistance, widely used in food, chemical, and architectural applications.
  • 316 / 316L – Higher corrosion resistance due to molybdenum; used in marine, chemical, and medical industries.
  • 321 – Similar to 304 but with added titanium for better high-temperature resistance.
  • 303 – Free-machining grade with sulfur for improved machinability, used in precision components.
  • 310 / 310S – High-temperature resistant, used in heat treatment and furnace applications.

Ferritic Stainless Steel (Magnetic & Good Corrosion Resistance)

  • 430 – Good corrosion resistance and cost-effective, commonly used in decorative applications and kitchenware.
  • 409 – Heat-resistant and used in automotive exhaust systems.

Martensitic Stainless Steel (Hard, Wear-Resistant & Magnetic)

  • 410 – High strength and hardness, used in cutlery, valves, and pumps.
  • 420 – Higher hardness and wear resistance, used in surgical instruments and knives.
  • 440C – Highest hardness among stainless steels, used in bearings, blades, and tooling.

Duplex & Super Duplex Stainless Steel (High Strength & Corrosion Resistance)

  • 2205 Duplex – Combines strength with corrosion resistance, used in oil and gas, marine, and chemical applications.
  • 2507 Super Duplex – Superior corrosion resistance and strength, used in extreme environments.