When choosing the best material for your industrial or manufacturing needs, you must consider the different properties and characteristics of different steel alloys. Today’s top choices in the market are 347 Stainless Steel Bar and 347 Round Bar, which are both made of stainless steel but have unique features. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between the two options, so you can decide on your specific application needs.
What is a 347 Stainless Steel Bar?
347 stainless steel bar is a heat-resisting chromium-nickel alloy containing titanium. It’s often called “347” because it contains chromium, nickel, and titanium. It offers excellent resistance to corrosion and oxidation, has good mechanical properties, and holds up well in high temperatures making it an ideal material for use in industries such as pharmaceutical production or chemical processing.
What is a 347 Round Bar?
A 347 round bar is a type of steel alloy that contains 8% nickel, 18% chromium, and 2-3% columbium. It has excellent oxidation and corrosion resistance, making it an ideal material for high-temperature applications. Thanks to its good weldability and formability properties, this steel grade is widely used in industries like chemical processing, nuclear power plants, petrochemical refineries, and oil & gas production.
Composition
Both 347 Stainless Steel Bar and 347 Round Bar contain 17% chromium and 10% nickel and have small amounts of other elements such as carbon, manganese, silicon, and phosphorus. However, one of the main differences is the presence of niobium in 347 SS Bar, which gives it superior strength and enhanced resistance to extreme temperatures than its round bar counterpart. This makes it ideal for high-temperature environments in chemical and petrochemical plants, aerospace, and other industries.
Corrosion Resistance
Another notable difference between the two is in their corrosion resistance properties. 347 Stainless Steel Bars have better resistance to corrosion in acids and other aggressive media due to its higher niobium content, which also improves its overall stability at high temperatures. On the other hand, 347 Round Bar has slightly lower corrosion resistance in aggressive media but can withstand exposure to harsh environments such as seawater and chlorides.
Machinability
In terms of machinability, the 347 Round Bar is more malleable and easier to work with than the 347 Stainless Steel Bar due to its lower hardness and lower yield strength. This makes it ideal for applications that require complex machined parts such as valves, flanges, and fittings. However, 347 Stainless Steel Bars are still relatively easy to machine with traditional methods, and its high strength means it can withstand some degree of wear and tear.
Price
Lastly, there’s a significant difference in the cost of the 347 SS Bars and 347 Round Bars. 347 Stainless Steel Bar is generally more expensive than 347 Round Bar due to its superior properties, durability, and strength. However, the cost may vary depending on the supplier, required dimensions, and order volume.
Conclusion:
347 Stainless Steel Bar and 347 Round Bar have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to weigh these factors against your specific application needs to make an informed decision. While 347 Round Bar may be more affordable and easier to machine, this product has superior strength, and higher resistance to extreme temperatures and corrosive media, making it ideal for high-pressure and high-temperature environments. Choosing the right steel alloy can make all the difference in your project’s success, so be sure to work with your trusted supplier and conduct due diligence to find the best option for your needs.
