When
considering the choice of material there are certain
variables that need to be taken into consideration.
Proper material selection is based upon 5 important
criteria:
Mechanical Properties: the alloy’s strength
should be given a special emphasis. The
specific alloy type for the application is
designated with the combination of the alloy’s
strength and the corrosion resistance factor.
Corrosion Resistance: this is the main reason
for designating a particular type of metal.
When selecting a material, you must identify the
following: the level of corrosion resistance
required and the corrosive environment
expected. When corrosion is a problem, the use
of stainless steel may be necessary.
Fabrication Operations: this is HOW the
material is to be processed. Factors to
consider here are: the steel’s ability to be
machined, welded, cold-headed, etc.
Total Cost: the OVERALL value figure of the
alloy is determined starting with the initial
alloy price, the installed price, and the
effective life expectancy of the finished
product.
Material availability: this is the final
consideration that needs to be taken into
account when choosing the most economical and
practical metal. The availability of the raw
material (and special material in particular)
must be considered.
