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first and most important step toward successful use
of a stainless steel or nickel alloy is selection of
the proper type for the application. Stainless steel
plates and nickel alloy plates include a large number
of standard types, but these types differ greatly from
one another in composition, corrosion resistance, physical
properties, and mechanical properties, and the selection
of the optimum type for a specific application is the
key to satisfactory performance at a minimum total cost.
Corrosion resistance is frequently the
most important characteristic of a stainless steel plate,
a nickel alloy plate, or a heat resistant stainless
steel plate but is often also the most difficult to
assess for a specific application.
Mechanical properties at service temperature
are an obvious consideration, but sometimes overlooked
is the necessity for satisfactory properties at other
temperatures, which are likely to be experienced.
Selection must consider not only performance
requirements but also fabrication and cleaning requirements.
Frequently, a particular type is chosen for a fabrication
characteristic such as formability or weldability over
other types, which would perform adequately, but cost
more to fabricate.
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