Identification (roughly) of this stainless grade

[metalhacker]

Hey experts, I have a stack of metal I wish to roughly identify. I understand we cant nail it down completely but if we can get close it will make the material a lot more valuable, since I will know what to expect of it. Here's what I know from working with it. It is in sheet form, approx 30 sheets of 3 feet by 4 feet. Most of the sheets are 0.068" thick. A few are thicker, 0.087-0.090". It is all somewhat magnetic. It is all very tough to drill, and even in small strips is pretty stiff and tough to bend. I would not want to hacksaw it. I've been plasma cutting it, that works well. Recently I cut a chunk 6 inches by 13 inches, and bent it in the hydraulic press with a guiotine type attachment for air bending. The width of 13 inches took most of the available 20 tons of force (this is the 0.068" thickness). It will crack open on the bend if the inside bend radius is smaller than about 1.5 x 0.068", 90 degree bend. The stuff was setting outside for quite a while and would not have rusted had it not been banded (the band rusted into it). It does have a wild discoloration on each sheet that can be scotchbrited off with a little effort. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[JimMetalsCeramics]

You should send the steel out for an 'assay' analysis. Where are you located?

 

[metalhacker]

I am located in southern Minnesota. How much would it cost to get a proper analysis done? Thanks.

 

[TVP]

Around $100.00. One highly qualified lab in that area is Stork Technimet:

http://www.technimet.com/

 

[Goahead]

For a qualitative analysis of a metal sample the best and less expensive method is X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry.
Instruments of various kinds and makers are quite diffuse, not only with metallurgical labs, but also with metal centers, junk yards (for separating scrap), foundries etc.
Also instrument manufacturers would probably test your sample at a nominal fee.

http://www.welding-advisers.com/

 

[SMF1964]

I agree with TVP - a small piece (roughly 1" x1" area) is all that is needed for a full chemical analysis using an optical emission spectrograph. I use a lab in Pennsylvania called Lab Testing Inc. (they have a website, they are located in Hatfield, PA). You can send it in the mail and get the results faxed back - It's been a while but I believe it cost me $35-70 to get the alloy identified. If you're just looking for a ballpark estimate, I can run it through our metal sorter if you send me a piece.

 

[stanweld]

In addition to checking chemistry as per the above responses, you can use a magnet to help determine if it an austenitic or ferritic/martensitic grade.