Unidentified Stainless Steel

[cokeguy]

We received a new fan impeller, supposedly manufactured in 1/4" 316L SS, but a couple of the fan´s reinforcement ribs still have the following original material marking:

3501261 L3047 N01 6.35mm 1220mm x 3050mm ASTM A240/ASME SA240

It also has a handwritten " 304 1/4inch " label, probably written by the steel supplier, obviously indicating SS 304 1/4" plate, but being handwritten I cannot rely on it to make a claim to the fan manufacturer. I would appreciate if somebody could tell me what those initial series of numbers mean (3501261 L3047), and if they indicate that the steel is 304 or something other than 316L, just to be sure before I file a claim. Thanks.

p.s. is there a simple way to test a steel part to determine if it is 304 or 316?

 

[arunmrao]

You can use a spot detector kit to know the presence of Mo. If the results are negative then it confirms to 304 grade

 

[unclesyd]

The numbers in your post look more like heat or lot numbers along with the plate size. Ask the suppler for a material test report for that piece of plate. This day and time it is good practice to have an MTR for all material.

Adding to arunmrao's post the spot test will differentiate between 304 and 316 but you will need a carbon analysis or at least a microscopic evaluation to determine the L grade.

 

[cokeguy]

Thanks, I will look into that spot test, and will try to arrange for an MTR for that plate (complicated, it is like asking a thief for evidence that will incriminate himself ) form the fan supplier....

How easy is it to make the spot test or to get the appropriate kit to test for Mo? Have never arranged for or performed one of those tests myself before.... I just began to look into the web, but have no idea of how complicated, reliable it could be, not even its cost...

Thanks again...

 

[unclesyd]

Here is one supplier of the spot test kits.

http://www.koslow.com/products.html

One test solution for Mo is a 50/50 v reagent grade HCl saturated with SO2.
Have known 316 SS sample. Grind a spot on the known and the unknown with a 180 grit or finer. Add 1 drop on each wait, 30 sec to 1 min rinse under running water. Check the unknown against the known sample of 316 SS they should match if the unknown is 316 SS. If there is a Sulfur deposit on the spot dab with finger under the rinse water.

I think he will be forth coming if he thinks there might be problem and he wants to keep your business.
The MTR numbers have to match your numbers without any alterations. Make sure you have an original MTR or a true copy.

 

[EdStainless]

You can also buy spot test kits.
They use treated paper. You put a drop of acid on the sample and lay the paper over it. If there is Mo the paper will turn purple.

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[mizzoueng]

3501261 L3047 N01 6.35mm 1220mm x 3050mm ASTM A240/ASME SA240

The first 7 numbers appear to be a call number by the manufacturer, the "L3047" means that the plate is 304 SS, the rest is an ASTM stamping indicating that the SS plate was made to a specific standard from plates to be used in fans.

Found all this on google, but I lost the web address last night. If i find it again I will repost.

 

[cokeguy]

Thanks all for your help, a claim is already on process with the manufacturer for incorrect SS material, and I´ll definitely get one of those spot kits: with current steel prices soaring, "mistakes" could easily occur. $390 in case somebody is wondering.

 

[arunmrao]

This error is happening too frequently and is a deliberate one. The lure for mega bucks by passing of 304 instead of 316 is very high. I have stopped taking calls for CF8M castings as the competition is willing to supply these at just 10-15% higher than CF8 price. This is highly improbable and there is no point in convincing the cost specific buyer!!

Who loses. The industry as a whole is labelled a con.