In Australia’s demanding environmental conditions, selecting the right stainless steel grade is critical for ensuring durability and longevity. However, with various grades available, choosing the most suitable grade can be challenging. At SSWM, we only supply Stainless Steel, which means we have built up expertise on the chemical and mechanical properties of the products allowing us to assist our customers with navigating and understanding the complexities of grade selection.
Understanding Stainless Steel Grades of Wire & Mesh
Australia’s diverse environmental conditions demand stainless steel grades that can withstand harsh elements. At SSWM, for stainless steel wire & mesh we typically supply three grades that are suitable for the Australian landscape:
Stainless Steel Grade 304
Ideal for clean, dry and inland applications
Stainless Steel Grade 316
Recommended for polluted, industrial and coastal environments
Coastal Fencing- Strong Lock Grade 316
Stainless Steel Duplex 2205
Designed for wet and coastal applications
Within these grades there are also important variations that improve the properties of the grade so not to lose their corrosion resistant properties.
As the Thermal conductivity of stainless steels is relatively low (15 W/m. K) selecting the right variation is important. At SSWM we offer the following options:
- Normal Carbon Levels: used when welding temperature can be managed to a low level reducing the heating effects of the Stainless Steel
- Low Carbon Levels (L): used when welding temperature can’t be managed and the temperature effects the Stainless Steel
Key Qualities of Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel has many qualities, and at SSWM we find that our customers are looking for the right material that can handle the harsh conditions of the Australian Environment. These benefits are typically:
- Corrosion resistance
- Abrasion resistance
- Tensile strength
- Heat resistance
Our Range of Stainless Steel Grades
- Stainless Steel Grade 304: Suitable for inland, dry, and clean outdoor environments.
- Stainless Steel Grade 304L: Similar to SS 304, with lower carbon levels for enhanced weldability on thicker sections.
- Stainless Steel Grade 316: Ideal for polluted, industrial, humid, and coastal outdoor environments.
- Stainless Steel Grade 316L: Enhanced weldability variant of SS 316, recommended for thicker sections.
- Stainless Steel Duplex 2205: Specifically crafted for wet coastal outdoor environments.
Simplifying Selection with Stock Guides and Technical Data Sheets
Navigating our extensive range of stainless steel products is made simple with our comprehensive Product Selection Guides and Technical Data Sheets. These resources provide critical information on testing, standards, product details, streamlining the selection and specification process for our customers.
Our products welded mesh, woven mesh, coil wire and perforated sheets are used in a variety of applications and we stock approximately 98% of all commercially available products listed in the 8th Edition of the ASSDA 2023 Stock Guide. Where we don’t carry the product then we can expedite the product to meet your requirements.
Selecting the right stainless steel grade is pivotal to the success of any project to ensure optimal performance and longevity for the intended application. With SSWM’s expertise and comprehensive range of products, finding the right product for your project has never been easier.
