Stainless Steel. How to Check the Quality? Today we will look at the key factors every buyer should check before placing an order.
How to Purchase High-Quality Stainless Steel
When ordering stainless steel, it is important to request the right documentation and specifications to avoid unpleasant surprises. Always make sure you receive:
- The chemical composition and mechanical properties of the material, certified according to the relevant EN or ISO standards.
- Full product traceability, such as a 3.1 inspection certificate in accordance with EN 10204, which confirms the material’s origin and compliance.
If you are purchasing stainless steel components, such as screws, bolts, or fittings, you should also verify that they comply with the relevant product standards. For example, stainless steel fasteners should conform to UNI EN ISO 3506, which specifies their chemical composition, mechanical properties, and marking requirements.
Real-Life Examples
The Italian Steel Center has reported several cases in which inadequate purchasing specifications resulted in serious quality issues.
Case 1
Application: Stainless steel for machinery used in the food processing industry
Origin: Non-European supplier
Order specifications:
- Only the generic material grade was specified.
- No reference was made to the applicable standards.
Result:
After only a few months, the equipment showed signs of oxidation, leading to contamination risks and damage to the processed food products.
Case 2
Application: Stainless steel castings for the petrochemical industry
Origin: Non-European supplier
Order specifications:
- Only the chemical composition requirements were specified.
- No standards covering manufacturing quality or mechanical properties were included.
Result:
- Poor surface quality of the cast components.
- Corrosion developed after only three months of service.
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