5 Common Mistakes Ulbrinox Customers Make When Buying Stainless Steel for Precision Processes (and How to Avoid Them)
Choosing stainless steel might seem simple—until your stamping line shuts down, your batch comes out with burrs, or your supplier can’t meet the required tolerance. In high-precision cutting, drawing, welding, or bending, every detail counts. These are the most common mistakes we’ve seen in the industry—and how to avoid them:
1. Choosing the wrong temper
Every application demands a different temper. For example, 301 QH might work for deep drawing, but it’s not suitable for springs. FH, on the other hand, offers more stiffness but can complicate punching. Working without specifying the correct temper can lead to machining problems or premature fatigue in the final product.
Solution: Make sure to specify the exact grade and temper, and request technical support if you have any doubts.
2. Using material with burrs or poorly treated edges
In laser cutting lines or automatic feed systems, a burr can stop production or cause machine failure. Even in welding, a burr on the edge can prevent a clean, reliable joint.
Solution: Look for suppliers that offer rounded, rolled, or burr-free edges according to your process needs.
3. Tolerances out of range
A thickness variation that seems minor can cause calibration issues, poor fitting, or die-cutting failures in precision processes. This is especially common in lower-quality imported materials.
Solution: Demand clear tolerance specifications—and that they’re met in every coil or sheet. Tight tolerances are an investment in efficiency.
4. Not considering surface finish
Finish isn’t just cosmetic. A BA or P3 finish might be necessary to allow for easier cleaning, prevent contamination, or ensure reliable performance in applications involving food contact, chemicals, or corrosive environments.
Solution: Define the correct finish from the beginning, and make sure your supplier can deliver it consistently.
5. Buying without technical support
When problems arise on the shop floor, how quickly your supplier can respond, analyze the material, or help adjust specs makes all the difference. Many low-cost suppliers don’t have labs or qualified technical staff.
Solution: Work with suppliers that have metallurgical engineers, analysis capabilities, and support from the product development phase onward.
Conclusion
Precision stainless steel is not a commodity. Every purchasing decision should consider not just price, but reliability, process compatibility, and the level of service you receive. Making the right choice from the start can save you thousands—and a lot of operational headaches.
If any of these points sound familiar—or if you’re looking to reduce errors in cutting, drawing, or forming—we can help you choose the right material from the start. Contact us!
Learn More About Ulbrinox
Ulbrinox is Ulbrich’s Mexican division, offering stainless steel and aluminum for the region’s growing industrial demands.
Visit ulbrinox.com.mx to explore their full capabilities and support for manufacturers across Mexico.
