NEMB's Choice of Four Stainless Steels

Due to the varied applications conditions that our customers present us with, we offer not one or two, but four different types of stainless steel from which we can manufacture miniature balls. To assist you in choosing the right type of stainless steel to meet your requirements, we offer the following descriptions and suggested applications:

440C Stainless Steel

Balls made from this material offer toughness and corrosion resistance. They have a uniform hardness throughout and exhibit a precise geometry and fine surface finish. These magnetic balls are ideal for severe environments and are often used in bearings and valves; in computers and home electronics; and in the petroleum, automotive and aerospace industries.

420 Stainless Steel

Slightly softer than 440C stainless steel, this material can be used to save costs, while still providing a high degree of hardness and resistance to corrosion. Balls of this material can be successfully used in a wide range of environments. Typical applications for these magnetic balls include bearings, valves, writing instruments, and lighters, as well as dental and surgical instruments, pumps, molds & dies and hand tools.
302 Stainless Steel

This material combines non-magnetic properties with corrosion resistance and exceptional toughness. This stainless steel is not hardened. Although it is not highly resistant to sulfuric acid, it resists corrosion when exposed to oxidizing solutions, organic chemicals, and sterilizing solutions. Balls produced from this material can be found in such diverse applications as finger pumps, valves, milk machine blenders, food processing equipment, sprayers, and medical devices.

316 Stainless Steel

Similar to 302 stainless steel, but with molybdenum added to increase corrosion resistance, this material is used to produce non-magnetic, non-hardened balls. It is resistant to sulfuric acid and can be used with dyes, bleaches, and inks. 316 stainless steel balls are recommended for phosphate industry parts, textile finishing equipment, valves, and printing equipment.

For further help in choosing the best miniature ball material for your specific application, please contact NEMB to discuss the associated environmental conditions.