Frequently Asked Questions
Product Information
What stainless steel alloys are available and what are their properties?
Stainless Structurals commonly produces their structural profiles in 304/L, 316/L, and 2205 Duplex stainless steel alloys
304L (Austenitic stainless steel)
316L (Austenitic stainless steel with enhanced corrosion resistance)
2205 Duplex (Ferritic–austenitic combination offering improved strength and corrosion resistance)
Stainless Steel Families
Austenitic (e.g., 304, 316 series)
Properties: Excellent corrosion resistance, non-magnetic when annealed, excellent formability and weldability.
Made with high chromium and nickel; sometimes manganese, nitrogen.
Ferritic (e.g., 430 series)
Properties: Magnetic, moderate corrosion resistance, cost-effective, good tensile-property stability.
Martensitic (e.g., 420, 440 series)
Properties: High hardness (especially when heat-treated), magnetic, moderate corrosion resistance. Used for cutlery, tools, components where hardness matters.
Duplex (e.g., 2205, super-duplex like Zeron 100)
Properties: Approximately 50/50 austenitic–ferritic microstructure, higher strength than austenitic types, superior resistance to chloride stress corrosion and pitting, often with lower nickel content for cost efficiency.
More information can be found at these links:
What finishes are available for the stainless steel structural profiles?
Stainless steel structural shapes are available in many different styles of finishes, from a blasted and pickled finish to a polished finish. Bead blasted and pickled is offered as a standard finish on our stainless steel structural shapes.
Polishing operations on stainless steel profiles includes angles, channels, beams, tees, flats, square and rectangle tubing, and custom sections. Some of our standard polishing options include: #4, #6, #8, RA and Angel Hair finishes.
More information can be found at these links:
What is Duplex Stainless Steel and where are duplex steel profiles used?
Duplex stainless steel is a metallurgical blend of both ferritic and austenitic stainless steel phases, forming a two-phase microstructure that offers a balance of strength and corrosion resistance.
Compared to standard austenitic grades (like 304 or 316), duplex steels typically offer:
Up to twice the mechanical strength
Superior performance against stress corrosion cracking
Enhanced resistance to localized pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in chloride-rich environments
Chemically, they usually contain higher chromium (20–28%), higher molybdenum (up to ~5%), lower nickel (≤9%), and often nitrogen, which helps improve both strength and corrosion resistance.
Where Are Duplex Steel Profiles Used?
Duplex profiles are used in multiple industrial and structural applications, bolstered by the general properties of duplex stainless steel:
Structural Strength Reductions: Because duplex steels are significantly stronger, structures (like bridges) using duplex sections can be lighter or use less material while maintaining performance
Industrial & Construction Applications: Their high strength makes them increasingly popular for construction where both durability and load-bearing performance matter.
Pressure Vessels and Tanks: Duplex stainless steel allows more structurally efficient pressure vessels, combining strength with corrosion resistance in demanding environments.
Pulp & Paper Industry: Common grades like 2205 are used in digesters, liquid tanks, and other components where corrosion and mechanical demands are high.
Oil & Gas / Marine: Duplex steels are highly resistant to corrosion (especially chloride-related) and fatigue—making them ideal for offshore, marine, and oil-and-gas infrastructure such as risers, flowlines, and manifolds.
More information can be found at these links:
What are the technical capabilities and size ranges available on standard sections from Stainless Structurals?
Stainless Structurals has the technical flexibility to handle substantial thicknesses (up to 1.50") and large profiles (up to 36” × 20" or larger), with tight tolerances and heavy-duty capacity (250 lbs/ft).
We offer a comprehensive range of standard structural sections—channels, beams, angles, tees, flats, and square & rectangular tubes—produced via hot rolling, extrusion or laser welding.
Custom Options: Many standard sizes are available off-the-shelf; if your project requires nonstandard dimensions or alloys, custom solutions are offered as well.
More information can be found at these links:
What are the standard lengths for structural stainless steel profiles?
Our standard lengths are 20 Foot (+4”,-0”) for laser welded sections. Our hot rolled sections come standard in 20-22 Foot random lengths.
What is the max length you can custom make a laser welded steel profile?
We can produce Stainless steel profiles up to 45 Foot long and Carbon steel up to 60 feet or more if necessary.
Material Data & Structural Performance
How does the structural performance of laser welded steel profiles compare to that of conventional hot rolled or extruded steel profiles?
Laser-welded stainless steel structural profiles deliver comparable strength and buckling resistance to hot-rolled or extruded profiles, while offering improved fabrication control—less distortion, lower residual stresses, and sharper geometries. These attributes make laser welding a highly competitive technique for modern structural fabrications, combining precision with performance.
A study by the Steel Construction Institute confirmed that the structural performance of austenitic stainless steel laser-welded sections is equivalent to that of traditional hot-rolled or extruded sections.
More information can be found at these links:
How does Stainless Steel compare to other alloys in fire related applications?
Stainless steel is a top-tier choice for fire-related applications. Its superior resistance to heat and oxidation, combined with inherent strength retention and minimal degradation during fire exposure, make it safer, more durable, and more reliable than many alternative alloys—especially in critical or fire-sensitive structures.
There is no official fire rating needed for stainless steel. This reflects its high inherent fire resistance as a material. Its natural fire-retardant properties, coupled with rust-free maintenance, make stainless steel especially suitable for medical equipment and fire-sensitive environments.
More information can be found at these links:
Do your stainless steel sections comply with ASTM A276?
Laser welded stainless steel structural sections have their own ASTM number of ASTM A1069. Within this standard’s references, bars and shapes conform to the requirements of A484/A484M and chemical composition requirements of A276/A276M. These can be added to the material test report.
Does the standard for laser welded stainless steel tubing (A1127) meet the requirements for standard ASTM A554?
Laser welded stainless steel tubing has it’s own ASTM standard of A1127. This material does meet A554 requirements and can be certified as such.
More information can be found at this link:
What mechanical properties such as yield and tensile strength do laser welded stainless structural shapes and custom profiles have?
Laser welded profiles take on the mechanical properties of the raw material used to produce the shape. If 40,000 ksi material is used, the profile will have a 40,000 ksi yield strength.
Does Stainless Structurals material meet domestic or DFARS requirements?
The majority of products (over 90%) produced by Stainless Structurals at their Conroe, Texas facility is 100% domestic, Made in the USA. If the raw material is not domestic we can generally meet DFARS requirements.
Services Offered
What production technologies does Stainless Structurals use?
Production Technologies at Stainless Structurals
Laser Fusion (Laser Welding)
Core Technology: Stainless Structurals’ signature method—laser fusion—uses concentrated laser energy to join stainless steel components with minimal heat input, producing precise, clean welds that meet ASTM A1069/A1069M-19 standards.
Advantages
Tighter tolerances and sharper geometry than many traditional methods.
Small heat-affected zones → less distortion and better dimensional control.
Consistent, repeatable results suitable for both standard and custom profiles.
Hot Rolling
Traditional Process: Profiles are shaped at high temperatures, which allows for efficient forming of large cross-sections and long lengths.
Produces strong, durable sections with robust mechanical properties.
Cold Rolling
Finishing Process: Conducted at or near room temperature to refine the surface finish, enhance dimensional precision, and slightly increase strength.
Often used after hot rolling for thinner or precision profiles.
Hot Extrusion
High-Pressure Forming: Stainless steel billets are heated and forced through a shaped die to create continuous lengths with consistent cross-sections.
Benefits
Ideal for complex, non-standard shapes with tight dimensional accuracy.
Can produce hollow sections and intricate profiles not easily achievable by rolling.
Produces smooth surfaces and reduces the need for extensive machining.
More information can be found at this link:
What fabrication services does Stainless Structurals offer for stainless steel?
Stainless Structurals offers numerous fabrication and value-added services. These are available on our standard structural profiles, hollow structural steel and custom sections. Routine fabrication services include:
Precision Cutting including laser cutting and saw cutting
Welding & Assembly
Kitting
Finishing including grinding, blasting, and stainless steel polishing
Custom Fabrication
Quality Assurance and Dimensional Inspections
Surface Protections
More information can be found at this link:
What fabrication services does Stainless Structurals offer for carbon steel?
Stainless Structurals offers numerous fabrication and value-added services. These are available on our standard structural profiles, hollow structural steel and custom sections. Routine fabrication services include:
Precision Cutting including laser cutting and saw cutting
Welding & Assembly
Kitting
Finishing including grinding, blasting, and stainless steel polishing
Custom Fabrication
Quality Assurance and Dimensional Inspections
Surface Protections
More information can be found at this link:
Does Stainless Structurals sell direct or only through distributors?
Stainless Structurals is one of the few producers that will sell through multiple channels. This includes Master Distributors, National Distributors, Regional Distributors and also directly to end users.
What is Stainless Structurals minimum order quantity for standard or custom profiles?
Whether or not you need a standard structural stainless steel profile or a custom stainless or carbon steel profile, our minimum order quantity is just one 20 foot section.
Can laser welded profiles be rolled or bent?
Yes, laser welded profiles can be formed, rolled, or bent into whatever radius or shape is required for the job. This service not performed by Stainless Structurals but by an outside service.
Available Resources
Are there section properties available for laser welded, structural stainless steel profiles?
Yes, all of the section properties are available in the AISC Design Guide 27 as well as available by shape, on our website at these links:
What effort is Stainless Structurals making for the environment and sustainability?
Stainless Structurals is actively committed to environmental sustainability through various initiatives aimed at reducing its carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Solar Energy Integration
The company has invested in a significant solar energy project, installing over 4,000 solar panels across 118,000 square feet of its manufacturing facility's roof. This installation is expected to generate a substantial portion of the facility's energy needs, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Green Business Certification
In recognition of its sustainability efforts, Stainless Structurals has achieved Platinum Certification from the Green Business Benchmark. This certification acknowledges the company's commitment to implementing environmentally responsible practices and continuous improvement in sustainability.
Recyclability of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is renowned for its 100% recyclability. The company emphasizes the use of stainless steel in its products, which not only contributes to sustainability but also ensures that the materials can be reused at the end of their lifecycle, minimizing environmental impact.
Ongoing Sustainability Initiatives
Stainless Structurals continues to reinvest in sustainable growth by adding new equipment, expanding product offerings, and initiating green initiatives. These efforts reflect the company's dedication to integrating sustainability into its core operations and long-term strategy.
Stainless Structurals
Through these initiatives, Stainless Structurals demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable manufacturing practices.
More information can be found at this link:
Does Stainless Structurals have case studies with industry applications for their products?
Yes, Stainless Structurals has numerous case studies posted under the “Resources” section of our website. These case studies include real-world applications of structural stainless steel profiles, custom profiles and carbon steel profiles. There is also a blog section with other examples of the applications of our steel profiles.
More information can be found at these links:
Does laser welding have an official standard or certification?
ASTM A1069/A1069M – Standard Specification for Laser and Laser Hybrid Welded Stainless Steel Bars, Plates, and Shapes
Purpose: Covers laser and laser hybrid welded stainless steel materials to meet structural quality requirements for welded or bolted applications.
Scope: Includes material properties, testing methods, and quality assurance processes specific to laser-welded stainless steel.
ASTM A1127/A1127M – Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Laser and Laser Hybrid Welded Structural Tubing
Purpose: Specifies requirements for dimensions, material properties, and testing methods of laser-welded structural tubing.
Scope: Applies to square, rectangular, and custom-shaped tubing used in welded, riveted, or bolted construction.
ASTM A1123 – Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Laser-Welded Structural Sections
Purpose: Defines requirements for stainless steel laser-welded structural sections, including geometric tolerances, mechanical properties, and testing procedures.
Scope: Applies to I-beams, channels, tees, and other structural shapes produced via laser welding.
More information can be found at these links:
Production Technoligies
What is hot extrusion and what steel and stainless steel extrusion profiles are available?
Hot extrusion is a manufacturing process where a heated billet is forced through a die to create profiles with a constant cross-section. This technique is particularly effective for producing complex shapes that would be challenging or inefficient to achieve through other methods like rolling or machining. The process is conducted at elevated temperatures, typically around 1,200°C, which makes it suitable for materials that are difficult to form at room temperature.
Stainless Structurals offers a wide range of hot-extruded profiles in various materials, including:
Stainless Steel: Grades such as 304, 316, 316L, 2205 duplex, and 904L.
Carbon Steel: Common grades like A36 and A992.
Alloy Steels: Including 17-4 PH and 15-5 PH.
Titanium Alloys: Grades such as Ti-6Al-4V
The hot extrusion process allows for the production of profiles with complex shapes and geometries, providing design flexibility without the need for extensive machining.
More information can be found at this link:
What weld penetration can Stainless Structurals’ laser welding process achieve?
For open sections such as beams, channels, angles, and tees; laser welding can achieve a 1-1/2” full weld penetration. For closed sections such as square and rectangle tubing; laser welding can achieve a 5/8” weld penetration from the outside.
How does Stainless Structurals’ laser welding process work?
Our proprietary laser welding process involves laser cutting strips of plate and then laser fusing them together to form the desired section. There is no filler material used in the welding process. The lasers fuse the material together all the way down through the grain structure producing a structural shape or profile that is one monolithic structure.
Industries Served
What industries use laser welded stainless steel and steel profiles?
Laser-welded stainless and carbon steel profiles are utilized across a diverse range of industries due to their precision, strength, and adaptability. These profiles are particularly valued for their ability to form complex shapes with tight tolerances, making them suitable for applications where traditional welding methods may be less effective.
Industries Utilizing Laser-Welded Steel Profiles
Architecture & Construction
Laser-welded profiles are extensively used in architectural applications, including curtain walls, structural supports, and decorative elements. Their ability to achieve sharp corners and intricate designs makes them ideal for modern architectural aesthetics.
Food & Beverage Processing
In the food and beverage industry, stainless steel profiles are preferred for their corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning. Laser-welded profiles are used in equipment such as conveyors, storage tanks, and processing lines, ensuring hygiene and durability in food handling environments.
Chemical & Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
The chemical and pharmaceutical sectors require materials that can withstand aggressive environments. Laser-welded stainless steel profiles are employed in the construction of reactors, piping systems, and containment vessels, offering resistance to corrosion and high temperatures.
Oil & Gas Industry
In the oil and gas industry, laser-welded profiles are used for structural components in offshore platforms, pipelines, and storage tanks. Their strength and resistance to harsh environmental conditions make them suitable for demanding applications in this sector.
Transportation (Automotive, Aerospace, Rail)
Laser-welded profiles are utilized in the automotive, aerospace, and rail industries for components such as chassis, frames, and structural supports. Their precision and ability to form complex geometries contribute to lightweight and strong structures in transportation applications.
Industrial Equipment & Machinery
Manufacturers of industrial equipment and machinery use laser-welded profiles for components that require high strength and precision. These profiles are found in machinery frames, supports, and structural elements, ensuring reliability and performance in industrial settings.
Medical Devices
In the medical field, laser-welded stainless steel profiles are used in the production of surgical instruments, implants, and medical equipment. Their biocompatibility and precision are crucial for the manufacturing of medical devices that meet stringent regulatory standards.
Furniture & Interior Design
Designers and manufacturers in the furniture and interior design industries use laser-welded profiles for creating custom furniture pieces, fixtures, and decorative elements. The ability to achieve intricate designs and sharp corners allows for innovative and aesthetically pleasing products.
More information can be found at these links:
What are Architectural Steel Profiles?
Architectural Steel Profiles are specialized stainless and carbon steel shapes produced using advanced manufacturing techniques like laser welding and hot extrusion. These profiles are designed to meet the aesthetic and structural demands of architectural applications, offering precision, durability, and versatility.
Manufacturing Techniques
Laser Welding: Utilizes high-powered lasers to fuse metal sheets into complex shapes with sharp corners and minimal visible seams, ideal for architectural facades and decorative elements.
Hot Extrusion: Involves forcing heated billets through a die to create profiles with a constant cross-section, suitable for producing structural components with intricate geometries.
Architectural steel profiles are commonly used in
Curtain Walls: Non-structural cladding systems that provide building envelopes.
Glass Facades: Transparent exterior walls that allow natural light into buildings.
Structural Components: Beams, columns, and other elements that support building loads.
Decorative Elements: Ornamental features that enhance the aesthetic appeal of structures.
More information can be found at this link:
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