selection-guide Archives

SUS304 vs SUS316: How to Choose Between the Two Most Common Stainless Grades

SUS304 vs SUS316: Mo addition raises PREN from 20 to 25 and costs 30–50% more. Full comparison of corrosion resistance, strength, weldability, and a clear decision framework.

2026.06.23

stainless steel

SUS304 vs SUS430: Austenitic vs Ferritic Stainless — Corrosion, Cost, and Formability

SUS304 vs SUS430: ferritic SUS430 is ~30% cheaper and magnetic but has lower corrosion resistance and formability. Full comparison with environment-based selection guide.

2026.06.22

stainless steel

JIS G4311 / G4312 Heat-Resistant Steel Guide: SUH Grade Families Explained

JIS G4311 and G4312 cover Japan's SUH heat-resistant steel series across four structural families: martensitic, ferritic, austenitic, and precipitation-hardening. Full grade overview with service temperature limits, ASTM equivalents, and application decision framework.

2026.06.12

steel

JIS G4804 Free-Cutting Steel Guide: All SUM Grades, Machinability, and Selection

JIS G4804 covers 15 free-cutting steel grades — SUM11 to SUM43. Full guide: S, P, and Pb additions explained, machinability by grade, applications, and regulatory status of Pb-containing grades.

2026.06.12

steel

JIS G4103 Ni-Cr-Mo Steel Guide: SNCM Grade Comparison from SNCM220 to SNCM815

JIS G4103 covers 11 Ni-Cr-Mo structural steel grades — SNCM220 to SNCM815. Full guide: composition table, Ni content vs section size selection, carburizing vs through-hardening grades, and ASTM equivalents.

2026.06.10

steel

Galvanized vs Galvannealed vs Galvalume vs Pre-Painted: Which Coated Steel for Which Use

Four coated flat steel products — SGCC (galvanized), SGCC-ZF (galvannealed), SZACC (Galvalume), and CGCC (pre-painted) — protect steel through different mechanisms and suit different applications. Full comparison with corrosion life, cost, and application selection guide.

2026.06.09

steel

SPCC vs SPHC: Cold-Rolled vs Hot-Rolled Steel Sheet — How to Choose

SPCC (cold-rolled, JIS G3141) and SPHC (hot-rolled, JIS G3131) cover different thickness ranges and deliver different surfaces, tolerances, and mechanical property guarantees. Full comparison with decision guide for stamping, welded frames, and laser-cut parts.

2026.06.08

steel

Annealing Types Explained: Full, Process, Spheroidize, Stress-Relief, and Normalizing

Five annealing treatments — full, process, spheroidize, stress-relief, and normalizing — serve different goals at different temperatures. Complete selection guide with temperature ranges, microstructure effects, and application decision tree.

2026.06.03

Heat Treatment