Which do you pick? None, because there’s no such thing!
Here’s why machinability vs. weldability is a battle you want to avoid.
Metal differs in several key categories. Two of the most important distinctions are machinability vs. weldability.
This term, also called “free machining,” is the ability to cut a metal with a blade. It does not refer to the ability to laser cut.
Your vendor can cut machinable metals at high speeds and with less expensive tools. An easier process is a cheaper one with less lead time for you.
For someone ordering in low volume, the difference in a metal’s machinability is less of a factor than for someone buying thousands of parts.
You guessed it: Weldability is the ease of welding a material. Weldable materials require less prep time (again, meaning lower production costs and lead time for you) and less expertise from the welder. Less desirable materials require more advanced welding techniques and, sometimes, additional considerations like preheating.
The material’s chemical composition determines its weldability. High-carbon steels, for example, are less weldable due to their poor ductility.
(Click here for a more in-depth look at the machinability of stainless steel.)
There are numerous grades of each metal, so don’t blindly select a metal without studying which grade is ideal for your welding or cutting project. Click here for a chart of stainless steel grades, and click here for a chart of carbon steel grades. The charts call out several grades for poor or great machinability or weldability.
To sum it up:
Wiser material choice means better control over the final outcome, and that’s a good thing for any manufacturing process, be it machining or welding. Choosing the right metal is, too. Work with an all-inclusive vendor who’s experienced in calculating whether higher-end materials are worth the cost for your specific application.