Since its debut in , stainless steel has been recognized by engineers and metals scientists as a remarkable product to work with — one that was durable, resisted corrosion, and looked terrific in nearly every setting. Today, metal manufacturing companies are rolling out stainless steel plates and sheets or shaping the metal into tubes, ultimately selling about 60.6 million tons each year.
Link to HWHG
This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about stainless steel sheet, including its composition, grades, properties, fabrication, and applications.
A stainless steel sheet is a thin, flat piece of stainless steel used in various industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. It is defined by its high resistance to corrosion, durable structure, and sleek, modern appearance.
Stainless steel sheets are crafted from an alloy containing iron, chromium, and other elements like nickel and molybdenum. By definition, stainless steel includes at least 10.5% chromium, which ensures the material’s hallmark corrosion resistance.
Typically, stainless steel sheets are available in thicknesses up to and including 7 gauge (0.016 inches to 0. inches). Thicker variants (typically 0.188 inches and above) are classified as stainless steel plates.
Kloeckner Metals is a full-line stainless steel sheet & plate supplier and service center. Download our stainless steel spec sheet today and check what Kloeckner Metals routinely stocks.
For more on corrosion resistance, check out Does Stainless Steel Rust?
Stainless steel sheets are versatile and can be found in kitchen appliances and countertops, building and bridge cladding, surgical instruments and medical devices, automotive body panels and exhaust systems, and even food processing and storage equipment.
Stainless steel plates, the thicker cousins of sheets, are frequently used for large-scale construction projects like building marine vessels, railroads, or chemical tankers. Sheets, by contrast, are more likely to be found in consumer products, such as grills, pots, pans, and industrial countertops, or as the finish on a refrigerator. You also see them stamped and used as license plates.
The raw materials, including iron ore, chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, are melted together in a furnace to make molten stainless steel. This steel can then be poured into a mold, cast into a solid shape, or rolled with a hot or cold rolling technique. Models and casts are often used to make tubes or pipes; sheets are generally created by rolling.
The molten alloy is first cast into slabs or billets before it can be rolled out to make a metal sheet, much like you would hand roll pasta dough at home, just with bigger and heavier machines. The slabs are heated and rolled into thinner sheets to hot-roll the raw steel. For finer finishes and tighter tolerances, the sheets undergo cold rolling. Once the steel has been rolled into a sheet, it goes through annealing, a heat treatment that recrystallizes deformed microstructures.
During this heat-treatment process, stainless steel picks up “mill scale,” a bluish-black layer of oxide that obscures the metal’s finish. To eliminate mill scale, manufacturers either pickle the steel or electro-clean it. Pickling is a way to descale the metal by bathing it in nitric-hydrofluoric acid. Electro-cleaning passes a current over the surface to descale it.
Once descaled, the stainless steel can be hardened, shaped, and cut. The final step involves applying desired surface finishes, such as brushed or mirror finishes. Learn more about fabricating stainless steel in What to Know About Fabricating Stainless Steel.
Stainless steel sheets derive their properties from the elements that compose them. Each grade of stainless steel has its own specific alloy, but all grades contain at least 10.5% chromium. This element is what makes stainless steel stainless. They also share additional standard elements, such as these:
For more detailed information, visit What Is the Composition of Stainless Steel?
Thanks to its high chromium content, stainless steel is designed to resist rust. Chromium reacts with oxygen to form a thin, protective layer of chromium oxide on the surface, preventing further oxidation.
However, under certain conditions, stainless steel can rust. Factors like exposure to chlorides (e.g., salt water), high humidity, or damage to the protective layer can lead to corrosion, especially in lower grades of stainless steel. Note that stainless steel can also rust when it comes in contact with carbon steel. Higher grades, like 316 stainless steel, are more resistant due to added molybdenum.
Proper maintenance, such as regular cleaning and avoiding harsh environments, helps prevent rust on stainless steel surfaces.
Steel has five different classes and more than 150 grades. Classes refer to the metals’ atomic structure, and grades are standardized classifications that indicate a particular steel alloy’s composition, properties, and intended use.
Stainless steel grades help manufacturers, engineers, and builders select suitable materials for specific applications. Stainless steel’s two major classes are austenitic and ferritic, and its most common grades are in the 300 and 400 series.
Austenitic stainless steels are known for their excellent corrosion resistance and versatility.
Ferritic stainless steels are magnetic and offer corrosion resistance.
Stainless steel’s physical properties include durability, hygiene, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance. These properties are mainly due to the elements present in the alloy. Other physical properties include heat resistance, longevity, recyclability, and resistance to chemicals.
Stainless steel retains its strength and appearance at high temperatures. It is also non-combustible, making it a safe option for fire-prone environments. Due to its durability and resistance to corrosion, stainless steel has a long lifespan, making it cost-effective in the long run despite a higher initial cost.
It is 100% recyclable, aligning with sustainable practices and reducing environmental impact. Finally, stainless steel is resistant to many chemicals, including acids and alkalis, depending on the grade, making it ideal for chemical processing equipment.
A metal’s density refers to how heavy it is for its size. The higher the density, the heavier the metal. Knowing a metal’s density allows manufacturers to select the right product for each application. The formula for calculating density is:
Density = Mass / Volume (D=M/V)
The density of stainless steel is about 490 pounds per cubic foot or 7.85g/cm³, depending on the specific alloy. This high density contributes to its strength and durability, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications. It also ensures structural integrity in construction and manufacturing, allowing for thinner and lighter designs without compromising stability.
A metal’s melting point is the temperature at which it begins to transfer from a solid to a liquid state. Soft metals like gold have low melting points, making them easy to shape into jewelry. Hard metals, like steel, have high melting points, making them ideal for weight-bearing applications. Knowing the melting point is critical if you plan to weld or cast the metal or use it in high-temperature applications.
Chromium, nickel, and other elements influence the exact melting temperature, but the stainless steel melting point usually ranges from 2,550°F to 2,790°F (1,400°C to 1,530°C). This high melting point allows stainless steel to maintain strength and integrity in extreme heat environments, such as furnaces, engines, and industrial equipment.
The weight of stainless steel depends on its density, with one cubic foot of stainless steel typically weighing around 490 pounds. Heavier than other industrial metals like aluminum or mild steel, stainless steel’s weight makes it durable enough for construction and heat-retentive enough to serve well in the kitchen. Calculate the weight of a sheet with How to Calculate the Weight of a Steel Plate.
Stainless steel sheets exhibit excellent mechanical properties, including high tensile strength, which ensures resistance to deformation under stress. They offer remarkable elasticity, fabrication flexibility, superior hardness, and enhanced wear resistance. Additionally, stainless steel maintains impact resistance and performs well across a wide temperature range, effectively withstanding extreme heat and cold.
Hardness is the resistance of stainless steel to deformation, scratching, or indentation. It’s measured using scales like Brinell, Rockwell, or Vickers. In the Brinell test, metal is pressed against a steel ball, and manufacturers measure the depth of the indentation. The Rockwell test uses a hardened cone, and the Vickers test employs a diamond pyramid indenter.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Custom Cut Stainless Steel Plate.
Each test’s measures are reported using a distinct unit of measure. Stainless steel’s hardness ensures durability, wear resistance, and suitability for demanding environments. It’s critical for cutting tools, machinery, and surfaces prone to abrasion.
Tensile strength is the maximum stress stainless steel can endure while stretched without breaking, measured in megapascals (MPa) or kilopounds per square inch (ksi). It’s crucial for structural integrity and load-bearing applications.
A metal’s tensile strength varies according to its grade and even within a grade. For example, grade 304 stainless steel can have a tensile strength of 515 MPa to 625 MPa, or 74.69 ksi to 90.65 ksi (to convert MPa to ksi, divide MPA by 6.895). Stainless steel’s high tensile strength ensures durability, resistance to deformation, and reliability in construction, machinery, and aerospace industries.
Elongation at break is the percentage increase in a material’s length before it is unable to return to its normal shape, measured in a tensile test. For stainless steel, it indicates elasticity and the ability to withstand stretching. The formula for calculating elongation at break is:
Elongation = (Force × Length) / (Cross-sectional Area × Modulus of Elasticity)
High elongation ensures versatility in forming processes and resilience in applications requiring flexibility, such as automotive, construction, and manufacturing. In stainless steel, elongation at break can be 0.000 – 88.0%, averaging around 26.5%.
Modulus of elasticity, or Young’s modulus, measures a material’s stiffness by quantifying its resistance to elastic deformation under stress, expressed in gigapascals (GPa), MPa, or pounds per square inch (PSI). For stainless steel, the modulus of elasticity typically ranges from 20 to 210 GPa or 29,000,000 to 30,500,000 PSI. This property ensures stability under loads, making it vital for structural, aerospace, and industrial applications requiring rigidity.
Poisson’s ratio measures the ratio of lateral contraction to longitudinal extension when a material is stretched, typically landing around 0.265 to 0.30 for stainless steel. Tensile tests determine the ratio, which reflects material deformability. Understanding Poisson’s ratio helps ensure reliable designs in engineering, predicting performance under multidirectional stresses in structures and machinery.
Fabricating stainless steel involves precise processes to maintain the material’s strength, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. To achieve this outcome, steelworkers use various techniques, including cutting, bending, and welding.
Cutting stainless steel can mean shearing, sawing, or laser cutting the metal. Laser cutting is particularly effective due to its precision and ability to handle varying thicknesses. It avoids heat distortion, preserving the steel’s mechanical properties, making it suitable for intricate designs and high-quality results. Plasma cutters are also popular tools for fabricating stainless steel.
Bending stainless steel involves applying force to shape the metal without breaking it. Due to its strength and resistance to deformation, stainless steel requires specific tools, such as press brakes, rollers, or hand benders.
The process often includes heating to reduce brittleness, especially for thicker sheets. Precise control is crucial to avoid cracking and maintain the metal’s durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic finish for construction, automotive, or kitchen equipment applications.
Welding stainless steel differs significantly from other metals due to its heat retention and subsequent tendency to warp. Shielded metal arc welding (MIG) and gas tungsten arc welding (TIG) are commonly used; MIG is ideal for thicker materials, while TIG is preferred for thin, precise welds. To prevent issues like cracking or warping, welders must carefully manage heat input and select appropriate filler materials matching the stainless steel grade. Tools such as temperature-tracking devices and shielding gases enhance the welding quality.
Stainless steel finishing processes refine its surface, enhancing durability and aesthetic qualities. Techniques include grinding for brushed or polished finishes and bright annealing for a corrosion-resistant, smooth appearance. Finishing affects the steel’s usability in industrial and decorative applications.
Proper fabrication ensures stainless steel’s functionality and visual appeal across different industries.
Stainless steel finishes enhance the metal’s functionality and appearance, catering to diverse applications. Key finishes include #3 brushed, #4 brushed, #8 mirror, 2B mill, and 2D mill finishes.
Achieved by rough grinding, this finish generally results in a coarse, low- to non-reflective surface. This finish typically has a roughness average (RA) range of 25-40, which may vary slightly from mill to mill. Although it used to be the standard finish, #3 is now often used for equipment and industries looking for a rougher finish, such as on outdoor grills.
This finish provides a satin-like, unidirectional texture created through grinding or polishing. With a standard range of 6-25 RA, it offers a muted aesthetic, making it ideal for appliances, architectural elements, and automotive interiors. Its moderate reflectivity and clean appearance make it a popular choice.
Known for its highly reflective, mirror-like surface, this finish involves extensive polishing to remove imperfections and produce an almost flawless appearance. It is used in decorative applications like signage, sculptures, and wall panels, where aesthetics are paramount.
The 2B finish is a smooth, matte surface achieved through cold rolling, annealing, and pickling, followed by passing through bright rolls. It is non-reflective and widely used in applications like food processing, chemical equipment, and solar panels due to its clean, uniform look.
Similar to 2B, the 2D finish is cold rolled and annealed but retains a duller, matte surface. It suits industrial applications like vehicle exhaust systems and petrochemical equipment, where aesthetics are less critical.
These finishes ensure stainless steel meets specific mechanical and aesthetic demands across the industries where they are used.
When sourcing stainless steel sheets, selecting a reliable supplier or fabricator is crucial.
A fabricator provides customized stainless steel solutions, including cutting, welding, and finishing. Select a stainless steel fabricator with expertise in your required grade, application, and finish. Look for reviews, certifications, and the ability to handle custom projects to ensure quality results.
A stainless steel depot is a specialized warehouse or distribution center that stocks various stainless steel products, including sheets, bars, and plates. They cater to industries needing bulk materials and may also offer on-site cutting or processing services, making them a convenient option for large-scale purchases.
Suppliers provide an array of stainless steel grades, thicknesses, and finishes. Reputable suppliers like Kloeckner Metals offer diverse inventory, nationwide delivery, and customer support for selecting the right stainless steel product for your application.
For high-quality stainless steel sheets, consider your specific needs, volume, and proximity to these sources.
Perks Of Using Stainless Steel For Your Metal Fabrication Project
There are many qualities that make stainless steel one of the most favorite among DIY enthusiasts. Due to its many qualities such as being able to resist corrosion, easy to clean and maintain, and of course, its appeal, stainless steel is used in many DIY projects. When you are in need to buy a stainless steel metal part but you can’t seem to find the right measurements at your local hardware store you might want to consider online laser cutting or configuring a metal part online, to achieve the goal. The right type of fabricator will help you with all your customization requirements. At MetalsCut4U.com you can buy stainless steel sheet metal and then have it fabricate it into a stainless steel box or tray, stainless steel kick plate or a corner guard protecting your walls and doors - all custom made to your specifications.
The process in which stainless steel is welded or cut using different types of techniques needs skills only skilled and professionals will have. Working with stainless steel is extremely easy for highly skilled fabricators like us. We use the latest equipment of laser cutting technology to fabricate the stainless steel part based on your requirements. Try and configure one of our 14 metal shapes that you can specify online with our our four-step configuration and shopping process. The metal part you specify is what you will get shipped to your doorstep.
When you buy premium quality stainless steel sheets from us you can be sure that these sheets will have a really appealing look and will have a great ability to be corrosion resistant. Thus, stainless steel is most preferred when it comes to utilizing it for outdoor projects. These properties also ensure the longevity of the stainless steel products thereby making them look appealing even after a long period of time. Stainless steel is also fire and heat resistant which makes it really durable thereby enabling it to withstand extreme weather conditions. Choosing a maintenance-free product like stainless steel will be a one-time investment. Mild stains or fingerprints can easily be cleaned off the surface with the help of a mild soap or detergent and warm clean water. While using stainless steel in a kitchen as a backsplash for example or anywhere else you don’t have to be concerned about maintaining hygiene as you can simply use a wet cloth to wipe it clean.
For example: when you configure a customized stainless steel frame that is cut to the size of your stove, you can easily clean the fat stains created while cooking. The oil and grease on the surface can be wiped clean with mild soap and water.
Stainless steel has all these amazing benefits, which is why stainless steel is so popular for so many DIY projects.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Stainless steel coil for construction.