• Leading UK Suppliers of Stainless Steel Plate

    Uncategorised / Friday, March 23rd, 2018

    Are you in the market for stainless steel plate, cut to size or off the shelf? Then look no further.  As one of the UK’s leading stainless steel suppliers we stock a range of metric and imperial sizes in a variety of grades, ready for immediate dispatch. Alternatively, we can also cut plates to your bespoke specifications or fabricate and finish your materials through our wide range of services.

    The Test of Time

    Stainless steel is not actually a single material but rather a collective term for a family of corrosion resistant steels. They were first discovered by accident in Sheffield in 1913 when a metal worker was testing out new alloys for gun barrels. He noticed one in particular sample with around 13% chromium content, wasn’t rusting and was difficult to etch and thus; stainless steel was born! The first practical application was in sheets used to produce cutlery, for which Sheffield subsequently became famed for and no better alternative has graced dining tables since.

    Corrosion Resistant

    The main appeal of stainless steel plate is its resistance to weathering. Thanks to the chromium content, a self-healing protective oxide layer coats the sheet, maintaining its uniform appearance and keeping it blemish free. It’s this characteristic that makes stainless steel popular across industries and is dominant in construction and manufacturing. Plates can be formed to create structural frames, roofs, signs or any object that may face harsh conditions.  The hard-wearing surface also prevents the metal from harbouring bacteria and can be disinfected without damaging the appearance, so it is the first choice for pharmaceutical and surgical tools too.

    Tensile in Temperature

    Compared to other steel derivatives, stainless has a higher tensile strength, even in thinner cut plates.  These plates remain strong in both high and low temperatures, with some grades actually being stronger in sub-zero climates. The most popular grades we supply are 304 and 316 but we have a much wider range and many specialist products too.

    To learn more about our stainless steel stocks visit our website or call us on 0800 123 7010 for more information.