UK Stainless Steel Sheet Supplier
Stainless steel sheet is typically manufactured in roll or plate form depending on thickness, or gauge. To view our stainless steel plate inventory, please click here.
Stainless steels are iron-based alloys containing at least 10.5% chromium which forms a protective oxide film for corrosion resistance. This oxide film provides the stainlessness of stainless steel. And it’s this stainlessness that makes stainless sheet ideal for so many different applications.
Produced by rolling stainless steel through a mill, creating a thinner and longer piece of material, stainless steel sheet can be gradually reduced in thickness through this process before being wound into a coil or cut into sections at the end of the production line.
Coils of stainless sheet can at this point be cold rolled in cold rolling mills, or they can be heat treated in a furnace to soften the alloy further before cold rolling or to bring about the desired mechanical properties.
Hot rolling at a stainless steel mill
So for some stainless sheet products, cold rolling is the final step of the process. But for the fabrication of other products, such as stainless steel foil tape, more processing is required. Such as additional elevated temperature processing to increase their strength.
Selecting the Right Sheet for the Job
Choosing the right stainless steel alloy for your application is crucial, and our expert team are on hand to advise should you require any assistance in this regard. There are a wide variety of grades available. Selecting the ideal one for the specific end use involves a number of important considerations: details such as the nature of the application, density and tensile strength requirements, workability and acid-resistance. At Metal Supplies we’ve been working closely with our clients for many years, helping them to determine exactly which steel alloys offer the optimal solution for a huge variety of applications.
Our stainless steel sheet inventory is readily available in both metric and imperial sizes. We’re likely to have the size you require for immediate dispatch but if not, we can cut to size as part of a range of on-site machining and finishing processes available.
Stainless steel sheet polishing
Grades generally available at Metal Supplies include 3CR12, 304, 310, 316, 321, 430 & Grade 431; All in a wide variety of finishes.
3CR12 Stainless Steel
Grade 3CR12 is a utility ferritic stainless steel, often used in place of mild steel because it is touch, even when welded in thicknesses of up to 30mmm and retains this toughness at temperatures below freezing. 3CR12 stainless steel sheets are weldable and formable allowing them to be fabricated using conventional techniques.
304 Stainless Steel
This alloy is the most commonly used type of stainless steel sheet. That’s because it’s weldable, machineable and has good corrosion resistance. Some common applications of 304 stainless steel sheeting include food processing equipment, heat exchangers, springs, chemical containers, and more. Can be used in temperatures up to 1800°F.
309 Stainless Steel
309 stainless steel sheet is known for good strength, oxidation resistance, and excellent heat resistance. This alloy is commonly used in heating elements, heat exchangers, furnace parts, and more. Can be used in temperatures up to 2240°F.
310 Stainless Steel
Grade 310 stainless steel is one of the most widely used grades of heat resistant stainless steel supplied into numerous industry sectors. The key properties of this material are its high chromium and medium nickel content making its resistant to oxidation, sulfidation and other forms of hot corrosion.
316 Stainless Steel
This alloy has excellent forming and welding characteristics, and is durable. Common applications of 316 stainless steel sheet includes heat exchangers, chemical containers, food preparation equipment, and more.
321 Stainless Steel
321 stainless steel sheet is similar to 304 stainless steel, but is somewhat easier to machine. Some typical applications include chemical processing equipment, welded equipment, and more. Can be used in temperatures up to 2000°F.
To view our commonly-stocked stainless steel inventory please click here.
