What Do You Need to Know About Stainless Steel Sheet?
What Do You Need to Know About Stainless Steel Sheet?
Sheet metal is a very versatile material, it is easily cut, bent and welded to make all sorts of components, from small bracketry, to the chassis and panels of consumer goods. Stainless Steel sheet metal is even more versatile still, with the ability to resist corrosion and give a more professional appearance with its various finishes.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from SUNSONG.
In this article well look at the various uses of stainless steel sheet metal, and what makes it so popular in the industrial space.
What is Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Used For?
The applications of stainless steel sheet metal are extremely varied, as its suitability and ease of manufacture lend it to a wide range of industries:
- Consumer goods enclosures Appliances like high end microwaves, ovens and dishwashers often use stainless steel sheets for their inner and outer surfaces
- Electrical cabinets where a cabinet needs to give prolonged protection from the elements, stainless steel is preferred
- Food industry Process equipment such as slicers, fryers, conveyor belts and more often use stainless steel as hygiene is of vital importance
- Medical devices For the same reasons as the food industry, medical appliances such as cabinets, carts, trays and machine enclosures are often made of stainless steel
Advantages of Stainless Steel Sheet Metal
- Corrosion resistance this is the foremost benefit of stainless steel, it does not need painting or plating to be protected from corrosion, this reduces maintenance and cleaning costs
- Range of finishes mild steel cannot be polished in the same way stainless steel can; a brushed or mirrored finish is relatively easy to achieve with the correct processing
- Ease of manufacture stainless steel is easily laser cut, welded, sawn, bent and drilled, making manufacture cost effective
Disadvantages of Stainless Steel Sheet Metal
- Cost Stainless is typically around 2 times more expensive than mild steel
- Weight whilst only slightly heavier than mild steel, stainless steel is much heavier than aluminum or plastic, which can often be a consideration in enclosure or cabinet manufacture.
- Contamination whilst stainless steel does not corrode, contaminating it with any mild steel can cause it to be on the surface, this can be from welding or grinding sparks, or even scratching with steel tools or equipment
How is Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Made?
Stainless steel sheet goes through the typical process used in any stainless steel manufacturing, with the addition of more rolling steps to produce the thickness required, the basic process is thus:
- Melting raw materials melted together
- Removal of carbon decarburization removes excess carbon
- Tuning to achieve the exact composition, the molten metal is sampled and tweaked with the addition of appropriate alloying elements
- Forming the molten steel is cast into a long billet and then rolled into flat sheets
- Rolling final product thickness is achieved using a series of rolling processes
For more information on the process of stainless steel manufacture check out our blog post here.
What are the Specifications of Stainless Steel Sheet Metal?
When purchasing stainless steel sheet metal, there are a few things to consider:
- Grade this is the composition of the metal, the most common grades are 304, 316, 321 and 430
- Thickness Stainless steel sheet is available in thicknesses ranging from 0.5mm to 6mm
- Sheet Size there are a few standard sheet sizes, use these to determine your part size where possible, to avoid wastage, or have your sheets cut to size
- Finish stainless steel can come in various finishes, from matte to bright polished, we discuss these in more detail later
- Plastic coating many suppliers offer plastic coating on one, both or none of the faces, to protect the finish
What Kind of Finishes Can You Get In Stainless Steel Sheet Metal?
Whilst mild steel is generally only available in two finishes, which are dependent on the processing, stainless steel can be polished to various levels of luster before being shipped.
- Matt finish often referred to as 2B or Mill finish, this is un-polished
- Dull polished also known as a brushed finish, this is often used for aesthetics on product enclosures
- Semi-bright polish the stage between dull and bright polished offers better cleanability without the expense of bright polishing
- Bright polish bright or mirror polishing is used for both aesthetics and when producing hygienic vessels as required by the food industry
Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Grades
Like any material there are different grades suited to different tasks and environments, these are the most common grades of stainless steel sheet:
- 304 Typically used in the dairy, beverage and food industries, it is very resistant to acids and other chemicals.
- 316 Containing slightly less chromium but more nickel, 316 stainless steel has a higher corrosion resistance
- 321 Commonly used in the oil and gas industry, 321 is similar to 304, with the addition of titanium used as a stabilizer
- 430 Often used as a cheaper alternative to 304 or 316, 430 grade stainless steel is ferritic, unlike most grades. It still has very good corrosion resistance
Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Alternatives
If stainless steel is not applicable to your project, consider these alternatives:
- Aluminum as another non-ferrous alloy with good corrosion resistance, aluminum can be used in certain circumstances. It is considerably lighter but not as strong as stainless steel
- Plated Steel steel sheet metal is also supplied as galvanized sheet, using a pre-galvanizing process. This provides good resistance to corrosion, although edge protection is lost when cutting
- Plastic In some cases, high performance plastics can replace stainless steel, items such as electrical enclosures can be made with as much weather resistance and sealing as stainless steel.
Get Your Stainless Steel Sheet from Metals Supermarkets
If you are in need of a reliable cost-effective supply of stainless steel sheets, Metals Supermarkets offer all common grades, with a cut-to-size service offered nationwide. Find your nearest store.
applications of mirror stainless steel sheets
What are stainless steel mirror sheets?
Stainless steel mirror sheets are produced by polishing the surface of the plate with abrasive liquid or Fe powder through polishing equipment, resulting in a plate that is as clear as a mirror. The polished stainless steel plate has a brilliant shine and high reflectivity, being classified as general mirror(8K), fine mirror(10K), or super mirror(12K) depending on the degree of reflection. We also refer to this type of general reflector as 8K. The raw material is cold-rolled 2B-finish stainless steel coil. Its possible to polish one or both sides of stainless steel sheets.
Vigorss Mirror Stainless Steel SheetThe advantages of stainless steel mirror sheets
The advantages are many, making them a popular choice for a variety of applications.
Durable
304/316 stainless steel grades have excellent corrosion resistance in humid environments like bathrooms and kitchens.
Easily Fabricated
They can be cut, bent, punched, drilled, and welded to create a variety of shapes and sizes.
Easy to Clean
You can clean mirror stainless steel sheets with just a damp cloth. No need for harsh chemicals or special cleaners.
Aesthetically Pleasing
The bright, reflective surface of mirror stainless steel sheets adds a touch of sophistication and style to any project.
Hygienic
They are often used in food preparation and healthcare facilities as they provide a sterile surface that is resistant to bacteria and other contaminants.
Reflect light
This can make a space appear brighter and more open.
Applications of stainless steel mirror sheets in different industries
The stainless steel mirror sheet is very versatile in our lives for architectural and decorative applications. It can also be combined with other surface finishes adding color and creativity to our living space, such as PVD coating, brushing, sandblasting, etching, and stamping.
Mirror
The natural color of stainless steel gives a sense of toughness and rigidity. The mirror-polished stainless sheet is widely used in construction and architecture, where it may be found in furniture, glass mirror, wall decoration, and outdoor sculpture. Mirror sheets are available in different grades such as 304, 316, 201, and 430. The most common grade is 304, which has a minimum of 18% chromium and eight percent nickel.
Mirror SculptureMirror+PVD Color Coating
Vigorss Mirror PVD Gold SignagePVD is short for Physical Vapor Deposition. It is a process to color stainless steel by vacuum deposition of the thin film. PVD can be used on mirror-polished sheets giving the surface different colors, such as gold, rose gold, black, champagne, green, blue, violet, and copper. The color of PVD mirror sheets can be changed by changing the type of gas used in the process and the thickness of the deposited film, so it has good corrosion resistance.
PVD mirror sheets are also available in 304, 316, and 430. We strongly suggest that welding should be done before coloring. Besides, they can also be used in a variety of applications such as furniture, wall decoration, and signage.
Mirror+Brushing
Mirror + Hairline CombinationBrushing is the process of giving the stainless steel sheet a directional finish with grit lines including hairline and satin. The brushing process uses abrasive belts of different grids to give the sheets a parallel grinding finish. This gives the sheets a grainy texture which can be combined with the mirror finish to create different effects. The applications for the mirror and brushing combining stainless steel sheets are vast, such as architectural facades, interior design features, and lift panels.
Mirror+Sandblasting
Mirror and sandblasting combination can create stunning visual effects for stainless steel sheets. This is because sandblasting can etch away the top layer of the metal to create a matte finish, while mirror polishing will leave the sheet with a high-gloss reflective surface.
The two finishes can be combined in a number of ways to create different looks. For example, you could have a band of sandblasted material running through the center of a mirror-polished sheet.
This effect is often used in interior design and elevator doors, as it can create an interesting contrast between the two finishes. It can also be used to add a touch of luxury to a space.
Vigorss Mirror Sandblasting Combination Stainless Steel SheetMirror+Etching
Etching is a process in which the surface of the stainless steel is selectively corroded to create a design or pattern. This can be done using chemicals or abrasives, and the results can be quite stunning. Mirror etched stainless steel sheets are widely used in lift panels, ceilings, wall decorations, signages, architectural decorations, etc. Usually, mirror etching and PVD color coating are a good match.
Are you interested in learning more about mirror stainless steel sheet price? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Mirror+Stamping
Stamping is a process in which a die is pressed into the surface of a sheet of metal to create a design or pattern. Water ripple, 5WL, 6WL, square, and honeycomb are popular patterns. The surface of the sheet is left with a raised design that can be felt as well as seen.
Stamping combined with mirror finishing creates an exceptional product that has both the beauty of a high gloss finish and unique visual effects. The mirror water ripple patterned stainless steel sheet with or without PVD coating is especially popular for its distinctiveness and beauty. It can add a touch of elegance to any space, such as ceiling, wall decoration, and furniture.
Get the Ultimate Guide
Sourcing decorative stainless steel sheets in China easily
Suggestions for using mirror stainless steel sheets
If youre considering using mirror stainless steel sheets in your next project, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Handle carefully
First and foremost, mirror stainless steel sheets are extremely fragile. They can be scratched or damaged easily, so its important to handle them with care.
Not suitable for photograph
Secondly, because theyre so reflective, mirror stainless steel sheets can be difficult to photograph. If youre planning on using them in a space that will be photographed often, you may want to consider another finish.
Require Maintenance
Finally, mirror stainless steel sheets require regular cleaning and maintenance. Fingerprints and smudges will be highly visible on the surface if the sheets are not processed by anti-fingerprint, so its important to clean them regularly with a wet cloth.
Despite these drawbacks, mirror stainless steel sheets offer a unique and stylish look that can add personality to any space and are the best choice of materials for the food industry. If you are considering using them in your home or business, be sure to take the time to weigh the pros and cons to decide if they are the right choice for you.
Specification and Thickness for Selection
A variety of thicknesses and sizes are available to match a wide range of projects. Stainless steel mirror sheets are also available in standard widths and lengths.
Width:
/ / mm or Custom-made
39 / 48 / 59
Length:
/ / mm or Custom-made
96 / 120 / 157
Thickness:
0.3mm~3mm (11ga~26ga)
Supplier of stainless steel mirror sheets
If you are in the market for a reliable supplier of stainless steel mirror sheets, then VIGORSS is definitely worth considering. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, we have built up a strong reputation for being able to deliver quality products at competitive prices. Plus, we offer a small MOQ, customization service, and a wide range of designs to choose from so youre sure to find something that meets your needs.
Vigorss WorkshopsSo why not get in touch with us today and see how we can help you? Wed be more than happy to discuss your requirements and provide a free quote.
Conclusion
Overall, mirror stainless steel sheets have a wide range of applications in many different industries. From food processing to construction, these sheets can be used to create a variety of products and parts. Mirror stainless steel is an essential material for many businesses and industries and will continue to be so for many years to come. Thanks for reading! We hope this article was informative and helpful.
Contact us today for free samples today! Please feel free to reach out to us at [ protected] or call us at -.
Contact VIGORSS Team for More Information
For more beijing hairlineinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Comments