Everything you need to know about stainless steel sheets
Stainless steel sheeting is one of the most versatile building materials available. Not only is it durable, but it is also reasonably priced and easy to use. Here’s everything you need to know when using stainless steel in applications that require sheet metal fabrication.
Properties of stainless steel sheet
1. It is lustrous and hard
Stainless steel is an alloy steel that contains at least 10.5% chromium. The chromium content is what gives the metal its corrosion-resistant properties. The actual chromium content, together with the carbon content and the content of other metals, varies according to the application of the steel.
It should be noted that stainless steel is not completely resistant to corrosion or staining. The resistance of the metal will depend on its content and certain chemicals will damage the metal, regardless of its content.
However, this material offers some of the best resistance to corrosion and staining, especially when you consider the other qualities it offers (aesthetics, durability, etc.).
2. Paper thickness varies up to 1/4″.
Steel sheets
Stainless steel sheet can be very thin, but to qualify as “sheet metal” it can only be up to ¼” thick, after which the metal is called “plate”. The thickness of stainless steel sheet metal is measured with a gauge. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the plate.
3. There are a variety of options to suit your needs
Stainless steel sheet is available in a variety of configurations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Manufacturers may offer different grades, finishes and sizes, but the types tend to be standard across all manufacturers. These types can be.
Austrian 200 series: This series is made of chrome, carbon, manganese or nickel. It is possible to harden this series, but the disadvantage is the lack of corrosion resistance.
Austenitic 300 series: Between the 200 and 300 series, austenitic stainless steels account for approximately 70% of all stainless steel production. 300 series is the most ductile, weldable and corrosion resistant of all stainless steel grades. The most popular grade is 304, often referred to as A2 stainless steel. 18% chromium content and 8% nickel content also makes 304 known as 18/8.
Martensitic: This type is very strong and easy to work with, but less resistant to corrosion.
Ferritic: favoured for its ease of construction, ferritic stainless steels are less resistant to corrosion than austenitic.
Duplex: This product is approximately 50/50 austenitic and ferritic.
You may be interested in: Why does stainless steel rust?
How easy is it to manipulate stainless steel?
Working with stainless steel sheets is relatively easy in many ways, although there are challenges depending on what you intend to do and the grade you will be using. For example, thin sheets need to be welded with care to avoid warping or burning, while thicker sheets may be difficult to bend.
Cutting sheet metal is usually not difficult, provided you work with a supplier who has the right tools, such as a state-of-the-art laser cutter.
Welding
Welding steel
The two biggest difficulties in welding stainless steel sheets are the thickness of the metal and the heat distribution. As with any thin sheet metal, applying too much heat can distort the metal quickly and there is always a risk of burning.
MIG welding gives you good control over the amount of heat you apply, but your fabricator will still need to properly reinforce the weld and use plenty of iron nails to hold it in place. In addition, your technician should disperse the heat and allow the metal to cool as needed.
Bending
The thinner the sheet metal, the easier it is to bend. Thin sheets can be bent by hand, while thicker sheets will require a bending tool.
Cutting
Today, sheet metal can be cut using high-tech lasers. Metal shears, hacksaws, jigsaws or band saws can be used.
For which applications and industries is stainless steel the best?
You only have to look at your kitchen or your town to see all the ways in which stainless steel sheets can be used.
They come in many thicknesses and types, so they can be used in：
Architecture
Automotive
Medicine
Food service
Heavy industry (manufacture of large/heavy goods and bulk materials)
Energy
Up to this point, Tisco Steel have shown you the properties of stainless steel sheets. Machinable, customisable and often aesthetically pleasing, stainless steel sheets are the material of choice for the food industry.