Stainless Steel Sheet and Plate
Sheet metal, as the name suggests, is metal formed into thin, flat sheets, which can then be cut, bent, and shaped into a wide variety of objects for both industrial and domestic use. Common applications include medical tables, vehicle bodies, airplane wings and fuselages, and building roofs.
Thickness and Gauge
Sheet metal comes in a range of thicknesses. Very thin sheets are often called leaf or foil, while thicker pieces (usually over 6mm) are referred to as plate. Thickness is measured using a non-linear gauge system: the thinner the sheet, the higher the gauge number. Steel sheet metal commonly ranges from 30 gauge to 7 gauge.
Materials
Many metals can be produced as sheet metal, including:
- Stainless steel
- Aluminium
- Brass
- Copper
- Tin
- Nickel
- Titanium
Stainless steel sheet and plate is especially popular where corrosion resistance and low maintenance are essential, such as:
- Fuel and chemical tankers
- Chemical and petrochemical plants
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Modern architecture and construction
Its anti-bacterial properties also make it ideal for the medical, food processing, and catering industries.
Finishes and Grades
Depending on the application, stainless steel sheets and plates can be supplied with:
- Dull or satin polished finish (with protective coating on one side)
- Circular finish for decorative applications
Grade 304 and 304L are the most versatile commercial grades, offering excellent weldability, formability, and corrosion resistance at an economical cost. In coastal or marine environments, Grade 316 is often preferred for its superior corrosion resistance.
