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Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Fabrication Service
Precision stainless steel sheet metal fabrication for durable, corrosion-resistant parts. Quick lead times, and cost-effective solutions.
Stainless Steel in Sheet Metal Fabrication
Stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and aesthetic appeal. It is common in sheet metal fabrication and widely applicable in the automotive, construction, and food processing industries.
Sheet metal fabrication techniques for stainless steel depend on the stainless steel sheet metal fabricator and the available stainless steel grades. RapidDirect fabricates stainless steel parts using SUS303, SUS304, and SUS316 grades due to their distinct properties.
| Price: | $$$ | Available Stainless Steel at RapidDirect: | SUS303, SUS304, and SUS316 |
|---|---|
| Lead Time: | < 5 days |
| Wall Thickness: | 0.2 mm |
| Tolerances: | ISO2768-C |
| Max Part Size: | 200 x 80 x 100 cm |
Stainless Steel SUS303
SUS303 has excellent machinability and corrosion resistance. It is suitable for high-precision custom stainless sheet fabrication
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 205 | 250 | 40 | 190 | 7.93 |
Stainless Steel SUS304
SUS304 is a widely used stainless steel fabrication material with excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 215 | 260 | 50 | 180 | 7.93 |
Stainless Steel SUS316
SUS316 has superior corrosion resistance, especially in chloride environments. Hence, it is suitable for marine and chemical processing applications.
| Tensile Strength, Yield (MPa) | Fatigue Strength (MPa) | Elongation at Break (%) | Hardness (Brinell) | Density (g/cm³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 240 | 260 | 50 | 200 | 7.98 |
Surface Finishing Options for Stainless Steel
RapidDirect offers stainless steel surface finishes that enhance strength, functionality, and appearance, ensuring high-quality results for all your sheet metal projects.
As Machined
Preserves stainless steel’s natural finish with visible machining marks, ideal for functional parts where aesthetics are secondary.
Sand Blasting
Creates a uniform matte texture by removing surface imperfections, enhancing appearance and adhesion for subsequent coatings or finishes.
Tumbling
Smooths edges and polishes the surface for improved aesthetics and a refined, uniform look, suitable for decorative or functional applications.
Electropolish
Polishes stainless steel to a bright, reflective finish, enhancing corrosion resistance, smoothness, and cleanliness for hygienic or decorative applications.
Electroplating
Applies a thin metallic coating (e.g., chrome or nickel) to enhance corrosion resistance, appearance, or specific functional properties.
Painting
Provides a decorative and protective finish in various colors, enhancing resistance to environmental factors and scratches.
Passivation
Improves stainless steel's corrosion resistance by removing surface contaminants and creating a passive oxide layer.
Powder Coating
Offers a durable, uniform finish that resists scratches, corrosion, and weathering, with customizable colors and textures.
Electrophoresis
Creates a smooth, corrosion-resistant coating through an electrochemical process, ideal for thin and uniform protective finishes.
Brushed
Produces a consistent linear texture that enhances the stainless steel's modern aesthetic while improving scratch resistance.
Powder Coating
Offers a durable, uniform finish that resists scratches, corrosion, and weathering, with customizable colors and textures.
Electrophoresis
Creates a smooth, corrosion-resistant coating through an electrochemical process, ideal for thin and uniform protective finishes.
Pros and Cons of Stainless-Steel Sheet Metal Fabrication
Aluminum offers many benefits that make it suitable for sheet metal fabrication processes. However, there are some downsides to consider before choosing it for any project.
Pros
- Excellent corrosion resistance.
- High strength and durability.
- Aesthetic appeal and easy maintenance.
- Good weldability and formability
Cons
- Higher cost compared to some other metals.
- Requires specialized equipment for fabrication.
- Heavier than materials like aluminum.
Applications of Stainless-Steel Sheet Metal Parts
Stainless steel sheet metal parts are widely used across various industries, including:
- Automotive components and exhaust systems
- Building facades and architectural elements
- Food processing equipment and storage tanks
- Medical device housings and surgical instruments
- Marine hardware and fittings
- Chemical processing tanks and pipelines
FAQs
Stainless steel fabrication involves several techniques, including welding, cutting, bending, and assembling. Techniques like laser and water jet are applicable in cutting the stainless steel sheets, while bending and forming are applicable in shaping them. Welding, including TIG and MIG welding, joins stainless steel parts.
Yes, stainless steel is weldable and joinable using techniques like TIG welding, MIG welding, and spot welding. It forms strong and durable joints. However, special considerations, such as using the correct filler materials and maintaining a clean working environment, are essential to avoid contamination and ensure high-quality welds.
The thicknesses of stainless steel sheets used in fabrication range from 0.5mm to 6mm. The specific thickness depends on the application and the required strength and formability of the final part. Thinner sheets are ideal for detailed and decorative applications, while thicker sheets are stronger and suitable for structural and industrial components.
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