Metal Sheets Ltd are suppliers and fabricators of patterned stainless steel sheet. We stock popular patterns, sizes and thicknesses. We sell to the trade or public and we manufacture products such as table tops and splashbacks and unbreakable mirrors.
This page shows these sheets, their grades and finishes. Contact sales@metalsheets.co.uk for prices etc.
Stainless Steel Sheet Finishes
The surface finishes available on stainless sheet is vast, the basic form of the sheet from the mill where the sheet is produced has a plain grey appearance. This is the starting point from which other finishes begin.
Embossed Rigidised Stainless Sheet
Embossed patterns are generally rolled into the sheet, this is called rigidised stainless steel. There are dozens of patterns and colours on the market, for example Steelcolor in Italy, we stock a few that we use. See our Stock.
Mirror Finish Stainless Steel
Mirror finishes are achieved by either a mechanically polishing or a chemically polishing process.
Super Bright is a common polish grade, often called mirror finish, but this does have a slight grain in the sheet which is more evident when viewed obliquely.
Metal Sheets Ltd stocks a chemically polished grade often referred to as Super Mirror, it is a much superior product. There is no grain, the reflected image is as clear as a glass mirror. See our Stock
Brushed Finish Stainless Steel
Brushed finish, known as Dull Polish in the trade, is a mechanical process. The finish is achieved using grit in the polishing media. Variations in effect are achieved by using different grits.
Metal Sheets Ltd usually stocks 240 grit finish which is a popular general purpose finish. It is often used for domestic and commercial kitchens, splash backs, display equipment, shelving etc. See our Stock
Perforated Stainless Sheet
We have 10 variations of perforated stainless sheet, hole sizes from 0.75mm diameter up to 8mm diameter. The holes are set out in a staggered T pattern so the distance between holes is the same. 1mm dia and 2mm dia are offered in two grade of stainless, 304 and 316. The edge of the sheet has an unperforated edge of about 10mm, this can be along the two long sides or around the perimeter, so bear this mind at design stage. See our stock
Stainless Steel Grades
There are many grades of stainless steel on the market, we stock some of the more popular ones.
Grade 430 stainless steel has moderate corrosion resistance and is generally used for indoor applications. It is an economy grade. Typical uses are back splashes, display shelving, wall cladding and magnet notice boards, equipment cladding, domestic ware. 430 is also non magnetic, it has no nickel content, so it can be used for magnet boards.
Grade 304 stainless steel is the old 18/8 stainless and one of the most widely used grades of stainless. It has excellent corrosion resistance. Typical uses are table tops, counters, kitchen wall cladding, point of sale catering displays, brewery, potable water and dairy equipment, signage and building cladding. Elon Musk’s SpacX’s rockets use stainless steel.
Grade 316 stainless steel is more corrosion resistant than 304 and is suitable for more arduous environments like marine and coastal. Typical uses are catering equipment for corrosive foods, (e.g. meat/blood, foods with moderate salt content) where frequent cleaning takes place, pharmaceutical,
Grades of stainless steel higher than 316 available for use in more corrosive environments such as hot brine, salty and slow moving foods.
Stainless Steel Grades Cross Reference and Typical Composition
| AISI | BS | EN | Composition Cr / Ni / C |
|---|---|---|---|
| 430 | 430S17 | 1.4016 | 17 / 0 / 0.08 |
| 304 | 304S31 | 1.4301 | 18 / 8 / 0.07 |
| 316 | 316S31 | 1.4401 | 17 / 11 / 0.07 |
| 316L | 316S11 | 1.4404 | 17 / 11 / 0.03 |