1. Common specifications for stainless steel plate thickness
The standard thickness of stainless steel plates is usually in millimeters (mm), and common specifications include:
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Thin board: 0.3mm – 3.0mm (suitable for decoration, home appliance panels, etc.)
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Medium-thick plate: 3.0mm – 6.0mm (suitable for mechanical equipment, kitchen utensils, etc.)
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Thick plate: 6.0mm – 50mm (suitable for heavy industry, building structures, etc.)
Different industries have different requirements for thickness, and choosing the right specification is crucial.
2. Factors affecting the selection of stainless steel plate thickness
(1)Purpose requirements
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Decorative uses (0.3mm – 1.5mm)
For example, elevator decoration, billboards, interior decoration, etc., thinner stainless steel plates (such as 0.8mm or 1.0mm) are usually chosen, which is both beautiful and cost-saving. -
Kitchenware and food processing (1.0mm – 3.0mm)
Stainless steel countertops, commercial kitchen equipment, etc. require a certain strength. It is recommended to have 1.5mm – 3.0mm 304 stainless steel plates. -
Building structure (3.0mm – 10mm)
For example, steel structure support, curtain wall frame, etc., thicker boards (above 3mm) need to be selected to ensure load-bearing capacity. -
Industrial equipment (above 6mm)
Chemical storage tanks, ship parts, etc. require high corrosion resistance and strength, and 316L stainless steel plates above 6mm are usually used.
(2) Material Type
The thickness requirements for different stainless steel materials are also different:
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304 stainless steel: Universal type, suitable for most scenarios, with a wide range of thickness selection.
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316 stainless steel: More corrosion resistance, suitable for marine environments, and can appropriately reduce thickness.
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430 stainless steel: Low cost, but weak corrosion resistance, and thicker sheets may be required to make up for the performance gap.
(3)Environmental Factors
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Outdoor environment: It is recommended to choose slightly thicker specifications (such as 1.2mm or above) in stainless steel plates that have been exposed to wind and rain for a long time (such as exterior wall decoration) to reduce the risk of deformation.
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High corrosion environment: For example, in coastal areas and chemical plants, it is recommended to use 316 stainless steel, and appropriately increase the thickness (such as above 2mm) to extend the service life.
3. How to calculate the load-bearing capacity of stainless steel plates?
The load-bearing capacity of stainless steel plates depends on the thickness, material and support structure. General calculation formula:
Example:
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1.5mm thick 304 stainless steel plate (tensile strength 520MPa) with a load bearing capacity of about 150kg/m² under the support of 50cm.
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3mm thick 316 stainless steel plate can bear a load of more than 300kg/m² under the same conditions.
Suggestion: If you need high load bearing, you should choose thicker boards or add support structures.
4. Common misunderstandings: The thicker the better?
Although thick plates are stronger, not all scenarios require maximum thickness, otherwise it will lead to:
✅ Increased cost: Thick plates are more expensive and more difficult to process.
✅ Weight Problems: Too thick boards may affect installation and transportation.
✅ Unnecessary waste: If the decorative purpose is used with too thick stainless steel plate, the cost-effectiveness is low.
Correct method: Choose the thickness with the best cost-effectiveness according to actual needs
