Stainless Steel Strips

Product Description

Stainless steel strips are narrow, flat-rolled products generally defined by a width of less than **0mm. Their performance is determined by their chemical composition (grade), physical dimensions, and surface treatment.

1. Common Material Grades

* **4/**4L (Austenitic): The standard "*8/8" stainless. Excellent corrosion resistance and formability. Used for kitchenware, tubing, and architectural trim.
* **6/**6L (Austenitic): Contains Molybdenum, making it highly resistant to chlorides and marine environments. Ideal for chemical processing and coastal hardware.
* **0 (Ferritic): Magnetic with good corrosion resistance in mild environments. Frequently used for appliance panels and automotive trim.
* **0/**0 (Martensitic): High strength and hardness. Used for cutlery, surgical instruments, and wear-resistant parts.
* **1/**2: A lower-nickel alternative to the **0 series, offering high strength at a lower cost for indoor applications.

2. Dimensional Specs

* Thickness: Typically ranges from 0.*2 mm to 6.0 mm. Ultra-thin "precision foils" can go as low as 0.**5 mm.
* Width: Available from 2.0 mm up to **0 mm. (Anything wider is usually classified as a "sheet" or "wide coil").
* Tolerances: Precision strips often hold thickness tolerances as tight as +/- 0.**5 mm, depending on the gauge.
* Hardness/Temper: Available in various "tempers" based on cold-rolling:
* Annealed (Soft)
   * 1/4 Hard, 1/2 Hard, 3/4 Hard
   * Full Hard (highest tensile strength, lowest ductility)

3. Surface Finishes

* 2B: Cold-rolled, heat-treated, and pickled. A smooth, grey, semi-reflective "matte" finish. Most common for industrial use.
* BA (Bright Annealed): Processed in a vacuum furnace to produce a highly reflective, mirror-like finish without mechanical polishing.
* No. 4 (Brushed/Satin): Directional "grain" finish achieved with ******0 grit abrasives. Standard for kitchen appliances.
* 8K (Mirror): Highly polished to remove all grit lines, resulting in a true mirror reflection.
* No. 1: Hot-rolled, annealed, and descaled. Rough and dull; used where finish isn't critical.

4. Edge Conditions

* Slit Edge: Standard edge from a slitting machine (may have a slight burr).
* Deburred Edge: Burrs are mechanically removed for safety.
* Round/Rolled Edge: Treated to have a smooth, rounded profile, often required for exposed safety or decorative parts.

5. Mechanical Properties (Typical)

* Tensile Strength: Ranges from **0 MPa (Annealed **4) to over 1,**0 MPa (Full Hard **1).
* Elongation: High in annealed states (****0%) for deep drawing, but drops significantly as the material is hardened.