Benefits of Stainless Steel Expanded Metal
Stainless steel is a group of iron-based alloys with a minimum of roughly 11 percent chromium, which inhibits rust and withstands extreme temperatures. The material also has a long cycle life and is fully recyclable, making it environmentally friendly.
There are more than 150 grades of stainless steel, and a handful are utilized for expanded metal applications. Specific performance characteristics vary by grade, but here are common traits.
- Easily fabricated; cut, form, or weld
- Resists corrosion
- High strength
- Low weight
- Easy to clean
- Stands up to high temperatures
- Simple to sterilize
- Withstands low temperatures
- Shiny, aesthetically pleasing appearance
- Good weldability
- Strong formability
- Resists magnetism, in some cases
When subjected to impact forces, stainless steel’s protective surface oxide layer self-heals. Unlike other materials, areas of stainless steel tubing that sustain nicks, marks, scratches, or other forms of damage are safe from degradation.
Stainless Steel Grades – Chemical Composition
Stainless steel is a family of iron-based alloys that contain a minimum of roughly 11 percent chromium, which produces a surface oxide layer that protects against degradation. Specific performance characteristics vary by grade, but the material offers an array of benefits.
| Alloy # | CR | Ni | C | Mn.Max. | Si-Max. | P.Max. | S.Max. | Other Elements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 18.0/20.0 | 8.0/11.0 | 0.08 Max. | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.040 | 0.030 | .......... |
| 304L | 18.0/20.0 | 8.0/11.0 | 0.03 Max. | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.040 | 0.030 | .......... |
| 305 | 17.0/19.0 | 10.0/13.0 | 0.12 Max. | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.040 | 0.030 | .......... |
| 308 | 19.0/21.0 | 10.0/12.0 | 0.08 Max. | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.040 | 0.030 | .......... |
| 309 | 22.0/24.0 | 12.0/15.0 | 0.20 Max. | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.040 | 0.030 | .......... |
| 310 | 24.0/26.0 | 19.0/22.0 | 0.25 Max. | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.040 | 0.030 | .......... |
| 314 | 23.0/26.0 | 19.0/22.0 | 0.25 Max. | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.040 | 0.030 | .......... |
| 316 | 16.0/18.0 | 10.0/14.0 | 0.08 Max. | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.040 | 0.030 | Mo. 2.00/3.00 |
| 316L | 16.0/18.0 | 10.0/14.0 | 0.03 Max. | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.040 | 0.030 | Mo. 2.00/3.00 |
| 317 | 18.0/20.0 | 11.0/15.0 | 0.08 Max. | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.040 | 0.030 | Mo. 3.00/4.00 |
| 321 | 17.0/19.0 | 9.0/12.0 | 0.08 Max. | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.040 | 0.030 | Ti 5xC Min. |
| 330 | 14.0/16.0 | 35.0/37.0 | 0.25 Max. | .... | .... | .... | .... | .......... |
| 347 | 17.0/19.0 | 9.0/13.0 | 0.08 Max. | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.040 | 0.030 | Cb+Ta 10xC Min. |
| 410 | 11.5/13.5 | .... | 0.15 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.040 | 0.030 | .......... |
| 430 | 14.0/18.0 | .... | 0.12 Max. | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.040 | 0.030 | .......... |
| 904L |
SS Expanded Metal Supplier
Our expanded metal products include:
Applications of Stainless Steel Expanded Metal
Stainless steel expanded metal is manufactured by slitting and stretching stainless steel sheets, producing diamond-shaped patterns that offer weight savings and the free passage of light, liquid, sound, and air. Additionally, it creates a decorative or ornamental effect.
These characteristics make stainless steel expanded metal suitable for a variety of applications.
- Architectural partitions
- Architectural barriers
- Building façade accents
- Security fencing
- EMI/RFI shielding
- Security mesh air-conditioning unit covers
- Window, door, and skylight guards
- Walkways, mezzanines, catwalks, stairways, and ramps
- Air intake screens
- Infill panels
- Vehicle cab dividers
- Light diffusers
- Anti-Slip flooring
- Maintenance platforms
- Billboard platforms
- Machine guards
Custom Stainless Steel Expanded Metal Manufacturer
Marco Specialty Steel can manufacture custom products from stainless steel expanded metal using your print, purchase order, or specification requirements. Our fabricating experts work with our client’s drawings to create one-of-a-kind expanded metal products. We can help those with a unique need but no vetted design, too.
Our experts work with you to develop a concept and make a prototype. Upon acceptance, full-scale production kicks off. Many industries can benefit from integrating stainless steel expanded metal sheet products into their applications.
- Construction
- Architecture
- Petrochemicals
- Agriculture
- Automotive
- Food and beverage processing
- Retail stores and restaurants
- Textiles
- Material webbing, converting, and rolling processes
We Are Your Stainless Steel Expanded Metal Trusted Partner
We’re happy to create expanded metal products from your stainless steel or acquire it ourselves. Letting us source the material frees you to focus on your core business. Our technicians can handle many stainless steel types.
- Austenitic Stainless Steel
- Ferritic Stainless Steel
- Duplex Stainless Steel
- Martensitic Stainless Steel
If you’re unsure which stainless steel type is best for your application, please get in touch with us. With extensive knowledge of stainless steel grade performance characteristics, we’re well-positioned to help you select the suitable material for your use case. Common material grades include:
- 304 Stainless Steel
- 304L Stainless Steel
- 316 Stainless Steel
- 316L Stainless Steel
Let’s Get Started
At Marco Specialty Steel, client satisfaction is our utmost priority. We’re dedicated to delivering stainless steel expanded metal products that fit and function as intended on time and within budget.
Contact us for information about our stainless steel expanded metal sheet capabilities. We’d love to discuss your needs in greater detail.
Marco Specialty Steel: Quality. Speed. Reliability.