We keep a good stock of 304/316 2B and hot rolled sheet, brushed finish (DP1 – Dull Polish One Side, commonly called brushed) and mirror finish (MP1 is Mirror Polish One Side) available up to 6 mm thick. If we don’t have it in stock, we can usually source within 24/48 hours, or you can free issue the material and we can price to laser cut only.
We laser cut, bend and weld stainless steel for sign makers, yacht & boat builders, pharmaceutical & food plant manufacturers, and just about every industry in between. Although stainless steel is much more resistant to corrosion than ordinary carbon or alloy steels, in some circumstances it can corrode. It is ‘stain-less’ not ‘stain-free’. over time and if not maintained correctly, rust will develop on stainless steel. 316 grade is often referred to as marine grade, containing a minimum 2.0% molybdenum makes it much more corrosion resistant than 304 grade.
The cut quality is excellent; the level of detail achievable is higher than mild steel and aluminium. Stainless steel is more expensive than mild steel, but its decorative finishes combined with its corrosion resistance make it widely used across many industries.
Good To Know: Stainless steel doesn't rust like regular steel does, with a red oxide layer that flakes off. Corrosion usually occurs when contaminants settle on the surface of the stainless steel. So stainless steel can look rusty/tarnished if not properly maintained. 430 grade stainless steel has a higher carbon content and can be attracted to magnets.