Perforated Stainless Steel Sheetsare in the form of a with pattern of holes created either manually or mechanically. These punched holes could be of any different shapes not necessarily circular. The perforation process has been in use for a long period of time dating more than 150 years back. Their initial use was limited to sifting coal from impurities but in our modern times the perforated stainless steel sheets are used in wide variety of applications. Earlier there was no well-known mechanical process for punching holes in steel for making perforations, so the holes were punched manually alone. The process was cumbersome and inefficient, since then we have come a long way in producing remarkable perforated stainless steel sheets
Perforated stainless steel sheets are an iron-based alloy, mixed with chromium and/or nickel. The alloy based perforated stainless steelsheets serve many purposes as they are quite durable and resistant to corrosion. The presence of chromium or nickel saves the sheets from oxidation by forming a thin invisible layer and eliminating corrosive action of weather elements. Just like normal stainless steel sheets, the perforated ones also come in different grades, gauges and sizes. Grades 304/304L and 316/316L are the most common ones among perforated sheets. The range of grades not limited to only above two grades, the other grades like 309, 310, 321 and 347 are also available. There are a few which are available in 400 grade series as well and mostly come in grades 409, 410 and 430.
Uses and Applications
Perforated stainless steel sheetsare used in wide range of applications. These sheets find a great amount of use in architectural firms for paneling and making covers for pillars. Quite often they are used for designing sunshades and canopies, for metallic signs, strong and robust fences and screens. In food industry they have a wide range of use, their beehive construction is cleverly exploited for making dryers for grains, ventilating the silos, making molds for cheese, also for making baking trays. In the beverage industry they are used making vats for wines, also juice presses for vegetables and fruits. These find extensive use in automotive industry as well and are used for making air filters, silencers for cars and bikes. They are also used for making screen guards for effective ventilation for tractor engines.Due to their strong, robust and light nature they are often times used in making auto-flooring units. Due to their high resistance they are very good for making oil filters and grilles for radiators. In almost all the auto-vehicles they are used for making ventilating s where ever required. In chemical industry these perforated stainless steel sheets are used for making filters, coal washing equipment, centrifuges, tubes for burning liquid gas, cages for deep underground mines etc. These sheets have excellent soundproofing and acoustic qualities and hence are used for making noise protectors for ceilings and acoustic panels. These are used for signboards and ventilation grilles in the construction industry.
Common Stainless Steel Sheets Dimensions
The perforated stainless steel sheets come in sizes of varying thicknesses, widths and lengths. The most common industry standard thicknesses range from 3/16” to 2” thickness. The sheets also come in widths of varying sizes; the two most common widths used in the industry are 48”and 60”, though it is not uncommon to find widths in excess of sixty inches. The lengths of stainless steel can be 96”, 120” and 144”. The size of the holes can vary from 1/16” to 5/8”of inch or as per customer specifications. So pick something that suits your needs and demands.