What dimensions are available for stainless steel sheets?

The dimensions of stainless steel sheet refer to the geometric parameters of length, width and material thickness of a flat-rolled metal product. Production at the rolling mills initially begins with continuous strips known as coils. Manufacturers produce these coils in precisely defined standard widths. Only subsequent processes such as edge trimming and cut-to-length processing produce the sheets used in industrial manufacturing. The dimensional accuracy of these sheets is subject to tight tolerances in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9445, ensuring precise downstream processing in laser cutting or press brake centres.

Terms and synonyms

The industry uses various nomenclatures for stainless steel sheets and their dimensions. These terms generally define either the chemical grade or the geometric format.

V2A and V4A

These historical designations stand for “Test Melt 2 Austenite” and “Test Melt 4 Austenite”. V2A (usually grade 1.4301) and V4A (usually 1.4404 with added molybdenum) describe the corrosion resistance of the sheets, irrespective of their dimensions.

AISI 304 and AISI 316

This is the American designation system of the American Iron and Steel Institute. AISI 304 is largely equivalent to the European grade 1.4301, while AISI 316L corresponds to 1.4404. These designations are essential for material specifications in international project business.

Small, medium and large formats

These terms describe the standard dimensions commonly used in German-speaking countries:

• Small format (KF): 1,000 x 2,000 mm
• Medium format (MF): 1.250 x 2.500 mm
• Large format (GF): 1.500 x 3.000 mm

These formats are stocked by service centers and distributors for short-term requirements.

Chemical composition

The chemical composition defines the physical limits of formability and surface finishing. Here we list the constituents of the two most common grades we process at mirrorINOX:

• Chromium (Cr): 17.5–19.5% (forms the passive layer that provides corrosion protection)
• Nickel (Ni): 8.0–10.5% (stabilizes the austenitic microstructure)
• Molybdenum (Mo): 2.0–2.5% (only in V4A/1.4404 for resistance to chlorides)
• Carbon (C): max. 0.07% (lower content improves weldability)
• Manganese (Mn): max. 2.0% (enhances strength during the rolling process)
• Silicon (Si): max. 1.0% (used to deoxidize the melt)

Properties

The physical and mechanical properties vary depending on the alloy and degree of cold work, which directly affects the choice of stainless steel sheet dimensions.

Mechanical Properties

Stainless steel sheets exhibit high tensile strength and elongation. For large dimensions and low material thicknesses, the inherent stiffness of the material must be taken into account. We produce finishes on sheets that offer excellent flatness despite their dimensions, which is crucial to the visual quality of façades.

Physical Properties

The density of stainless steel is approximately 7.9 to 8.0 kg/dm³. When planning custom sizes, we calculate the exact weight of each sheet, as this affects logistics and on-site installation. A mirror-polished sheet in extremely large dimensions requires specialised lifting equipment and a precisely engineered structural subframe.

Corrosion Resistance

The alloying elements enable the material to form a protective passive layer. For sheet used in exterior applications, such as façades, we select the grade (e.g. 1.4404) to suit the environmental exposure. Our finishing processes, such as PVD/TiN coating or nanoINOX®, provide additional surface protection.

Magnetism

Austenitic stainless steel sheets in grades 1.4301 and 1.4404 are non-magnetic in the solution-annealed condition. Cold forming or, for certain dimensions, the rolling process may result in slight residual magnetism. For specific industrial applications, we test this property as part of our quality assurance process.

Applications and Industries

Stainless steel sheets in variable dimensions are used across numerous sectors thanks to their versatility. We supply custom solutions for the following applications:

• Architecture and construction: We manufacture large-format sheets for façade cladding, roofs and wall elements to minimize visible joints.
• Elevator construction: For cabin walls and doors, we use specific fixed dimensions that enable efficient installation with minimal material waste.
• Yacht and shipbuilding: Sheets in grade 1.4404 are often used here, which we mirror-polish for ceiling and wall cladding.
• Mechanical and equipment engineering: We supply surface finishes for cleanroom and medical technology as well as tank construction in precise industrial formats.
• Shopfitting and exhibition stand construction: For signage, counter cladding and design elements, we finish sheet metal in custom widths.
• Transportation: We manufacture durable, visually appealing cladding for escalators and railway stations.

Overview of international standard designations

For procurement and design, knowledge of international standards for stainless steel sheet dimensions and grades is essential:

• EN 10088-2: The European standard for corrosion-resistant steels in sheet and strip form.
• ASTM A240: The US standard for stainless steel plate and sheet for pressure vessels and general applications.
• JIS G4305: The Japanese Industrial Standard for cold-rolled stainless steel sheet.
• ISO 9445: The standard for dimensional and shape tolerances of cold-rolled wide strip and sheet.

Finishing stainless steel sheets – What mirrorINOX makes of them

mirrorINOX is the specialist partner for finishing stainless steel sheets at its Cleebronn facility. Since 2016, we have used state-of-the-art equipment to produce surfaces that set new functional and aesthetic standards. Our production is certified to ISO 9001, ensuring complete documentation and reproducibility for every batch. We process sheets in standard dimensions as well as exceptional custom formats that are unique worldwide.

IExcellence in References:

• Perfect Mirror No. 10® (“The Rock”): For this extraordinary art project, we polished grade 1.4404 stainless steel sheets to the record-breaking dimensions of 14.973 x 3.347 x 16,0 mm with an individual weight of 6.415 kg per sheet.
• Holocaust Memorial (Studio Libeskind): Supply of approx. 2,000 m² of Super Mirror No. 8 in custom dimensions of 12,000 x 2,000 mm.
• RMK Headquarters (Yekaterinburg): Use of 12,000 m² of pattern-rolled, glass bead-blasted and PVD-coated sheets in custom dimensions.

With our wide range of processes, such as grinding and glass bead blasting, we offer a variety of textures that can be reproducibly applied to sheets in standard and custom widths.