301/304 Grade Stainless Steel Sheet Metal Plate 0.01mm to 0.4mm Thickness

304 stainless steel is the most widely used austenitic grade, offering reliable corrosion resistance in most indoor and light outdoor environments. 301 stainless steel has a lower nickel content, which gives it higher tensile strength and better work-hardening behavior — meaning it stiffens as it is bent or flexed. Choose 301 when you need spring-like resilience or higher load-bearing capacity in thin sections; choose 304 for general corrosion resistance and ease of fabrication.

Measure the gap you need to fill with a feeler gauge or dial indicator, then select the single thickness closest to that measurement, or stack multiple sheets to reach the target. For example, a 0.15mm gap could be filled with one 0.15mm sheet or three 0.05mm sheets. Ordering a multi-pack (3, 5, or 10 pcs) of a single thickness makes it easy to build up precise stacks without reordering.

Yes. Sheets in the 0.01mm–0.10mm range can typically be cut with sharp metal shears or heavy-duty scissors. Thicker sheets (0.15mm–0.40mm) are best cut with aviation snips, a rotary tool with a metal cut-off wheel, or a bench shear. Always deburr cut edges with a fine file or sandpaper to avoid sharp edges. Wear gloves when handling thin stainless sheet, as edges can be sharp even before cutting.

304 stainless steel resists rust and oxidation well in most outdoor conditions, including rain and humidity. It is not recommended for prolonged exposure to saltwater or chloride-rich environments without additional protection. 301 grade has slightly lower corrosion resistance than 304 due to its reduced nickel content. For marine or coastal applications, consider 316 grade instead, which is not part of this product line.

The 100×100mm sheet is ideal for small shims, gaskets, and patches. The 100×300mm sheet works well for strip-cut applications such as hinge shims, door frame repairs, or narrow backing plates. The 200×300mm sheet provides the most material per piece and is suited for larger gaskets, enclosure panels, or projects where you need to cut multiple smaller pieces from a single blank. If you are unsure, the 200×300mm size offers the most flexibility.

For a one-time repair or test fit, a single sheet is sufficient. If you are shimming multiple points on a machine (such as leveling feet or bearing housings), a 3-pack or 5-pack lets you cut individual shims from the same stock without reordering. The 10-pack offers the lowest per-sheet cost and is practical for workshop stock, repeated maintenance tasks, or projects where you expect to use multiple thicknesses over time.

Sheets are supplied flat. Very thin sheets (0.01mm–0.05mm) are flexible and will conform to surfaces under clamping pressure, which is desirable for shimming. Thicker sheets (0.10mm–0.40mm) are more rigid and maintain their flat profile under moderate load. Avoid applying uneven heat (such as direct flame) to thin sheets, as thermal stress can cause localized warping. For high-temperature applications, confirm the operating temperature range is within the limits of austenitic stainless steel (typically up to 870°C / 1600°F for 304 in intermittent service).