Stainless Steel S301 Thin Plate Sheet Foil Strip 0.05mm - 0.8mm x 300mm x 1000mm

For shimming applications (bearing housings, machine gibs, appliance leveling), thicknesses of 0.05mm–0.15mm are typically sufficient. For formed brackets, spring clips, or structural patches, 0.2mm–0.5mm provides a better balance of formability and rigidity. Thicknesses of 0.6mm–0.8mm are suited to applications requiring a stiffer, more plate-like sheet that still bends with standard sheet-metal tools.

Thinner gauges (0.05mm–0.2mm) can be cut cleanly with sharp tin snips, a craft knife against a steel rule, or a rotary cutter. Thicker gauges (0.3mm–0.8mm) are best cut with aviation snips, a nibbler, an angle grinder with a thin cutting disc, or a metal-cutting bandsaw. Always deburr cut edges with a fine file or deburring tool before handling.

Yes. S301 contains chromium (typically 16–18%) and nickel (6–8%), which form a passive oxide layer that resists rust and surface staining in most outdoor and humid conditions. For prolonged exposure to salt spray or chloride-rich environments (coastal areas, pool surrounds), S316 would offer superior corrosion resistance; however, S301 performs well in standard outdoor DIY applications.

S301 stainless steel retains useful mechanical properties up to approximately 700–800°C (1290–1470°F) in intermittent service, making it suitable for light heat shields, exhaust wraps, and oven-adjacent fabrications. For continuous high-temperature service above that range, consider higher-grade alloys such as S310 or S321. Always verify the specific temperature requirements of your application before use.

In its annealed (as-supplied) condition, S301 is essentially non-magnetic. However, because it is an austenitic alloy with a relatively low nickel content, cold working — such as bending, rolling, or stamping — can induce martensite and cause slight magnetism in the deformed areas. If your application requires strict non-magnetic properties (e.g., near MRI equipment or precision magnetic sensors), test a formed sample before committing to the design, or contact us to confirm suitability.

S301 can be TIG or MIG welded using ER308L filler wire, which is the standard choice for 300-series stainless steels. For very thin gauges (0.05mm–0.1mm), laser welding or resistance spot welding gives better control and minimizes burn-through. Silver soldering is also possible with appropriate stainless-compatible flux. Standard tin-lead or lead-free soft solders do not bond reliably to stainless without aggressive acid flux, which can cause corrosion if not fully neutralized after soldering.

Store sheets flat or rolled (for thinner gauges) in a dry indoor environment, ideally interleaved with acid-free paper or polyethylene film to prevent contact marks and fingerprint staining. Avoid storing in contact with carbon steel tools or surfaces, as iron particles transferred to the stainless surface can cause rust spots. If the surface develops light staining, clean with a stainless-steel cleaner or a paste of baking soda and water, wiping in the direction of the grain.