301 Stainless Steel Sheet Plate — Precision-Cut Thin Shim Stock for DIY, Repair & Fabrication
When a project demands a thin, flat metal sheet that holds its shape under stress, most hardware-store options fall short — they're too thick, too soft, or cut to sizes that don't match your actual need. This 301 stainless steel sheet plate is stocked in four sheet sizes (100×100 mm / 100×300 mm / 100×500 mm / 200×300 mm) and thirteen thickness steps from 0.01 mm to 0.45 mm (0.0004″ to 0.018″), so makers, repair technicians, and fabricators can order exactly what the job requires without cutting waste.
Each piece is a flat-rolled 301 stainless steel sheet plate, supplied in the thicknesses listed above. The 100×100 mm format (≈ 3.94″ × 3.94″) suits small shim and gasket work; the 100×500 mm strip (≈ 3.94″ × 19.69″) covers longer banding or reinforcement runs; the 200×300 mm sheet (≈ 7.87″ × 11.81″) is a practical all-rounder for panel patches and bracket blanks. Thickness options span 0.01 mm, 0.02 mm, 0.03 mm, 0.04 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, and 0.45 mm.
Typical applications include shimming machine tool gibs and bearing housings, fabricating thin spring-steel-style clips, patching hairline cracks in sheet-metal enclosures, creating custom gaskets for low-pressure fittings, and producing decorative inlay strips for woodworking or knife handles. The 301 alloy's work-hardening characteristic makes it stiffer after bending — useful when a formed part needs to retain its shape without additional fasteners.
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Compatibility note: These flat sheets are uncoated and unfinished. They are compatible with standard metal-cutting tools (tin snips, angle grinder, laser cutter, waterjet). Verify thickness tolerance requirements before use in precision-fit applications.
✅ Key Features of These 301 Stainless Steel Sheet Plates
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📐13 thickness options: 0.01 mm through 0.45 mm in fine increments — choose the exact gauge your project requires without over-engineering.
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📏4 sheet sizes: 100×100 mm, 100×300 mm, 100×500 mm, and 200×300 mm cover the most common shim, patch, and blank dimensions.
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🔩301 alloy work-hardening: The 301 grade stiffens when cold-worked, so bent or formed parts hold their shape better than annealed 304 equivalents at the same thickness.
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🛡️Corrosion resistance: The chromium-nickel composition resists rust in typical indoor and light-outdoor environments, reducing the need for additional protective coatings.
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✂️Machinable with standard tools: Thin gauges (≤ 0.3 mm) cut cleanly with heavy-duty scissors or tin snips; thicker gauges respond well to angle grinders, jigsaws with metal blades, or CNC cutting.
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📦Sold by the piece: Order 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, or 20 pieces per variant — scale quantity to your project without committing to a full coil or sheet.
📐 Technical Specifications — 301 Stainless Steel Sheet Plate
| Material |
301 Stainless Steel |
| Finish |
Mill finish (uncoated, unpolished) |
| Available Sizes (W × L) |
100×100 mm · 100×300 mm · 100×500 mm · 200×300 mm |
| Thickness Range |
0.01 mm – 0.45 mm (13 steps) |
| Thickness Tolerance |
See variant options |
| Quantity per Order |
1 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 8 / 10 / 15 / 20 pcs |
| Tensile Strength (typical) |
See variant options / Contact us to confirm |
| Hardness |
See variant options |
| Magnetic |
Slightly magnetic when cold-worked |
| Weldability |
Weldable with standard stainless methods (TIG/MIG) |
| Surface |
Flat-rolled; edges may require deburring |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which thickness should I choose for a shim application?
For shimming machine gibs, bearing housings, or alignment tasks, start with the thinnest increment that closes your gap — typically 0.01 mm to 0.05 mm for fine adjustments, or 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm for coarser gaps. Stack multiple thin sheets rather than ordering one thick sheet when you need to fine-tune in the field.
How strong is 301 stainless steel compared to 304?
301 stainless has a higher work-hardening rate than 304. In the annealed state, tensile strength is similar, but after cold-working (bending, forming, or rolling), 301 becomes noticeably stiffer and stronger. This makes it a practical choice when a formed part needs to hold its shape without additional fasteners or supports.
Will these sheets rust or corrode?
301 stainless resists rust in typical indoor environments and light outdoor exposure. It is not recommended for continuous immersion in chloride-rich environments (e.g., saltwater or pool chemicals) without additional protection. For harsh marine or chemical environments, consider 316 stainless instead.
Can I cut these sheets with standard workshop tools?
Sheets at 0.3 mm and thinner cut cleanly with heavy-duty tin snips or aviation shears. Thicker gauges (0.35 mm–0.45 mm) are better suited to an angle grinder with a thin cutting disc, a jigsaw with a bi-metal blade, or CNC waterjet/laser cutting. Always deburr cut edges before handling.
Are these sheets compatible with welding?
Yes. 301 stainless is weldable using TIG or MIG processes with appropriate stainless filler wire (e.g., ER308L). Very thin gauges (≤ 0.05 mm) require careful heat management to avoid warping or burn-through. Spot welding is also feasible for thin-sheet assemblies.
How do I choose between the 100×100 mm and 200×300 mm sizes?
The 100×100 mm sheet is ideal for small shims, gaskets, inlays, or test coupons where minimal material is needed. The 200×300 mm sheet suits larger patches, bracket blanks, or projects where you need to cut multiple smaller pieces from a single sheet. The 100×300 mm and 100×500 mm strips work well for banding, reinforcement strips, or long narrow blanks.
Is the surface finish suitable for decorative use?
These sheets have a mill finish — flat and consistent, but not mirror-polished. For decorative applications such as knife handle inlays or furniture accents, you can sand or polish the surface with progressively finer abrasives (up to 2000-grit wet/dry paper, then a buffing compound) to achieve a brushed or mirror finish.
Can I order a custom size or thickness not listed?
The listed sizes and thicknesses cover the most common requirements. If you need a dimension outside the available options, contact us through the store's contact page and we will advise on the closest available option or discuss custom cutting possibilities.
🛒 Select your Width × Length, Thickness, and Qty above, then add to cart.
