Stainless Steel Sheet Bright Polish 12mm Thick Many Size Grade A2 304 L50-450mm

Select the size that is equal to or slightly larger than your finished cut dimension. For example, if your finished part is 90×90mm, choose the 100×100mm sheet and trim to fit. Cutting stainless steel 12mm thick requires an angle grinder with a stainless-rated cutting disc, a cold saw, or a plasma cutter — standard wood saws will not work.

Grade 304 has a tensile strength of approximately 515 MPa (75,000 psi) and a yield strength of around 205 MPa (30,000 psi). At 12mm thickness, these sheets are suitable for backing plates, mounting flanges, and light structural brackets. For applications subject to heavy dynamic loads or impact, consult a structural engineer to confirm suitability.

Grade 304 stainless steel resists rust in most outdoor environments due to its passive chromium oxide layer. However, in coastal or high-chloride environments (salt spray, de-icing salts), surface staining or pitting can occur over time. For those conditions, Grade 316 stainless is the recommended alternative. In standard outdoor or indoor-wet environments, 304 performs reliably without additional coating.

Yes. Grade 304 welds well using TIG (GTAW) or MIG (GMAW) processes with ER308L filler wire. At 12mm thickness, use adequate heat input and consider back-purging with argon to prevent oxidation on the reverse side. Post-weld passivation (citric or nitric acid treatment) is recommended to restore the corrosion-resistant surface in the heat-affected zone.

The bright polished finish is applied to the face side of the sheet. The reverse side typically has a mill or ground finish. If a polished appearance is required on both faces (for example, in a visible architectural installation), plan to polish the reverse side yourself using progressively finer abrasive pads or a polishing wheel.

Use sharp carbide-tipped drill bits rated for stainless steel. Drill at a slow speed (typically 300–600 RPM for holes under 10mm) with steady feed pressure and cutting fluid or oil to prevent work-hardening. For tapping, use a spiral-flute tap with cutting oil and back off every half-turn to clear chips. Avoid high-speed steel (HSS) bits without cobalt content — they dull quickly on 304 stainless.

Both are austenitic stainless steels, but Grade 316 adds 2–3% molybdenum, which significantly improves resistance to chloride pitting and crevice corrosion. For most indoor, food-service, and general outdoor applications, 304 is sufficient and more cost-effective. Choose 316 if the sheet will be in direct contact with salt water, chlorinated water, or industrial chemicals containing chlorides.