Type 304

No. 2B Finish - Cold Rolled, Annealed

Spec Table

Type 304

No. 4 Finish - Polished One Side

Spec Table

Type 316

No. 2B Finish - Cold Rolled, Annealed

Spec Table

#4 Brushed Finish:
The #4 polish finish is only available on 304 stainless steel sheet. It has a 150-180 grit grain in one direction and comes with a protective plastic film over the brushed/polished side.

#8 Mirror Finish:
The #8 reflective mirror finish is a polished, highly reflective finish with the grain marks polished out. It comes with a protective plastic film over the reflective side.

What to expect from Mill Finishes:
Neither 2B nor 2D is a polished or cosmetic finish. Light scratches, scuffs, and variations in surface appearance may be present. These finishes do not come with protective film.

2B Mill Finish:
The 2B mill finish is a relatively bright, cold-rolled industrial finish with no directional grain.

2D Mill Finish:
The 2D mill finish is a duller, less reflective cold-rolled industrial finish with no directional grain.

Stainless Steel Finishes Guide >

304 Stainless Steel

Type 304 is the most commonly used stainless steel alloy. It stands out with its strong formability and excellent weldability. It can be easily roll-formed or bent to suit specific needs making it a top choice for various applications. 304 offers reliable corrosion resistance and performs well in both chemical and atmospheric conditions.

Characteristics of alloy 304:
Machinability = Fair
Corrosion Resistance = Good
Weldability = Excellent
Bending/Forming = Good
Magnetic = No

Common applications of alloy 304:

• Best general-purpose stainless steel and is suitable for a broad range of applications.
• Food processing equipment, including containers and conveyors.
• Kitchen appliances, such as sinks, cookware, countertops, and backsplashes.
• Architectural elements like railings and panels.
• Chemical processing equipment, including tanks and piping.
• Medical instruments and devices.

309 Stainless Steel

Type 309 stainless steel is used primarily in high-temperature applications. It offers excellent resistance to oxidation and scaling at elevated temperatures while maintaining good strength.

Characteristics of alloy 309:
Machinability = Fair
Corrosion Resistance = Excellent
Weldability = Excellent
Bending/Forming = Good
Magnetic = No

Common applications of alloy 309:

• Furnace components, including heating elements and radiant tubes.
• Heat exchangers.
• Oven linings.
• Industrial heat shields.
• Thermal processing equipment.
• Exhaust systems in industrial settings.

316 Stainless Steel

Type 316 stainless steel stands out with its superior corrosion resistance and elevated temperature strength, surpassing that of type 304. This high-corrosion resistance alloy is particularly effective against pitting-type corrosion. Our stainless steel sheet is dual-certified as 316/316L, a crucial feature for preventing corrosion after welding. It excels in welding, machining, grinding, and forming applications, making it a versatile choice for various industries. (Sometimes 316 is referenced as “marine grade” because of its excellent corrosion resistance (better than 304).)

Characteristics of alloy 316:
Machinability = Fair
Corrosion Resistance = Excellent
Weldability = Excellent
Bending/Forming = Good
Magnetic = No

Common applications of alloy 316:

• Best for corrosion resistance and hygiene.
• Marine equipment, including boat hardware and propellers.
• Pharmaceutical processing equipment.
• Chemical industry equipment.
• Food processing equipment.
• Medical equipment, such as surgical instruments and orthopedic implants.

430 Stainless Steel

Type 430 stainless steel is a magnetic alloy known for combining good corrosion resistance, heat and oxidation resistance up to 1500°F, and good mechanical properties. This alloy is commonly used in applications where appearance is not the primary concern. Notably, type 430 offers corrosion resistance when exposed to atmospheric and mildly corrosive environments. It finds its best fit in both interior and exterior applications where corrosion resistance takes precedence over strength.

Characteristics of alloy 430:
Machinability = Good
Corrosion Resistance = Good (less than 304 and 316)
Weldability = Fair
Bending/Forming = Good
Magnetic = Yes

Common applications of alloy 430:

• Applications where cosmetic appearance is not a primary concern.
• Good corrosion resistance in mild environments.
• Pharmaceutical processing equipment.
• Equipment panels, covers, and components requiring magnetic properties.
• Automotive components, including certain trim applications.
• Interior architectural elements, including panels and kick plates where a mill finish is acceptable.

Order online for standard cuts
Choose your stainless steel sheet alloy, gauge, finish, dimensions, and quantity to order a standard rectangular cut directly through our website.

Need something more?
For holes, notches, special shapes, bends, tighter tolerances, or other custom fabrication requirements, our team can review your project and help determine the next steps.

Request a Custom Quote >

Same-Day Shipping
We strive to ship the same business day if we receive your order by 12:00pm Central Time.*Please keep reading to learn more about our order processing and shipping policies.

Order Processing:
*Most orders are processed and shipped within 1 business day. However, if your order absolutely, positively needs to ship the same business day, give us a call at (812) 429-1634 so we can expedite the order processing.

Select orders may require additional processing time based on their size, cutting method, and quantity.

Processing time is separate from carrier transit time, which begins after the order ships.

Unlike typical online orders that are pre-boxed and ready to go, custom-cut metals are processed from mill sizes and custom-packaged per order. Cut2Size may divide the shipment into separate packages to ensure each item is properly secured and protected. We take exceptional care to ensure every order meets our customers' expectations for accuracy, quality, and secure packaging to arrive undamaged.