What is the Cost Of Stainless-Steel Plates, Bars, and Sheets In California?

Stainless steel’s properties and versatility have earned it a wide reputation among experts and customers alike. Among other impressive properties of this major metal material, are its resistance to cryogenic temperatures, corrosion resistance, tensile and yield strengths, high-temperature strength, high oxidation resistance, ductility, and recyclability. It is widely used in the manufacture of jewellery, motor shafts, food and drinks equipment, agricultural equipment, cutlery, automotive body parts, and medical instruments, among others. Its aesthetic appeal and cleanability separate it from other metals.

If a metal detail part is going to be designed to meet the specifications of a customer, then stainless steel is the best material. It has a better shelf life and is resistant to any kind of corrosion. A variety of stainless-steel types are available on the market, including austenitic stainless steel, ferritic stainless steel, duplex stainless steel, martensitic stainless steel, and precipitation hardening stainless steel. It also comes in different grades, such as the 200 series, 300 series, including the 304 and 316, and 400 series.

In manufacturing these classifications, the number of alloying elements determines their quality and properties, with chromium being the lead element. It gives the metal its stainless property. To be considered stainless steel, there must be at least 10.5% of this element, or even better, 12% to 13%. Besides that, it acts as a corrosion inhibitor and a ferrite stabilizer. Other alloying elements include silicon, copper, cobalt, nitrogen, nickel, manganese, and molybdenum. The price of stainless steel depends on the mill and surcharge. This guide discusses the estimated costs of some common grades of stainless-steel plates, bars, and sheets in California, USA.

What is the Cost of Stainless-Steel Plates?

Also known as corrosion-resistant steel, this material is ideal for various applications, including modern architecture, an example seen in the exterior design of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, construction, fuel tankers, pharmaceutical industries, and petrochemical plants. The specifications of this material include:

• 304
• 304L
• 304H
• 316
• 316L
• 316H
• 316Ti
• 321
• 321H
• S31803
• S32750
• S32760

On average, the price for these specifications per metric ton in California start from $600 and could run into a couple of thousand dollars. Likewise, the thickness range from 2mm to 10mm. For hot rolled AISI, GB, ASTM, or JIS standard, with specifications between A240 to 316L, the price per ton can range from $640 to $980. For these stainless-steel plates, the surface treatment implements milling.

The cost of galvanized, cold-rolled, ASTM standard 200, 300, and 900 series range from $550 to $650 per ton. Hot rolled stainless steel for the 300 series, with rough turning being used for surface treatment, cost $16.5 per kilogram. Stainless steel plates are the ideal choice where the factors of corrosion and maintenance are essential for various applications, including decorative laminates and electronic circuit boards. When it comes to manufacturing press plates, alloy 410 gets the job done the most.

What is the Cost of Stainless-Steel Bars?

These alloyed materials combine less than 2% of carbon, chromium, nickel, manganese (1%), iron, sulphur, phosphorus, and silicon, to mention a few. The presence of carbon and iron gives it its high tensile strength, while chromium provides lustre. The bars come in the following shapes:

• Rectangular
• Square
• Hexagonal
• Flat
• Angle
• Round

Specifications for round bars range from 303 to 430 F, and the diameter can sit anywhere between 3mm and 406.4mm. Stainless steel flat bars come in sizes ranging from 20x10mm to 100x25mm, while hexagon bars fall within .3125” and 2.500”. Round, cold-drawing, 200 and 300 series (JIS, GB, AISI, and ASTM standard, to mention a few) cost between $1,000 and $2,000 per ton. Cold-drawn, stainless steel flat bars with Ba, 2b, 8k, 6k, No.4 Brush, and No.1 surfaces and thickness measuring between 0.15mm and 3.0mm cost from $1,050 to $1,500.

On the other hand, polished, hot-rolled, ASTM standard stainless steel 12mm bar for the 200 and 300 series cost between $1,150 and $1,500 per ton. These bars are highly effective in applications, like Die steel bars, tool steel bars, and structural steel bars. Hot-rolled, angle 300 series cost anywhere from $1,500 and $3,000. For forged, cold-drawn, or hot-rolled duplex stainless-steel bars (hexagonal, angled, flat, square, and round), the price per ton starts from $2,500 and could be as high as $3,500.

Customers can choose the length, diameter, and grade that meets their needs. Stainless steel bars are useful when it comes to producing grills, base plates, braces, brackets, and ornamental works. Moreover, their applications include pump shafts, automotive components, valves, fasteners, and tools.

What is the Cost of Stainless-Steel Sheets?

Stainless steel sheets are less thick than plates as their measurements peak at ¼ inch. Measurement is based on gauge number, which if higher implies that the sheet is thinner, and vice versa. Sheets come in different grades, including 200 and 300 series Austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, and duplex. Hardening is available for the 200 series. Unfortunately, it is not corrosion-resistant.

Around 70% of the steel produced is austenitic. The 300 series stainless steel is perfect for individuals seeking the highest level of corrosion resistance. These stainless steels are also highly weldable and ductile. The most popular grade in this series is the 304, which contains 8% nickel and 18% chromium. Sometimes, it is called the A2 stainless or the 18/8.

Cold-rolled, 300 series 8k mirror-polished stainless-steel sheets cost between $1,350 and $3,250 per ton. For hot-rolled, bright, pickling, or polished sheets, prices range from $900 to $2,000 per ton. For cold-rolled grades between 904L and 253mA, the price per ton sits between $2,500 and $3,200. Cold-rolled 400 series cost between $1,950 and $2,100.

Stainless steel sheets perform excellently as rust-resistant. Their notable strength makes them effective in finishing appliances, like refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, and even kitchen countertops.

The Bottom Line

Stainless steel is an all-around material that has its applications rooted in several industries, including automotive and construction. It is relatively strong and can withstand extreme temperatures and conditions. Customers who intend to purchase stainless steel plates, bars, and sheets in California may find this guide useful for getting estimates. For actual costs, request a quote from a reputable Californian distributor.

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