Understanding the weight of stainless steel will help you plan your fabrication or construction project with efficient load calculations, logistics considerations, and material cost calculations. Let's take an example. The weight for 2 mm-thick stainless steel will vary a little according to the grade of stainless steel, however, not the method of calculation.
Weight of 2mm Stainless Steel Sheet
Stainless steel density is approximately 8,000 kg/m³ or 8 grams/cm³. And this will give you the weight of a stainless steel sheet using the formula:
Weight (kg) = Length (m) × Width (m) × Thickness (m) × Density (kg/m³)
For a 1-meter x 1-meter sheet of 2mm stainless steel:
Weight = 1 × 1 × 0.002 × 8000 = 16 kg
Therefore, a normal 1m² of 2mm stainless steel weighs basically 16kg.
Does the Grade Affect the Weight?
Because the densities of stainless grades are close to identical, the weight difference of stainless grades such as 304 and 316 is only one of the few factors with the least seriousness in most instances. That being said, 316 vs. 304 stainless is still a pretty useful choice from a strength and corrosion perspective.
316 vs. 304 Stainless: Which Should You Choose?
Both grades 304 and 316 are austenitic stainless steels. But 316 has just a bit more molybdenum altogether, which gives it better resistance to marine or chloride-rich environments. 304 costs less and is more common in a more mundane environment, whereas 316 tends to be used for harsher environments where the life of the material is crucial.
If you are looking at outdoor, coastal, or chemical exposure, you might find the extra cost of 316 easy to absorb. For light-duty construction applications, you will be glad to see that 304 is a perfect solution for those applications. When considering the value of 304 or 316 stainless steel, again, consider your specific requirements and the long-term expense difference in material.
Understanding 304 Stainless Steel Yield Strength
304 stainless steel's yield strength is a major factor that must be taken into consideration. Yield strength refers to the stress point at which a material first starts to deform permanently.
- 304 stainless steel yield strength: Approximately 215 MPa (megapascals)
- Ultimate tensile strength: Around 505 MPa
This makes 304 stainless steel capable of taking a substantial beating and yet still retaining structural integrity.
Why Weight Matters
Knowing how much 2mm stainless steel weighs helps you:
- Estimate shipping and handling costs
- Plan structural support accurately
- Ensure safety compliance
- Budget material costs for projects
Need Stainless Steel Cut to Size in Los Angeles?
At BobCo Metals, we have stainless steel sheet stock and can cut 2 mm-thick stainless to your specifications. Do you need help determining which of the two stainless options is right for you and need more information about the 304 stainless steel yield strength? Our team can help.
Visit BobCoMetals.com or stop by our Los Angeles warehouse to speak with our metal experts today.
