Stainless steel is widely used in construction, manufacturing, home appliances, and other fields, and “Gauge” is an important unit to measure the thickness of stainless steel. Choosing the right Gauge can ensure the product’s strength, durability, and processing performance. This article will explain the definition, common specifications, and applications of stainless steel Gauge to help you make the right purchasing decision.
What is Gauge in Stainless Steel?
“Gauge” is a unit used to indicate the thickness of metal materials. Different Gauge values represent different thicknesses: the larger the value, the thinner the material; the smaller the value, the thicker the material. Common Gauge standards include American Standard (GA) and British Standard (SWG), but stainless steel plates are usually based on ASTM standards.
304 18 Guage Stainless Steel Sheets
Common Stainless Steel Gauge and Thickness Comparison Table
| Gauge (GA) | Thickness (mm) | Thickness (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 4.76 mm | 0.1875 in |
| 8 | 4.37 mm | 0.1719 in |
| 9 | 3.97 mm | 0.1563 in |
| 10 | 3.57 mm | 0.1406 in |
| 11 | 3.18 mm | 0.1250 in |
| 12 | 2.78 mm | 0.1094 in |
| 14 | 1.98 mm | 0.0781 in |
| 16 | 1.59 mm | 0.0625 in |
| 18 | 1.27 mm | 0.05 in |
| 20 | 0.95 mm | 0.0375 in |
| 22 | 0.79 mm | 0.0312 in |
| 24 | 0.64 mm | 0.025 in |
| 26 | 0.48 mm | 0.0187 in |
| 28 | 0.41 mm | 0.0156 in |
| 30 | 0.33 mm | 0.013 in |
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The Difference Between Gauge and MM Thickness Standards
There are many ways to express the thickness of stainless steel plates internationally, mainly including:
US GA (Gauge) standard: Common in the North American market, used to express the thickness of plates and coils.
Millimeter (mm) thickness standard: China, Europe, Japan, and other countries mostly use millimeters to express the thickness of stainless steel, which is more intuitive.
SWG (Standard Wire Gauge): Used for wires, the unit is slightly different from GA.
Key Factors for Choosing Different Stainless Steel Gauges
Durability: The thicker the thickness (the smaller the gauge number), the better the corrosion resistance and structural strength, suitable for industrial equipment and outdoor use.
Cost control: Thin stainless steel sheets are cheaper and suitable for non-load-bearing decoration and light electrical appliances.
Processing performance: Thinner materials are easy to form and process, and suitable for complex bending designs.
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Common Application Scenarios of Stainless Steel Gauge
Architectural Decoration
16 GA (1.59 mm) and 18 GA (1.27 mm) stainless steel plates are commonly used for exterior curtain walls, stair handrails, elevator panels, etc.
Choosing thinner 22 GA (0.79 mm) as decorative panels can reduce costs.
Industrial and Mechanical Equipment
10 GA (3.57 mm) or 12 GA (2.78 mm) thick plates are mostly used for mechanical housings, storage tanks, and chemical equipment.
These specifications can improve wear resistance and impact resistance and are suitable for harsh environments.
Home Appliances and Kitchenware
20 GA (0.95 mm) and 22 GA (0.79 mm) are commonly used in kitchen appliances and bathroom equipment, such as sinks, range hoods, etc.
This thickness ensures the lightness and durability of the product.
304 Stainless Steel, stainless steel sink
Pipes and Thin-Wall Structures
Stainless steel pipes are usually made in 18 GA (1.27 mm) and 20 GA (0.95 mm) gauges, which provide sufficient strength and are easy to install and weld.
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How to Choose the Right Stainless Steel Gauge?
Determine the thickness according to the purpose: For high-strength applications, please choose thicker specifications; for decoration or electrical housing, thinner specifications are more economical.
Consider the processing technology: Bending and stamping processes have higher requirements for thicker plates, which need to be planned in advance.
Environmental factors: Thicker plates should be used in outdoor or humid environments to improve corrosion resistance.
Choosing the right gauge is crucial to product quality, durability, and cost control. If you need to buy stainless steel products, please choose the right thickness according to the purpose and environment to ensure long-term use.
If you don’t understand, you can contact us directly. Our company has more than 15 years of experience in the stainless steel industry and can provide you with more professional stainless steel knowledge.
Why Choose Huaxiao Metal?
As a professional stainless steel metal supplier, Huaxiao Metal provides stainless steel sheets and coils in a variety of specifications and thicknesses. We support customized gauges according to customer needs and provide you with fast delivery and professional technical support. Welcome to contact us for stainless steel prices and detailed stainless steel product information!