Stainless steel tolerances are a very important concept when it comes to manufacturing high-quality stainless steel products. Stainless steel tolerances refer to the allowable deviations in size and shape during the manufacturing process and are critical to ensuring product quality and functional stability. For manufacturers, mastering the concept and control methods of stainless steel tolerances can enable them to better control the manufacturing process and ensure that products meet customer requirements and standards.
This article will introduce the concept, classification, control method, and application in different industries of stainless steel tolerance in detail, aiming to help readers better understand and master this important concept.
What is Stainless Steel Tolerance?
In the production process of stainless steel sheets, there are always tolerances in length, width, and thickness. Tolerance refers to the dimensional change of the stainless steel coil sheet within the allowable range, which is the error range specified by the national standard, and the tolerance can be controlled.
When buying and selling boards, it is usually calculated according to the theoretical thickness. This is why the theoretical price is lower than the weighing price. Tolerances are also divided into sizes and prices are also different. The price of large tolerances is cheap, for example, 6 mm, If it is below 5.5, it is a large tolerance. Next, Huaxiao Stainless Steel will introduce you to the tolerance range value.
304 Stainless Steel Tolerance
2B Finish Stainless Steel Tolerance
See the table below for the tolerance range of 304 cold-rolled stainless steel (for reference only)
| Specification | Large tolerance | Normal tolerance | Small tolerance | No tolerance |
| 0.4MM | 0.3-0.32 | 0.33-0.37 | 0.37-0.39 | 0.39above |
| 0.5MM | 0.4-0.42 | 0.43-0.47 | 0.47-0.49 | 0.49above |
| 0.6MM | 0.5-0.52 | 0.53-0.57 | 0.57-0.59 | 0.59above |
| 0.7MM | 0.6-0.62 | 0.63-0.67 | 0.67-0.69 | 0.69above |
| 0.8MM | 0.7-0.72 | 0.73-0.77 | 0.77-0.79 | 0.79above |
| 0.9MM | 0.8-0.82 | 0.83-0.87 | 0.87-0.89 | 0.89above |
| 1.0MM | 0.89-0.91 | 0.91-0.94 | 0.94-0.99 | 0.99above |
| 1.2MM | 1.01-1.08 | 1.09-1.15 | 1.16-1.18 | 1.18above |
| 1.5MM | 1.32-1.38 | 1.39-1.45 | 1.46-1.48 | 1.48above |
| 2.0MM | 1.71-1.79 | 1.8-1.86 | 1.87-1.9 | 1.9above |
| 2.5MM | 2.23-2.38 | 2.39-2.42 | 2.42-2.47 | 2.47above |
| 3.0MM | 2.7-2.77 | 2.78-2.85 | 2.85-2.9 | 2.9above |
No.1 Finish Stainless Steel Tolerance
The tolerance range table of the hot-rolled plate is shown in the following table (for reference only)
| Specification | Large tolerance | Normal tolerance | Small tolerance | No tolerance |
| 3.0MM | 2.6-2.75 | 2.75-2.85 | 2.86-2.9 | 2.9above |
| 4.0MM | 3.2-3.6 | 3.6-3.75 | 3.75-3.95 | 3.95above |
| 5.0MM | 4.2-4.6 | 4.6-4.75 | 4.75-4.95 | 4.95above |
| 6.0MM | 5.1-5.5 | 5.5-5.75 | 5.75-5.9 | 5.9above |
| 8.0MM | 7.2-7.5 | 7.5-7.75 | 7.75-7.95 | 7.9above |
| 10.0MM | 9.1-9.3 | 9.3-9.6 | 9.6-9.85 | 9.85above |
| 12.0MM | 11.1-11.2 | 11.2-11.6 | 11.6-11.85 | 11.85以上 |
| 14.0MM | 13.1-13.2 | 13.2-13.6 | 13.6-13.85 | 13.85以上 |
For more stainless steel models or questions, please contact Huaxiao Stainless Steel.
Stainless Steel Tolerance Control Methods
Stainless steel tolerance control methods can be divided into the following categories:
CNC Machining CNC machining is a commonly used processing method in the modern manufacturing industry. It uses computer-controlled machine tools to process parts with high precision, high efficiency, and good stability. In CNC machining, manufacturers can precisely control the tolerance range in the machining process by writing programs, so as to achieve the purpose of controlling tolerances.
Measuring tools are one of the important tools for controlling tolerances. Manufacturers can use a variety of measuring tools to check the size and shape of a product to determine whether it meets requirements. Common measuring tools include micrometers, vernier calipers, height gauges, coordinate measuring machines, etc. When using these measurement tools, manufacturers need to guarantee their accuracy and precision in order to guarantee the reliability of the measurement results.
Process Control Another method of controlling stainless steel tolerances is process control. During the manufacturing process, the manufacturer can control the conditions of machining, heat treatment, cooling, etc. to ensure that the product meets the required tolerance requirements. For example, the size and range of tolerances are controlled by adjusting parameters such as processing speed, depth of cut, heat treatment temperature, and time.
Management System An effective management system can help manufacturers achieve precise control of tolerances. The management system can ensure that all operations and processes follow the standards and procedures, thus ensuring the consistency and stability of product quality. Manufacturers can use quality management system standards such as ISO 9001 to ensure product quality, and can also conduct internal audits and external certification to ensure that tolerance control meets standard requirements.
The above are some common stainless steel tolerance control methods, and manufacturers can choose appropriate methods to control tolerances according to their own needs and product requirements. It should be noted that different control methods require different techniques and equipment support, and manufacturers need to conduct experiments and adjustments in actual operation to ensure the effect of controlling tolerances.
Applications of Stainless Steel Tolerances in Different Industries
Stainless steel tolerance is an important concept in the manufacturing industry, and its application range is very wide. The following are examples of the application of stainless steel tolerance in different industries:
Automotive manufacturing is one of the most important fields of application of stainless steel tolerances. The manufacture of automotive components requires precise control of tolerances to ensure a precise fit and functional stability of individual components. For example, critical components such as cylinder liners and crankshafts in automobile engines need to be controlled through strict tolerances to ensure their performance and life.
Aerospace Manufacturing Aerospace manufacturing is one of the industries that require very high tolerances on stainless steel. In aircraft manufacturing, precision and reliability are among the most important requirements. For example, the manufacture of aircraft engine blades requires tight tolerance controls to ensure precision and consistency in their shape and size. In addition, the fuselage, wings, and control surfaces of the aircraft also need precise tolerance control to ensure its strength and reliability.
Medical devises Medical devices are another important area of application for stainless steel tolerances. Medical device manufacturing requires precise tolerance control to ensure device accuracy and reliability. For example, the manufacture of critical devices such as cardiac pacemakers requires precise tolerance control to ensure their performance and reliability, as well as their safety for the human body.
Petrochemical is an industry that requires high tolerances for stainless steel. The manufacture of petrochemical equipment requires precise tolerance control to ensure the corrosion resistance, high-temperature resistance, and pressure handling capacity of the equipment. For example, equipment such as reactors and towers in an oil refinery requires precise tolerance control to ensure its safe and long-term stable operation.
In conclusion, stainless steel tolerances are widely used in the manufacturing industry, and their application varies in different industries. By mastering the methods and techniques of tolerance control, manufacturers can better control the manufacturing process and ensure product quality and stability to meet the requirements of different industries.