How to Save Money When Buying Custom Size Stainless Steel Sheet

05 May.,2025

 

The True Cost of Custom Sheet Metal Parts | SendCutSend

Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional engineer, understanding how costs are calculated and what factors impact them is key to making smart decisions for your projects. In this post, we’ll break down the essential elements that go into determining the price of metal parts and how you can save money without compromising on quality.

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Key Takeaways:

  • The price of different materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and mild steel, and how surprisingly similar they can be.
  • Why material properties matter for long-term durability and project requirements.
  • How quantity affects pricing, and the significant discounts available for bulk orders.
  • The importance of considering finishing processes, like powder coating, in your total cost.
  • Understanding that shipping is free and factored into the price, ensuring no surprise fees.

How much do custom sheet metal parts really cost? Video Guide

What determines the cost of custom sheet metal parts?

The cost of your metal parts with SendCutSend is influenced by several factors, ranging from the material you choose to the complexity of your part’s design. In this blog, we focus on three main materials: aluminum, HRPO (Hot Rolled Pickled and Oiled mild steel), and 304 stainless steel. Each has different properties, but interestingly, the pricing between them is often closer than you’d expect.

So, why does this happen? One major reason is the sheer volume of material purchased by companies like SendCutSend. For us, buying thousands of tons of material at a time allows us to pass on savings to the customer. So while your local shop might price aluminum higher, larger suppliers may offer more competitive prices.

Material grades and their impact on price

Another factor is how different grades of aluminum can affect the final price. For instance, aluminum is typically more expensive than aluminum because it offers added strength. When planning your project, it’s important to ask yourself whether you need the extra strength. If not, sticking to the lower-cost material can save you money without sacrificing performance.

Stainless Steel – more expensive but worth it?

When talking about 304 stainless steel, it’s more expensive upfront compared to mild steel or aluminum. In the above example provided, parts in stainless steel were priced at $12 each, while the same parts in aluminum or mild steel were around $8.50. But stainless steel’s durability, particularly in outdoor or corrosive environments, can save you from needing extra finishes or replacements later on.

For projects like outdoor barbecues or countertop coverings, stainless steel’s rust-resistant properties make it a solid choice that could save you from the hassle of annual maintenance or the added cost of protective coatings.

Geometry and cutting time – design complexity matters

The more complex your design, the longer it takes to cut and machine, which increases costs. The pictured part, a thinner, more intricate part made from aluminum was priced at $27 each due to its complex geometry, compared to simpler designs that cost less to produce. If you’re working on a design with many fine details, keep in mind that cutting time will increase the price.

Finishing processes: to powder coat or not?

Powder coating is another factor that influences pricing. While a raw aluminum part costs $27, the same part with a powder coat finish costs $43. Though this may seem like a significant price jump, powder coating offers better long-term durability and a cleaner finish, making it an attractive option for customer-facing products.

Quantity discounts on custom sheet metal parts

Perhaps one of the most important tips for saving money is quantity on pricing. The first part of a production run is always the most expensive due to setup and handling. For example, a small zinc-plated G90 steel part costs about $29 when ordering just one. But if you order ten, the price drops to just $3 per part. This dramatic price reduction is thanks to the efficiencies gained in producing multiple units.

Most materials see discounts starting with the second part and continuing all the way to large bulk orders, where you could see up to an 86% discount in some cases.

Size and waste reduction for affordable sheet metal parts

Another way to save money is by minimizing the size of your parts. Larger parts use more material and take more handling time, naturally increasing costs. However, waste reduction is our responsibility, so you don’t need to worry about scrap material when ordering.

Free shipping on metal parts and transparent pricing

Lastly, one of the most customer-friendly aspects of working with SendCutSend is that shipping is free anywhere in the USA on orders over $39 on orders over $39. The price you see at checkout is the price you pay, with no hidden fees added later. Whether you’re shipping a single part or a bulk order, it will arrive at your door without any surprises.

Finding Affordable Custom Sheet Metal Parts

When it comes to custom metal parts, there’s more to pricing than just the cost of raw materials. Factors like material selection, design complexity, finishing, and quantity all play a significant role in determining the final price. By understanding these variables, you can make smarter choices for your projects and save money in the long run.

Stainless Steel Sheet | Cut To Size - Metal Supermarkets

Corrosion Resistance

One of the most notable attributes of stainless steel sheet is its exceptional resistance to corrosion and rust. This is primarily due to the presence of chromium, which forms a passive layer of chromium oxide on the surface. This layer protects against oxidation and prevents the material from deteriorating in harsh environments.

Strength and Durability

Stainless steel sheets are known for their robust strength. Their high tensile strength ensures they can withstand significant stresses and strains without deforming, making them ideal for structural and load-bearing applications. The durability of stainless steel sheet metal makes it a cost-effective choice, as it often has a longer lifespan than other materials.

The company is the world’s best Custom Size Stainless Steel Sheet supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Heat Resistance

Stainless steel sheets can maintain their mechanical properties and structural integrity at both high and low temperatures. This resistance to oxidation and scaling at elevated temperatures makes them suitable for use in environments with extreme heat, such as industrial furnaces and heat exchangers.

Aesthetic Appeal

Besides its functional characteristics, stainless steel sheet metal is also valued for its aesthetic qualities. It has a clean, modern appearance that can be further enhanced by various finishes, such as brushed, mirrored, or matte. This aspect makes stainless steel sheets an attractive option for architectural and decorative applications.

Hygiene

The non-porous surface of stainless steel sheet metal is easy to clean and sanitize, making it a preferred choice in industries where hygiene is paramount, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment. The material does not support bacterial growth, contributing to a safer and more sanitary environment.

Versatility

Stainless steel sheets are available in a wide range of grades and thicknesses. Whether you need a thin, flexible sheet for a lightweight application or a thicker, more rigid sheet for heavy-duty use, stainless steel suppliers like Metal Supermarkets can provide the right type to meet specific project requirements.

Workability

Despite their strength, stainless steel sheets are relatively easy to fabricate. They can be stamped, welded, cut, and formed into various shapes without losing their intrinsic properties. This workability allows for great design flexibility, making stainless steel sheet metal a favourite among engineers and designers.

Applications for Stainless Steel Sheets

Architecture and Construction

Stainless steel sheet metal is a versatile material used extensively in architectural and construction projects. They are employed for decorative purposes, cladding, roofing, wall panels, elevator interiors, and handrails. Stainless steel sheets offer durability, corrosion resistance, and an attractive appearance, making them ideal for interior and exterior applications.

Kitchen and Food Processing

Stainless steel metal is widely utilized in the food industry, including commercial kitchens, food processing plants, and restaurants. Thanks to its hygienic properties, easy-to-clean surfaces, and resistance to stains and corrosion, stainless steel sheet can be used for food preparation surfaces, countertops, backsplashes, sinks, and equipment.

Automotive and Transportation

Stainless steel sheets are used for various automotive components, including exhaust systems, trim, grills, decorative accents, and structural parts. Stainless steel sheets provide corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and a sleek appearance, contributing to both functionality and aesthetics.

Medical and Healthcare

Stainless steel sheets are used for surgical instruments, medical equipment, hospital fixtures, dental tools, and implants. Stainless steel’s biocompatibility, sterilization capabilities, and resistance to corrosion and staining make it suitable for critical healthcare environments.

Industrial and Manufacturing

Stainless steel sheets are used for tanks, pressure vessels, storage containers, process piping, machinery components, and equipment. Stainless steel sheets offer high strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance, making them ideal for demanding industrial applications.

Energy and Power Generation

Due to its resistance to corrosion and environmental factors, stainless steel sheet metal finds applications in renewable energy system components, including solar panels, wind turbines, and hydroelectric power plants.

Decorative and Artistic Uses

Stainless steel sheets are popular in artistic and decorative projects. They are used for sculptures, wall art, signage, furniture, and interior design elements. Stainless steel’s aesthetic appeal, flexibility, and ease of customization make it a preferred choice for creative applications.

How Stainless Steel Sheet is Measured

The thickness of stainless steel sheet is often measured in gauge, with a lower gauge number indicating a thicker sheet. For example, a 14-gauge stainless steel sheet is thicker than an 18-gauge sheet. However, the gauge system varies, so refer to a sheet metal gauge chart. Alternatively, the thickness can also be measured in millimetres or inches, which provides a precise measurement critical in applications requiring exact specifications, such as a thickness of 1.2 mm or 0.048 inches.

Stainless steel sheets are generally available in standard sizes, such as 48 inches by 96 inches, or in metric dimensions, like mm by mm. These standard sizes fit a wide range of projects and minimize material wastage. For specific needs, stainless steel suppliers like Metal Supermarkets offer custom cuts to ensure the material fits perfectly for its intended use.

Metal Supermarkets – Your Source for High-Quality Stainless Steel Sheets

Whether you need stainless steel sheets for automotive applications, food processing equipment, or aerospace structures, Metal Supermarkets is your trusted stainless steel supplier. With an extensive selection of high-quality stainless steel sheets, expert guidance, and convenient online ordering, we can help you find the perfect stainless steel sheet that fits your requirements. Contact us or shop online to experience the convenience of acquiring top-grade stainless steel sheets for your projects.

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