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OUR 5 STEP ORDER PROCESS:
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Years of working with customers just like you, on projects just like yours, has streamlined Stainless Plate Products' customer service process to the point where—most times—we can create a CAD drawing or sketch free of charge from your reference. Occasionally, it is necessary for customers to provide an electronic file and Stainless Plate Products accepts CAD, CAM and PDF files for your parts' specifications. Please call if you need assistance generating a drawing. Files can be submitted to SPP through our online contact form.
Do I always need to provide a CAD file for each of my parts?
In most cases, no. For many parts and shapes CAD files are not required. For more involved parts a printed sketch or drawing is usually sufficient. Our draftsmen will create the necessary CAD files for you at no additional charge.
When will I need to provide a CAD file?
If the printed sketch is unclear, missing dimensions or was created in a large format then reduced and isn't legible, our sales team may ask you to provide a CAD file.
If I already have a CAD file can I provide it with the RFQ?
Yes. Sending a CAD file with the RFQ helps our sales team quote you our best and most accurate price and delivery.
How are CAD files checked?
Every production drawing regardless of source is reviewed for accuracy and potential production problems by at least three draftsmen before it is released.
What happens to the CAD files for my parts after the job is complete?
All CAD files are archived on our servers after a job ships so they're ready and waiting when you need to reorder.
What if my drawings contain proprietary information?
Please feel free to remove any information not necessary for the production of the part before sending.
What is the best way to send CAD files?
Files can be submitted using our online contact form. Attaching the files to an email message is also acceptable. If necessary, files can also be transmitted via private cloud storage.
What is the best CAD file format to use?
Any standard two dimensional file format that can be opened by AutoCAD LT 2013® works well. If you use a different CAD application, please export your drawing as a standard DWG or generic DXF before sending. Native three dimensional CAD or image formats are not appropriate.
Can direct to production CAD drawing include spline curves?
Technically yes, but in practice no. Almost all CNC controllers require spline curves to be exploded. Exploding creates a set of simple line and arc elements that approximate more complex mathematical curve elements.
When exploding, set the tolerances to the minimum acceptable for your application. If the tolerances are set too high the resulting approximation will contain a very large number of very small elements which can cause problems when the job is run. For almost all applications, the factory default settings on your CAD application will work well.
Can direct to production CAD files be in metric?
You may use any standard unit of measurement.
Are there any other limitations or tips for direct to production CAD files?
Yes, just a few:
Profile drawings must be drawn to scale. Generic drawings for a class of parts in various sizes cannot be used for direct to production.
If possible, try to keep all the elements of the profile on a single layer, separate from notations and dimensions.
Be sure the end points of each line, arc, etc. match so each profile creates a closed shape.
I have a question that wasn't answered here, who should I contact?
Our sales team is ready and willing to assist with any other questions you may have.
Submit your question through our online form or call 800-523-7532 to talk to an SPP stainless expert.
304 / 304L – $0.8869
316 / 316L – $1.4259
410 – $0.2985
2205 Duplex – $1.4275
321 – $0.9367
Stainless Steel 101
Stainless Plate Products' outlines and explains the various grades and types of stainless steel.
Click HERE to learn more.
Physical and Chemical Properties of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a remarkably versatile material with many applications. Choose one of the links below to explore the typical physical and chemical properties and specifications of a variety of stainless steel grades.
Explore: Physical Properties of Stainless Steel | Chemical Properties of Stainless Steel
Hot Rolled Annealed and Pickled Plate Specifications
General industry standard specifications for Hot Rolled Annealed and Picked (HRAP) stainless plate can be found on this chart:
Explore: HRAP Mill Specifications
Certifications
The properties listed in the tables in the links above represent a general interpretation of the ASTM A240, ASME SA240 and QQS-766 standards.
Upon request, material certification sheets will be shipped with your order which list the exact chemical and physical properties of the material you receive. These mill certifications are based on physical and chemical tests performed on the material at the time of manufacture. You should always request these certifications when your project has strict traceability requirements.
Special Chemistry
Originally, the manufacture of stainless steel was a crude process. It was very difficult to control the exact quantities of each of the chemical components of the material and thus it's physical characteristics. You'll notice that most of the chemical properties for any given specification are listed as a range of acceptable values. Even within these ranges, the physical properties of the material can vary significantly for any particular specification.
Today, with advances in steel making technology, it is possible to control both the chemical and physical properties of the material with a high degree of accuracy. This allows us to create "designer grades" of stainless steel by skewing some of the chemical components to the high or low side of their acceptable ranges and thereby altering the physical properties of the finished material to suit a particular application.
This approach has significant advantages over the traditional practice of creating a specially engineered grade of stainless steel for demanding applications.
R&D costs associated with the development, production and certification of a new grade are virtually eliminated
Costs associated with the production of a special heat are eliminated
Liability concerns both during production and in the application of the finished material no longer exist because the material is in essence a standard grade
"Economy of Scale" is no longer a determining factor when deciding to use an engineered grade. Lot sizes decrease because the material conforms to the standard specifications and can also be used for other less demanding applications.
Stainless Plate Products maintains a substantial plate inventory from a wide variety of manufacturers. In most cases, we find that our customers can satisfy their requirements from our existing inventory. We have also worked closely with many of our customers to develop value added mill production standards which exactly match their particular needs.
Either way, you'll find that our staff is dedicated to helping you solve your most challenging plate product requirements, quickly, accurately and with cost savings that will give you an edge over your competitors.
Stainless Plate Products' reference tables detail outside and inside diameter sizes and bolt hole drilling pattens for various standard plate flanges. They are intended for estimating purposes only. Applications vary, confirm all dimensions with your engineering department prior to ordering.
Explore: SPP's Plate Flange Reference Guide
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