Colormetal is on a mission to become the world-class decorative metal brand that offers exceptional quality, innovation, and customer service. We are dedicated to achieving our vision of reaching sales revenue of one billion and serving three hundred customers worldwide, while becoming the preferred supplier of high-end metal decorative sheets globally.
Step 1: Confirm order information
If you have specific product requirements, you can tell us directly. If you are not very familiar with stainless steel products, you can tell us the intended use of the products and other information, and we can recommend products that suit your needs based on this. At the same time, we will provide our company’s sample catalog for you to choose from. To further meet the personalized needs of customers, we can also provide customization services based on customer-provided drawings or samples.
The commonly-used stainless steel grades are Stainless Steel Grade 201, 304, and 316/316L. Grade 201 can be considered as a basic option without any additional features. It is affordable but may not perform well in tough conditions. On the other hand, Grade 304 is more suitable for handling wet environments and offers easier fabrication options such as bending, although it comes at a slightly higher cost. If you require the highest level of durability and resistance to harsh conditions, Grade 316 would be the premium choice despite its higher price tag. When selecting stainless steel, it is important to consider your specific needs. In most cases, Grade 304 provides a balanced combination of strength and cost-effectiveness.
The standard sizes for stainless steel sheets are 1219x2438mm, 1219x3048mm, 1000x2000mm, and 1500x3000mm. Customization is available for width and length, with a maximum width limit of 1500mm.
The selection of the thickness for the stainless steel sheet should be based on the structural requirements of the application. Thicker sheets are recommended to enhance strength and rigidity, while thinner sheets may be suitable for decorative purposes without structural roles. The thickness typically ranges from 0.5mm for light-duty applications to 3mm for heavy-duty uses, with a consistent production time across this range.
Step 2: Manufacturing process
Brushed Finish: Typically takes 1-2 days. This process involves grinding the stainless steel surface to create a uniform brushed texture.
Mirror Polishing: Generally requires 2-3 days. Mirror polishing involves multiple grinding and polishing steps to achieve a high-gloss mirror effect on the stainless steel surface.
Sandblasting: Takes 1-2 days. Sandblasting removes surface impurities and oxidation layers by high-speed sand particle blasting, producing a uniform matte finish.
Electroplating/Electrophoretic Coating: Generally takes 2-4 days. This method deposits a metal or organic coating on the stainless steel surface via electrochemical processes to enhance decorative and anti-corrosive properties.
Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD): Requires 3-5 days. PVD is a high-temperature vacuum coating technique that deposits a high-hardness, wear-resistant decorative film on the stainless steel surface.
Etching: Typically needs 1-3 days. Etching involves chemically or physically engraving patterns or textures on the stainless steel surface to enhance aesthetics and uniqueness.
These times are approximate estimates, and the actual time required may vary based on specific projects, process complexity, and factory production schedules. When planning a project, it is recommended to communicate with the supplier to understand the exact processing time.
Step 3： Shipping and customs clearance
Ocean Freight: This cost-effective option is ideal for LCL or FCL orders that are not time-sensitive. While it takes longer than air freight (ranging from 5 to 40 days depending on distance and route), ocean freight is the most economical way to transport bulky or heavy cargo, such as stainless steel sheets.
Air Freight: If speed is critical, air freight is the preferred choice. It can deliver your order within 3-7 days, albeit at a higher cost compared to ocean freight. For CIF, CNF, DDP, or DDU terms, the Ferosteel team will book the vessel based on the production completion date to ensure immediate shipment post-production. For EXW or FOB terms, we will promptly remind you to contact your shipping forwarder for the shipment.
The total lead time for ordering decorative stainless steel sheets can vary between several business days and several weeks, depending on your specific requirements.
