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Stainless Steel Pressed Parts
Stainless Steel Pressed Parts
Stainless steel pressed parts — also identified as SS stampings, stainless steel cold-pressed components, stainless steel sheet metal pressings, 304 stainless stampings, 316 stainless pressed parts, or austenitic stainless steel formed components — are precision metal parts produced by blanking, piercing, bending, deep drawing, and forming stainless steel strip and sheet stock in progressive dies, compound dies, and draw presses. Electrical Accessories India manufactures stainless steel pressed parts from SS 304 (1.4301), SS 316 (1.4401), SS 316L (1.4404), SS 430 (1.4016), and other austenitic and ferritic grades for electrical equipment, marine hardware, chemical plant fittings, food processing components, architectural hardware, and industrial mechanical assemblies. Stainless steel stampings are supplied to electrical OEMs, marine equipment manufacturers, chemical plant contractors, food industry equipment builders, and industrial hardware distributors.
Product Overview
Stainless Steel vs. Brass for Pressed Parts
Stainless steel pressed parts are chosen over brass stampings when higher corrosion resistance (especially in marine, chemical, and outdoor environments), higher mechanical strength (for structural components under load), higher temperature resistance (for components near heat sources), or non-magnetic properties (for MRI, compass, and sensitive instrument applications) are required. SS 304 (1.4301) provides excellent corrosion resistance in indoor, food-grade, and mildly aggressive environments. SS 316 (1.4401) with 2–3% molybdenum addition provides superior resistance to chloride pitting — specified for marine, coastal, and chemical environments. SS 430 (1.4016 ferritic) offers good corrosion resistance at lower cost and is magnetic — used where a ferritic grade is acceptable.
Stainless Steel Pressing Process Challenges
Stainless steel presents greater forming challenges than brass: higher yield strength requires greater press force; work-hardening during forming increases forming loads significantly in subsequent stations; spring-back is larger and more variable, requiring over-bending compensation in the die; galling between stainless and tool steel die surfaces requires high-quality tool coatings (TiN, TiAlN) and proper lubricants; and heat generation from work-hardening can cause die seizure without adequate lubrication. Electrical Accessories India has developed specific die designs, lubricant systems, and press parameters for stainless steel pressing that consistently achieve the required dimensional tolerances and surface quality across production volumes. Press tonnage requirements are 3–5 times higher than for equivalent brass stampings of the same thickness.
SS 304 Pressed Parts for Electrical and General Industrial Applications
SS 304 (1.4301, X5CrNi18-10) is the most widely used stainless steel grade for pressed parts in non-chloride corrosion environments. It contains 17–19% chromium and 8–10% nickel — providing excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, organic acids, and most industrial chemicals excluding chlorides. SS 304 pressed parts from Electrical Accessories India include: cable gland locknuts for indoor corrosion applications; earthing and grounding hardware for pharmaceutical and food plants; mounting brackets and clamps for electrical equipment in humid environments; spring clips and retaining washers for mechanical assemblies; and decorative pressed components for architectural and hygienic equipment applications.
SS 316 and SS 316L Pressed Parts for Marine and Offshore Applications
SS 316 (1.4401) and SS 316L (1.4404) pressed parts are specified for marine, offshore, coastal, and chloride-bearing environments where SS 304 would suffer pitting corrosion. The 2–3% molybdenum addition in SS 316 provides pitting potential improvement of approximately 800–1,000 mV versus SS 304 in neutral chloride solutions. Electrical Accessories India produces SS 316 stampings for: marine cable entry plates and cable gland backing plates; offshore electrical enclosure hardware and panel mounting brackets; coastal substation earthing washers and grounding hardware; chemical plant equipment mounting clips and springs; and pharmaceutical and food processing hygienic equipment fittings where 316L (low carbon) is required for weld-adjacent zones.
Ferritic SS 430 Pressed Parts
SS 430 (1.4016, ferritic, 17% Cr) is a cost-effective stainless steel for pressed parts requiring moderate corrosion resistance in dry indoor environments and acceptable in food contact applications. Being ferritic (magnetic) rather than austenitic, SS 430 pressed parts are used in applications requiring magnetic response — door hardware, sensor targets, and actuator elements. SS 430 also work-hardens less severely than austenitic grades, making it somewhat easier to press in deep-draw operations. Electrical Accessories India produces SS 430 pressed parts for domestic appliance components, automotive trim, and light electrical hardware where the higher cost of SS 304 is not justified.
Deep-Drawn Stainless Steel Components
Deep-drawn SS 304 and SS 316 components — cups, caps, shells, and housings — require careful process design due to the work-hardening characteristics of austenitic stainless steel. The R-value (anisotropy) and n-value (strain hardening exponent) of SS 304 are favourable for deep drawing, giving excellent material flow with draw ratios up to 2.2 without intermediate annealing. For deeper draws, intermediate annealing at 1,050–1,100°C (solution annealing) restores ductility and dissolves chromium carbides. Electrical Accessories India produces stainless steel drawn cups in diameters 20–200 mm and depths to 150 mm from 0.5–3 mm strip, for sensor housings, instrument covers, sanitary fittings, and cartridge filter end caps.
Stainless Steel Spring Components
Spring-tempered stainless steel pressed parts — snap rings, circlips, spring washers, retaining clips, and leaf spring contacts — are produced from cold-rolled stainless steel strip (types 301, 17-7 PH) with high spring properties. Stainless steel springs are used in preference to brass springs in corrosive environments, elevated-temperature applications, and where non-magnetic spring properties are required. Electrical Accessories India produces stainless steel retaining clips, snap rings, and spring contacts for electrical connectors and junction box assemblies used in marine, offshore, and process industry applications.
Key Features
- Grades: SS 304 (1.4301), SS 316 (1.4401), SS 316L (1.4404), SS 430 (1.4016), SS 301 — per corrosion requirement
- Strip thickness: 0.3–4.0 mm; component size: 10 mm to 500 mm; weight: 1 g to 2 kg per part
- Progressive die, compound die, and deep-draw tooling — TiAlN coated dies for SS
- Dimensional tolerances: ±0.05 mm (general pressing); ±0.02 mm (precision blanked)
- Flatness: 0.1 mm/100 mm for blanked plates; spring force ±10% for spring components
- Surface treatment: passivation (ASTM A967), electropolishing, bead blasting, vibratory polishing
- ISO 9001:2015 certified; XRF alloy verification on all incoming stainless strip
- Separate SS pressing lines — no cross-contamination with carbon or iron particles
- Full EN 10204 3.1 MTRs from SS strip mill on request
- Export to 30+ countries — marine, pharma, chemical, and food grade documentation
Marine-Grade SS 316 Electrical Hardware
Marine applications for SS 316 pressed parts include: cable gland backing plates and entry collars for vessel cable penetrations; stainless steel earthing strap mounting brackets for bonding systems on steel and aluminium vessels; waterproof electrical enclosure mounting brackets pressed from SS 316 sheet to IP66/IP67 sealing surface requirements; and cable tray fastening clips and cable support brackets for exposed marine electrical installations. All SS 316 marine components are passivated (citric acid, ASTM A967) after pressing to maximise corrosion resistance at cut edges and pressed surfaces where the passive layer may have been disrupted during forming.
Food and Pharmaceutical SS Pressings
Food-grade and pharmaceutical stainless steel pressed components require: SS 316L alloy (low carbon for weld-zone corrosion prevention); smooth internal surfaces (Ra <0.8 µm) for hygienic cleanability; electropolished finish for pharmaceutical grade (Ra <0.5 µm, IP smoothness); and passivation per ASTM A967 to build the optimum passive chromium oxide layer. Electrical Accessories India produces cover plates, mounting brackets, sensor housing shells, and hygienic enclosure stampings from SS 316L to food equipment standards including 3-A Sanitary Standards and EHEDG guidelines.
SS Earthing and Grounding Washers
Stainless steel earthing washers, serrated lock washers, and bonding straps are pressed from SS 304 or SS 316 strip for use in grounding systems where brass washers would corrode in aggressive environments. Star-type serrated washers bite through paint and oxidation to ensure metal-to-metal contact for reliable earthing. Split spring washers prevent bolt loosening under vibration. Electrical Accessories India supplies these as catalogue items in M4–M24 sizes and as custom profiles for OEM panel builders and substation earthing contractors.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Primary Grades | SS 304 (1.4301), SS 316 (1.4401), SS 316L (1.4404) |
| Strip Thickness | 0.3–4.0 mm |
| Component Size | 10 mm to 500 mm |
| Dimensional Tolerance (general) | ±0.05–0.10 mm |
| Dimensional Tolerance (precision) | ±0.02–0.05 mm |
| Flatness | 0.1 mm per 100 mm |
| Surface Finish (as-pressed) | Ra 0.8–3.2 µm |
| Surface Finish (electropolished) | Ra <0.5 µm |
| Tensile Strength SS 304 | 515–690 MPa |
| Tensile Strength SS 316 | 515–690 MPa |
Material Grades and International Equivalents
| India (IS) | USA (ASTM/UNS) | UK (BS EN) | Germany (DIN) | Europe (EN) | ISO | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IS 6603 304 | S30400 (ASTM A666) | 1.4301 (BS EN) | X5CrNi18-10 (DIN) | EN 10088-2 1.4301 | ISO 15510 | Austenitic 304 |
| IS 6603 316 | S31600 (ASTM A666) | 1.4401 (BS EN) | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | EN 10088-2 1.4401 | ISO 15510 | Austenitic 316 |
| IS 6603 316L | S31603 (ASTM A666) | 1.4404 (BS EN) | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | EN 10088-2 1.4404 | ISO 15510 | Austenitic 316L |
| IS 6603 430 | S43000 (ASTM A666) | 1.4016 (BS EN) | X6Cr17 (DIN) | EN 10088-2 1.4016 | ISO 15510 | Ferritic 430 |
Product Types and Variants
Stainless steel pressed parts from Electrical Accessories India include: SS 304/316 cable gland backing plates and entry collars; SS earthing washers — flat, serrated, and split-ring; SS mounting brackets and clamps for electrical equipment; SS spring clips and retaining washers; SS deep-drawn cups and housings for sensors and instruments; SS 316L hygienic cover plates and equipment panels; SS marine cable support clips and tray fasteners; SS 430 decorative stampings; and custom stainless steel pressings to OEM drawing for any corrosion-critical application.
Applications in Industry
Stainless steel pressed parts are essential in: Marine and offshore electrical — cable entry hardware, earthing brackets, and enclosure components; Chemical and petrochemical processing — equipment mounting hardware and instrumentation fittings; Food and beverage manufacturing — hygienic equipment covers, sensor mounts, and processing line hardware; Pharmaceutical and biotech — SS 316L clean room equipment components; Architectural and construction — balustrade fittings, door hardware, and structural brackets; Electrical substation earthing — SS grounding washers and earthing strap connectors; Medical equipment — non-magnetic instrument housings and surgical equipment components.
Manufacturing Process
- Strip Incoming Inspection: SS strip coil received; XRF alloy verification confirms grade (304/316/430); thickness, surface quality, and MTR reviewed.
- Tool Preparation: TiAlN-coated punch and die surfaces inspected; extreme-pressure lubricant applied to strip; press tonnage set (3–5× brass equivalent).
- First-Article Inspection: First parts checked against drawing; spring-back compensation adjusted if required; FAI report issued.
- Production Run: Automatic coil-fed pressing; die inspected every 5,000–20,000 strokes for TiAlN coating wear.
- Deburring: Vibratory deburring with ceramic media (NOT steel — prevents iron contamination); burr and edge quality verified.
- Passivation: Citric acid passivation per ASTM A967 to restore passive layer on cut and formed surfaces; water rinse and dry.
- Electropolishing (if required): Electropolish in certified facility to Ra <0.5 µm for pharma/food grade parts.
- Final Inspection: AQL dimensional; surface finish measurement; XRF alloy spot-check on finished batch.
- Packing: Individual wrap or bulk packing; moisture-barrier packaging for sea freight.
Quality Standards and Certifications
Stainless steel pressed parts manufactured per: ISO 9001:2015 QMS; ASTM A666 (annealed SS sheet and strip); EN 10088-2 (stainless steels — sheet, plate, and strip); IS 6603 (Indian stainless steel sheet and strip); ASTM A967 (passivation of stainless steel parts); ISO 2768 (general tolerances for stamped parts); EN 10204 3.1 MTRs from SS strip mill; 3-A Sanitary Standards and EHEDG for food-grade parts; RoHS and REACH compliant. Third-party inspection by SGS, BV, or TÜV available.
Why Choose Electrical Accessories India
Electrical Accessories India produces stainless steel pressed parts alongside brass stampings and copper pressings — enabling single-source procurement for complete metal pressing families in different materials. Our dedicated SS pressing lines use ceramic media deburring and separate tooling to prevent iron contamination of stainless surfaces — critical for maintaining the passive layer and corrosion resistance of SS components. XRF alloy verification on every incoming coil prevents grade mix-ups. Passivation and electropolishing through certified partner facilities. 30+ years of component export experience supports documentation requirements for marine, food, and pharmaceutical applications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between SS 304 and SS 316 pressed parts?
SS 304 (1.4301) is suitable for most indoor and food-grade environments without chloride exposure. SS 316 (1.4401) contains 2–3% molybdenum giving significantly better resistance to chloride pitting — specified for marine, offshore, coastal, and chemical environments. For weld-adjacent zones, SS 316L (low carbon, 1.4404) prevents sensitisation and intergranular corrosion.
Why is stainless steel harder to press than brass?
Stainless steel (especially austenitic 304/316) work-hardens rapidly during cold forming — each strain increment increases the yield stress of the material, requiring progressively greater press force. Typical press tonnage for SS pressing is 3–5 times that needed for equivalent brass stampings. Special TiAlN-coated tooling and extreme-pressure lubricants are required to prevent galling and tool wear.
Do stainless steel pressed parts need passivation?
Yes — especially after pressing, cutting, and machining. Pressing operations disrupt the passive chromium oxide layer on the surface. Citric acid passivation per ASTM A967 or ASTM A380 rebuilds the passive layer within 24–72 hours, restoring full corrosion resistance. Without passivation, pressed stainless parts may show localised brown staining at cut edges and press contact marks within days of production.
What grades do you stock for stainless steel pressing?
Standard stocked grades: SS 304 (1.4301) strip in 0.5, 0.8, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 mm thickness; SS 316 (1.4401) strip in 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mm thickness; SS 316L (1.4404) in 1.0 and 1.5 mm. SS 430 and SS 301 available on indent with 2–3 week material lead time.
Can you produce electropolished SS pressed parts for pharmaceutical applications?
Yes. SS 316L pressed parts are supplied with electropolished finish (Ra <0.5 µm, IP ≥ 0.8) for pharmaceutical clean room and food processing applications. Electropolishing is performed by certified specialist facilities with documented process control. EHEDG and 3-A compliance documentation available on request.
What is your lead time for SS pressed parts?
Standard SS pressing from existing dies: 4–6 weeks (slightly longer than brass due to higher press wear and more complex deburring). New tooling: 5–8 weeks for die fabrication. First-article approval: 1–2 weeks. Passivation adds 1 week to standard lead time.
Do you separate stainless steel from carbon steel in your pressing facility?
Yes — critically. Electrical Accessories India operates dedicated SS pressing areas with separate tooling, ceramic (non-ferrous) deburring media, and no carbon steel contact with finished SS parts. Iron contamination of stainless steel surfaces causes localised rusting that ruins the corrosion performance. Our dedicated SS lines and ASTM A380 cleaning protocols prevent this common problem in mixed-material press shops.
Can you supply SS pressed parts with EN 10204 3.1 certificates?
Yes. EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificates from the SS strip producer showing chemical composition (including Mo content for SS 316) and mechanical properties are available on request. XRF alloy spot-check reports from Electrical Accessories India’s incoming inspection are provided as standard with every batch.
Equivalent Terms – Multilingual Reference
| Language | Term 1 | Term 2 | Term 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Piezas de acero inoxidable prensadas | Estampaciones de acero inoxidable | Componentes de inox prensados |
| Russian | Прессованные детали из нержавеющей стали | Штамповки из нержавеющей стали | Холодноштампованные детали SS 304/316 |
| French | Pièces en acier inoxydable pressées | Estampages en acier inox | Composants en inox pressés |
| Portuguese | Peças de aço inoxidável prensadas | Estampagens em aço inox | Componentes de inox prensados |
| Italian | Parti in acciaio inossidabile pressate | Stampaggi in acciaio inox | Componenti in inox pressati |
Related Products and Linked Terms
- Brass Stamping – Brass Stamped Parts
- Copper Pressing and Copper Pressed Parts
- Stainless Steel 316 Turned Parts
- Copper Fuse Clips (Pressed)
- Ground Rod Pipe Clamps – Bronze Pipe Grounding Clamps
Request a Quote
Supply your drawing, sample, or specification and receive a detailed technical and commercial proposal within 24 hours. Electrical Accessories India engineers are available to advise on SS grade selection, forming process, passivation, electropolishing, and quality documentation for your stainless steel pressed components. We export to 30+ countries with full material documentation.
Contact us: Send your RFQ with quantity, SS grade (304/316/316L/430), strip thickness, drawing (PDF/DXF/STEP), surface finish, and delivery requirement. We respond within 24 business hours.
Indicative Pricing
Stainless Steel Items: US$ 9.90 per kilogram, CIF US Port
Prices are indicative and subject to change based on quantity, specification, alloy grade, and market conditions. Contact us with your RFQ for a firm quotation.