Sector

Stainless steel strip for automotive

MLS cylinder head gaskets, bipolar plates, heat shields and hose clamps.

Typical thicknesses 0.10–0.30 mmTypical widths 100–1250 mmFinishes 2R/BA • 2HAlso on spools

Components for engines, exhaust systems and e-mobility

In vehicles, precision stainless strip becomes cylinder head gaskets, heat shields for the engine bay and exhaust, bipolar plates for fuel cells and hose clamps. These parts need consistent thickness, mechanical properties that repeat from batch to batch and grades suited to high temperatures.

For automotive component manufacturers 3S supplies AISI 301 full hard for the spring layers of multi-layer gaskets, AISI 304, 430 and 441 for stampings and shields, and annealed AISI 321 and 316L for parts exposed to high temperatures. Annealed thicknesses from 0.05 to 0.70 mm and work-hardened from 0.05 to 2.50 mm, typically 0.10 to 0.30 mm, in widths up to 1250 mm, with EN or ASTM tolerances and 100% dimensional control. Material is available in coils, narrow strips, spools and reels for presses and automatic lines, with no minimum order and an EN 10204 3.1 certificate.

Where it is used

Multi-layer steel (MLS) cylinder head gaskets
Bipolar plates for fuel cells
Heat shields for engine bay and exhaust systems
Hose clamps

Automotive applications

MLS cylinder head gaskets Bipolar plates for fuel cells Heat shields for engine bay and exhaust Hose clamps

Recommended grades

AISI 301 AISI 304 AISI 430 AISI 441 AISI 321 AISI 316L

Supply

Parameter	Range	Notes
Typical grades	AISI 301 full hard, AISI 304, 430 and 441, AISI 321 and 316L annealed for high temperatures	Other grades on request
Thickness	Annealed 0.05 – 0.70 mm Work-hardened 0.05 – 2.50 mm	Typical for this application: 0.10 – 0.30 mm
Width	3 – 1250 mm	Typical: 100 – 1250 mm
Finishes	Annealed 2R / BA • Work‑hardened 2H	Calibrated mechanical properties
Formats	Strip • Narrow strips • Spools • Oscillate Wound Spools • Sheets	No minimum order
Spools	From 15 kg to 1500 kg	ID 50–400 mm • traverse or parallel winding

Tolerances according to EN ISO 9445 or customer specification. EN 10204 3.1 certificate.

Frequently asked questions

Request a quote

Which grades do you use for multi-layer cylinder head gaskets?

The embossed spring layers normally use work-hardened AISI 301 full hard with consistent mechanical properties; intermediate and shim layers can also use AISI 304, 430 or 441. Send us the specification and we will check availability and strength class.

Do you also supply small batches for prototypes?

Yes, we work with no minimum order: from trial and sample batches to series supply, with the same material and the same 3.1 certificate.

How can I get a quote?

Tell us the alloy, finish, thickness, width, edge and format (strip/narrow strip/spool) and we will send you a quick quotation.