Finish
Format
Narrow strips
Narrow, thin strips starting from 3 mm wide: dimensional precision, edge quality and stability on the line. Suited to processes that do not need continuous feeding.
3S Stainless Steel Service
Flexibility and expertise in precision strip.
Precision strip and spools in
We produce precision stainless steel strip, stainless steel coils, slit strip, narrow strips and stainless steel spools (strip on reels) for automated lines. We supply formats and finishes (2R/BA, 2H) with tight tolerances for demanding industrial applications. Thin and extra-thin cold-rolled strip from 0.05 mm, AISI 301 up to strength class C1900, no minimum order.
coils • slit strip • narrow strips • spools (strip on reels)
0.05–2.50 mmthickness
3–1250 mmwidth
15–1500 kgspools
precision stainless steel strip • stainless steel coils • stainless steel strip • stainless steel narrow strips • stainless steel spools on reels
01About us
3S S.r.l. specialises in precision stainless steel strip and builds its strengths, such as flexibility and industry expertise, on a strong integration between its Italian site in Assago (MI) and its industrial partner in Germany, R. Kretzschmann GmbH
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2 production sites: Germany (Birkenfeld) and Italy (Assago)
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Extensive sourcing and qualified selection of raw materials
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Dedicated solutions and fast response times
02Specifications
Main technical specifications
| Parameter | Capability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | Annealed 0.05 – 0.70 mm Work-hardened 0.05 – 2.50 mm | Thin and extra-thin strip · Other thicknesses on request |
| Width | 3 – 1250 mm | Slitting with sheared or deburred edges |
| Finishes | Annealed 2R / BA • Work‑hardened 2H | Calibrated mechanical properties |
| Formats | Strip • Narrow strips • Spools • Sheets | Sheets cut to size up to 1000 mm |
| Mother coils | Up to 6–8 kg/mm | ID 300/400/500 mm |
| Spools | From 15 kg to 1500 kg | ID 50–400 mm • traverse or parallel winding |
Alloy range: wide stock of austenitic and ferritic grades; nickel and titanium alloys on request.
Explore finishes and formats
03Grades
Available grades (AISI) – summary
| Grade | Type | Properties | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 2011.4372 · X12CrMnNiN17-7-5 | Manganese austenitic | Less nickel than 304, high mechanical strength, good formability | Window spacers, flue liners, housewares |
| Austenitic 1% Ni (200 series, type J4)200 series · type J4 | Cr-Mn-Cu austenitic | About 1% nickel: the most economical austenitic, annealed or work-hardened | Springs, flue liners, spools and large reels |
| AISI 3011.4310 · X10CrNi18-8 | Austenitic | Good formability, work‑hardenable; high strength in 2H condition | Springs, clips, shielding |
| AISI 3041.4301 · X5CrNi18-10 | Austenitic | All‑purpose, excellent corrosion resistance | Household appliances, industrial strip |
| AISI 304PS304 variant | Austenitic | 304 variant with higher elongation, suited to stamping | Stamped and bent parts |
| AISI 304L1.4306 · X2CrNi19-11 | Low‑carbon austenitic | Low carbon: no sensitisation after welding | Welded structures and components |
| AISI 3051.4303 · X4CrNi18-12 | Austenitic | Excellent formability, very low work‑hardening, high ductility | Electronics, automotive, kitchen utensils, deep drawing |
| AISI 3091.4828 | Austenitic | Oxidation and heat resistance (≈ 1035–1100°C) | Furnace parts, heat exchangers, high‑temperature parts |
| AISI 309S1.4833 · X6CrNi23-14 | High‑chromium austenitic | Chromium 21–23%, nickel 12–15%: excellent high‑temperature performance | Furnaces, burners, thermal plants |
| AISI 310S1.4845 · X6CrNi25-20 | High chromium‑nickel austenitic | The most highly alloyed of the series: maximum resistance to hot oxidation | Industrial furnaces, heat treatment, exhausts |
| AISI 3161.4401 · X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | Molybdenum austenitic | Mo 2–2.5%: better resistance to corrosion and chlorides | Chemical, food, marine environments |
| AISI 316L1.4404 · X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | Austenitic | High resistance in chlorides; low carbon for welding | Chemical, marine, non‑implantable medical |
| AISI 316L Mo+1.4435 · X2CrNiMo18-14-3 | Molybdenum austenitic | Higher molybdenum (2.5–3%): the highest corrosion resistance in the 316 family | Pharmaceutical, medical, aggressive environments |
| AISI 316Ti1.4571 · X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2 | Ti‑stabilised austenitic | Stabilised 316, excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion | Welded tanks/piping, hot‑process plants |
| AISI 3211.4541 · X6CrNiTi18-10 | Ti‑stabilised austenitic | Temperature resistance | Exhausts, thermal applications |
| AISI 904L1.4539 · X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5 | Super‑austenitic | High nickel, molybdenum and copper: resists acids and pitting corrosion | Chemical, sulphuric acid, heat exchangers, marine environments |
| AISI 4301.4016 · X6Cr17 | Ferritic | Economical, magnetic; available annealed or work‑hardened | Decorative, internal components, household appliances |
| AISI 4411.4509 · X2CrTiNb18 | Ti-Nb stabilised ferritic | High-temperature oxidation resistance, good weldability, nickel-free | Exhaust systems and heat shields, high-temperature components |
| AISI 410S1.4000 · X6Cr13 | Ferritic | Chromium 12–13%, magnetic, good workability | Mechanical components, mildly aggressive environments |
Other alloys and tempers on request.
04Formats
Narrow strips and spools
Two supply formats for two ways of working: choose the one that best suits your line.
Format
Spools and reels
Strip rewound on a reel for automated lines: stable pay‑off, more usable length and less machine downtime.
05Quality
Quality, certifications and traceability
Material certificates (e.g. 3.1) and process certifications (e.g. ISO 9001) on request.
100% dimensional inspection of critical parameters (thickness, width, edges).
Supply compliant with EN/ASTM specifications and specific industry requirements.
Packaging with protective films and separators where needed.
06Applications
Applications
Click an application to see what it is, where it is used and what matters in the strip.
07Sectors
Sectors and applications
Click a sector to discover the applications of precision strip.
08Quick guide
Quick guide to choosing your precision strip
- Define the intended usewhat do you need to do with your strip?
- Choose the alloybased on the environment (corrosion, temperature) and the required mechanical properties.
- Specify dimensions(thickness, width, tolerances).
- Select the finish2R‑BA or 2H (specify the degree of work‑hardening).
- Supply formatcoil, slit strip, narrow strip, spool or reel.
- Talk to our techniciansto check that your choice is right or to clear up any doubts.
09FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about coils, strip, narrow strips and spools.
Request a quoteWhat is the difference between a coil, a strip and a spool?
The coil is the mother coil; the strip is slit to the required width; the spool is strip rewound on a reel for automated lines.
What tolerances can you guarantee?
Tolerances according to EN/ASTM standards or customer specifications, with “tight” tolerances possible for critical applications.
Can you supply 2R‑BA and 2H finishes?
Yes; for the 2H finish we offer a wide range of mechanical properties.
Do you offer spools?
Yes, with customised diameters and winding.
What is the difference between coils, slit strip, narrow strips and spools?
The coil is the mother coil; slit strip is cut to the required width; a narrow strip is a narrow/thin strip; a spool is strip rewound on a reel for continuous feeding of automated lines.
What are stainless steel spools (strip on reels)?
They are reels with parallel or traverse winding that ensure stable pay‑off and reduce machine downtime; inner/outer diameter and winding direction can be customised.
Which finishes and tempers do you offer (2R/BA, 2H)?
We supply 2R/BA (annealed) and 2H (work‑hardened) finishes with a wide range of mechanical properties tuned to the application.
What tolerances can you guarantee on precision strip?
According to EN/ASTM or customer specifications; tight tolerances are available for critical applications. Other alloys and tempers on request.
10Export
We export worldwide
From our site in Assago and our production partner in Birkenfeld we ship our strip across Italy, throughout the European Union and to non‑EU countries.
- By roadTrucks to Italy and all of Europe, including non‑EU countries reachable by road.
- By seaContainers for overseas non‑EU destinations: the Americas, the Middle East, India and Asia.
- Packaging for long journeysProtective films, separators and dedicated pallets so the material arrives free of defects.
ITItaly
EUEuropean Union
Non‑EURest of the world
Flexibility and expertise in precision strip.
11Contact
Request a quote
Tell us the alloy, thickness, width, finish, edge and format (coil / strip / liner / spool). We will reply promptly.
Application
Springs
Stainless steel strip springs store and release elastic energy. Strip is used to make flat springs, leaf springs, spring washers, retaining rings and spiral springs, which must retain their return force over time and resist corrosion.
Where it is used
- Automotive mechanisms and latches
- Household appliances, doors and windows
- Medical devices and instruments
- Industrial machinery and equipment
What matters in the strip
- 2H finish (work-hardened) with calibrated mechanical properties
- AISI 301 for spring-back
- Tight thickness tolerances
- Fatigue resistance
Sectors
Application
Contact springs and clips
Small stamped and bent components that must grip or ensure constant contact: fastening clips, retaining clips, earthing blades and contact springs. The strip must bend without cracking and retain its force over time.
Where it is used
- Panel and wiring harness fastenings
- Electrical and earthing contacts
- Household appliance components
- Small metal parts and accessories
What matters in the strip
- 2H (work-hardened) temper
- Deburred edges for safe assembly
- Flatness
- Narrow widths from 3 mm
Sectors
Application
Electronics and connectors
Terminals and contacts produced by high-speed progressive stamping. Precision strip ensures consistent dimensions part after part and a clean surface for any subsequent plating.
Where it is used
- Connectors and terminal blocks
- Power electronics
- Telecommunications
- Consumer and industrial electronics
What matters in the strip
- Thin gauges from 0.05 mm
- Tight tolerances on thickness and width
- Clean 2R/BA surface
- Continuous feed from spool
Sectors
Application
Battery contacts
Contact springs, tabs and plates that connect the cells and carry current in battery compartments and battery packs. Elasticity, corrosion resistance and dimensional stability are required.
Where it is used
- Battery packs for electric mobility
- Cordless power tools
- Portable devices
- Energy storage systems
What matters in the strip
- 2H temper for contact force
- Thin gauges
- Clean surface
- Batch traceability
Sectors
Application
EMI/RFI shielding
Covers, cans and fingers that protect circuits and equipment from electromagnetic and radio-frequency interference. They are stamped and drawn from thin strip and often mounted directly on circuit boards.
Where it is used
- Circuit boards and radio modules
- Automotive electronics
- Telecommunications equipment
- Electronic medical devices
What matters in the strip
- Thin, consistent gauges
- Good drawability (e.g. AISI 305)
- Flatness
- Clean surface
Sectors
Application
Gaskets and spiral-wound gaskets
In spiral-wound gaskets a profiled stainless steel strip is wound in a spiral together with a filler material, producing a seal that withstands high pressures and temperatures. Stainless strip is also used for reinforcing rings and flat metal gaskets.
Where it is used
- Chemical and petrochemical plants
- Power stations and energy networks
- Industrial valves and flanges
- Exhausts and engines
What matters in the strip
- Narrow, consistent widths
- Corrosion resistance (AISI 304L, 316L, 321)
- Heat resistance
- Feed from spool
Sectors
Application
Heating elements
Stainless strip is used for sheaths, fins, supports and foils in heating elements, where oxidation resistance and stability at high temperature are needed.
Where it is used
- Household appliances
- Industrial heating
- Furnaces and thermal plants
- Heating technology
What matters in the strip
- Heat-resistant grades (e.g. AISI 309, 321)
- Consistent gauges
- Clean surface
- Uniform edges
Sectors
Application
Welded and interlocked flexible hoses
The strip is continuously formed and welded, or profiled and spirally interlocked, to produce flexible and corrugated hoses. They carry gas, water, steam, flue gases and industrial fluids, where flexibility and tightness must go together.
Where it is used
- Gas and water connections
- Automotive exhausts and lines
- Industrial plants
- Heating technology and solar thermal
What matters in the strip
- Formability and weldability (AISI 304, 316L, 321)
- Precise widths for roll forming
- Clean edges for welding
- Spools for continuous production
Sectors
Application
Flue liners and flexible chimney tubes
Flexible chimney liners are interlocked or corrugated stainless steel pipes inserted into chimneys to exhaust flue gases from boilers and stoves. The strip must withstand acidic condensate and flue gas temperatures.
Where it is used
- Relining of existing chimneys
- Condensing boilers
- Stoves and biomass heaters
- Residential and industrial installations
What matters in the strip
- Corrosion resistance (AISI 316L)
- Thin, consistent gauges
- Formability for interlocking
- Narrow widths
Sectors
Application
Insulating glass spacers
The spacer keeps the panes of an insulating glass unit apart and holds the desiccant. Profiles made from thin stainless strip reduce thermal bridging compared with conventional profiles and improve the insulation of the window.
Where it is used
- Windows and frames
- Curtain walling
- Doors and insulated glazing
What matters in the strip
- Very thin gauges
- Consistent widths for roll forming
- Clean surface
- Long-length spools
Sectors
Application
Hose clamps
Hose clamps secure hoses and sleeves onto fittings and hose barbs. The strip is blanked, punched and bent: it must be strong, must not rust and must not cut into the hose.
Where it is used
- Automotive and commercial vehicles
- Plumbing systems
- Irrigation and agriculture
- Household appliances
What matters in the strip
- AISI 304 / 430
- Rounded or deburred edges
- Narrow, precise widths
- Good mechanical strength
Sectors
Application
Heat exchangers
In plate and brazed plate heat exchangers the strip is pressed into corrugated plates that separate the fluids. It is also used for fins and louvres. Uniform thickness and corrosion resistance are what matter.
Where it is used
- Heat pumps and air conditioning
- Boilers and domestic hot water
- Food and chemical industry
- Heat recovery
What matters in the strip
- Thin, uniform gauges
- Drawability (AISI 304, 316L)
- Clean surface for brazing
- Flatness
Sectors
Application
Stamping and blanking
Progressive stamping turns strip into finished parts with every press stroke. Strip with consistent thickness, width and mechanical properties reduces scrap, adjustments and tool wear.
Where it is used
- Small metal parts
- Automotive and household appliance components
- Precision and fine-blanked parts
- Deep drawing
What matters in the strip
- Tight tolerances
- Consistent mechanical properties from batch to batch
- Sheared or deburred edges
- Spools for continuous feed
Sectors
Application
Industrial blades and cutlery
Blades for cutting paper, film, food and textiles, thin blades and cutlery. Flatness, hardness and a surface suitable for sharpening are what matter.
Where it is used
- Food industry
- Paper converting and packaging
- Textile industry
- Cutlery
What matters in the strip
- Flatness
- Consistent gauges
- Specific grades and tempers on request
- Uniform surface
Sectors
Application
Trowels and building tools
Stainless steel site tools stay clean, do not rust and keep the blade’s elasticity. The strip is blanked, shaped and polished.
Where it is used
- Construction and finishing
- Plasterboard and skimming
- Professional tools
What matters in the strip
- Blade elasticity (2H temper)
- Flatness
- Surface that polishes well
- Widths up to 1250 mm
Sectors
Application
Non-implantable medical
Medical devices and instruments that do not remain in the body: surgical instrument components, parts for single-use devices, springs and blades for diagnostic equipment. Surface cleanliness, traceability and corrosion resistance are what matter.
Where it is used
- Surgical instruments
- Single-use devices
- Diagnostic equipment
- Laboratory
What matters in the strip
- AISI 316L and specific grades
- Clean 2R/BA surface
- 3.1 certificates and traceability
- Tight tolerances
Sectors
Application
Compressor reed valves
Reeds open and close thousands of times a minute to control the flow of air or gas. They need a material with very high fatigue resistance, flatness and perfect edges.
Where it is used
- Refrigeration compressors
- Air compressors
- Pumps and engines
What matters in the strip
- Fatigue resistance
- Highly consistent flatness and thickness
- Burr-free edges
- Specific grades on request
Sectors
Application
Fuel cells and hydrogen
In fuel cells and electrolysers, thin stainless strip is pressed into bipolar plates that distribute the gases and conduct current. Thin gauges, flatness and a surface suitable for coatings are required.
Where it is used
- Fuel cells for mobility
- Electrolysers for hydrogen production
- Energy storage systems
What matters in the strip
- Thin, uniform gauges
- Flatness
- Clean surface for coatings
- Specific grades on request
Sectors
Application
Doctor blades for printing
The doctor blade wipes excess ink from the printing cylinder. It is an extremely thin, perfectly straight blade that works in continuous contact with the cylinder.
Where it is used
- Gravure printing
- Flexography
- Continuous coating and varnishing
What matters in the strip
- Thin, uniform gauges
- Edge straightness
- Uniform surface
- Precise widths
Sectors
Application
Watchmaking and eyewear
In fine mechanics, stainless strip becomes springs, hinges, temples, nose pads and small parts: tiny pieces that demand precision, a careful finish and corrosion resistance.
Where it is used
- Watchmaking
- Eyewear
- Jewellery and accessories
- Precision instruments
What matters in the strip
- Thin gauges
- Bright 2R/BA surface
- Tight tolerances
- Small batches
Sectors
Application
MLS cylinder head gaskets
Multi-layer steel (MLS) cylinder head gaskets consist of several stacked stainless steel layers with embossed beads that seal the combustion chamber, oil and coolant passages. The outer layers act as springs and must keep the seal tight despite thermal expansion and engine vibration.
Where it is used
- Petrol and diesel engines
- Commercial vehicle and agricultural engines
- Hybrid powertrains
- Manifold and turbocharger gaskets
What matters in the strip
- AISI 301 full hard for the spring layers
- Consistent mechanical properties between batches
- Uniform thickness
- Flatness
Sectors
Application
Heat shields
Heat shields protect wiring, pipes and engine bay components from the heat of manifolds, turbochargers, catalytic converters and silencers. They are thin stamped and embossed sheets, often multi-layer, that must withstand high temperatures, oxidation and corrosion from salt and condensate.
Where it is used
- Manifolds and turbochargers
- Catalytic converters and particulate filters
- Silencers and exhaust pipes
- Protection of wiring and tanks
What matters in the strip
- Oxidation resistance at high temperature
- Drawability for stamping and embossing
- Thin, consistent gauges
- Widths up to 1250 mm
Sectors
Application
Structured packing for columns
Structured packing consists of blocks of corrugated, perforated thin sheets installed in the distillation, absorption and gas scrubbing columns of refineries and chemical plants. The thin sheet creates a large liquid–vapour contact surface with low pressure drop.
Where it is used
- Refinery distillation columns
- Chemical and petrochemical plants
- Gas absorption and scrubbing
- Solvent recovery
What matters in the strip
- Thin, consistent gauges
- Formability for embossing and corrugating
- Corrosion resistance to the process fluid
- Precise widths
Sectors
Application
Service centres and distributors
For service centres and distributors we are the partner to complete your stock with the grades and sizes you do not hold, or to source material at competitive prices: thanks to our strong purchasing power with European and Asian mills, we handle supplies from small quantities up to contracts of hundreds of tonnes a year.
Where it is used
- Completing your stock with grades and sizes you do not hold
- Urgent orders and small batches for your customers
- Annual contracts at competitive prices
- Slit strip, narrow strips and spools ready for resale
What matters in the strip
- Wide range of grades and conditions
- Competitive prices and continuity of supply
- Small quantities and annual contracts
- 3.1 certificate and heat traceability
Sector
Automotive and e-mobility
Precision stainless strip is everywhere in vehicles: multi-layer cylinder head gaskets, heat shields for the engine bay and exhaust, springs and clips, shielding for on-board electronics, flexible hoses and hose clamps. With electric mobility, battery contacts and hydrogen components are growing too.
Applications in this sector
Sector
Electronics and telecommunications
Connectors, terminals, contacts and shielding require thin gauges and tight tolerances. The strip feeds high-speed presses, often directly from the spool.
Applications in this sector
Request a quoteSector
Non-implantable medical
Instruments and devices that require clean surfaces, corrosion resistance and full traceability, with material certificates.
Applications in this sector
Request a quoteSector
Energy and hydrogen
Power generation, solar thermal, hydrogen and energy storage: stainless strip is used for bipolar plates, high-temperature gaskets, heat exchangers and contacts.
Applications in this sector
Request a quoteSector
Heating and air conditioning
Boilers, heat pumps, air conditioning and chimney liners: they need grades resistant to heat and condensate, thin gauges for heat transfer and strip suitable for roll forming.
Applications in this sector
Request a quoteSector
Food and chemical
Wherever hygiene and corrosion resistance matter: food machinery components, heat exchangers, food-cutting blades and seals for chemical plants.
Applications in this sector
Request a quoteSector
Chemical and petrochemical
Plants and pipework handle aggressive fluids at high pressures and temperatures: spiral-wound gaskets, flexible hoses and heat exchangers in corrosion-resistant grades.
Applications in this sector
Request a quoteSector
Aerospace
Lightweight, reliable components for aircraft and systems: springs, gaskets and shielding, with dimensional control and traceability of every batch.
Applications in this sector
Request a quoteSector
Tooling and stamping
Progressive stamping, fine blanking, blades and tools: strip with consistent properties means less scrap and longer-lasting dies.
Applications in this sector
Request a quoteSector
Construction, windows and furniture
From windows to the building site: insulating glass spacers, chimney liners, hose clamps, clips and stainless steel tools that do not rust and last over time.
Applications in this sector
Request a quoteSector
Textiles, paper and printing
Printing, paper converting, packaging and textile machinery use thin, perfectly straight blades and doctor blades, as well as springs and components that run continuously at high speed.
Applications in this sector
Request a quoteSector
Fine mechanics and industry
Watchmaking, eyewear, textile machinery, compressors and industrial machinery: small, highly stressed components that demand precision and fatigue resistance.