Perforated Sheets — Stainless Steel Perforated Plate from ULAMEX
Stainless steel perforated sheets are flat-rolled products with precisely punched hole patterns, manufactured from grade 1.4301 (AISI 304) austenitic stainless steel. ULAMEX supplies perforated sheets in two standard pattern types — RV (round holes) and QG (square holes) — for ventilation, filtration, acoustic attenuation, architectural screening and decorative applications. As a European wholesale supplier with over 35 years in the steel and aluminium trade, we source perforated stainless steel sheets to specification, delivering across more than 20 countries with full material documentation on request.
Material Grades and Properties
Our stainless steel perforated sheets are produced from grade 1.4301 (AISI 304 / X5CrNi18-10), the industry-standard austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel. With approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel content, this grade provides excellent corrosion resistance in atmospheric, freshwater and mildly aggressive chemical environments. The perforation process does not alter the metallurgical properties of the base material — the remaining bridge areas retain the full mechanical and corrosion characteristics of the parent sheet.
| Property | Grade 1.4301 (AISI 304) |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | 500–700 MPa |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | min. 190 MPa |
| Elongation (A5) | min. 45% |
| Hardness (HB) | max. 215 |
| Density | 7.93 kg/dm³ |
| Max. Service Temperature | up to 600°C (intermittent) |
For applications requiring enhanced chemical resistance — particularly in marine, pharmaceutical or chloride-exposed environments — we can source perforated sheets in grade 1.4404 (AISI 316L) with molybdenum addition for superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance.
Available Patterns and Formats
Material: Stainless steel
Type: 304
Patterns: RV (round holes) or QG (square holes)
Perforated stainless steel sheets are available on request. The two standard perforation patterns are:
| Pattern Code | Hole Shape | Arrangement | Common Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| RV | Round holes | Staggered (60°) or straight | Hole diameter 1–20 mm, pitch 2–30 mm |
| QG | Square holes | Straight rows | Hole size 5–25 mm, pitch 8–35 mm |
Sheet thicknesses typically range from 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm, with standard formats of 1000×2000 mm and 1250×2500 mm. Open area percentages vary from approximately 20% to 60% depending on hole size and pitch, directly influencing airflow, visibility and structural integrity. Custom perforation patterns, hole sizes and sheet formats can be sourced on request — please provide your specifications when contacting our team.
Applications
The combination of corrosion resistance, precise perforation geometry and aesthetic appearance makes stainless steel perforated sheets suitable for a wide range of industrial, architectural and functional applications.
- Ventilation and HVAC: Air distribution grilles, ventilation panels, air intake screens and exhaust covers in commercial and industrial buildings. The perforation pattern allows controlled airflow while preventing debris ingress.
- Food and Beverage Processing: Sieve plates, drying trays, drainage screens and sorting panels in food production lines. Grade 304 provides the hygiene and corrosion resistance required for food-contact surfaces; grade 316L for environments with chlorinated cleaning agents.
- Architecture and Facade Design: Decorative cladding panels, balcony infill screens, sun shading elements, privacy screens and interior partition walls. Perforated stainless steel creates visual depth and plays with light — available in brushed or polished finish for enhanced aesthetic effect.
- Filtration and Separation: Pre-filtration screens, basket strainers, centrifuge baskets and liquid-solid separation equipment in chemical processing, water treatment and industrial filtration systems.
- Acoustic Attenuation: Sound-absorbing wall and ceiling panels in industrial halls, machinery enclosures, generator rooms and public spaces. Backed with acoustic insulation, perforated stainless steel panels provide effective noise reduction with a clean, durable surface.
- Machine Safety and Guarding: Machine guards, safety screens and protective barriers around rotating equipment, conveyors and processing machinery. The perforated pattern allows visual inspection and airflow while providing physical protection.
Standards and Certifications
Stainless steel perforated sheets from ULAMEX comply with EN 10088-2 for flat stainless steel products. Perforation patterns conform to DIN 24041 (perforated sheets — designation and specification). Base sheet thickness tolerances follow EN 10051 for cold-rolled strip and sheet. Material test certificates EN 10204 Type 3.1 are available on request, confirming the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the base material. ULAMEX is certified to EN 1090 for structural steelwork and ISO 3834 for welding quality management — see our certifications page for details.
Why ULAMEX
- over 38 years of experience — established wholesale supplier of steel and aluminium products since 1988
- 60,000 m² warehouse with a comprehensive range of stainless steel products for combined ordering
- EN 1090 + ISO 3834 certified — quality-assured supply chain for industrial and construction customers
- Both RV and QG patterns — round and square perforation sourced to your specification
- Complete stainless steel product range — combine perforated sheets with smooth sheets, profiles and pipes
- 3.1 mill certificates on request — batch-traceable material documentation per EN 10204
- Delivery to 20+ countries — efficient logistics from our warehouse in Poland
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RV and QG perforation patterns?
RV denotes round hole perforation (from the German “Rundloch versetzt” — round holes staggered). Round holes in a 60-degree staggered arrangement offer the highest open area percentage for a given pitch, making RV the most common pattern for ventilation and filtration. QG denotes square hole perforation (from “Quadratloch gerade” — square holes in straight rows). Square holes provide a more geometric, architectural appearance and are often specified for decorative screens and facade panels. The choice between RV and QG depends on the required airflow, visual effect and structural properties.
Can ULAMEX supply perforated sheets with custom hole patterns?
Yes. Beyond standard RV and QG patterns, we can source perforated sheets with custom hole sizes, pitches, arrangements and open area percentages to match your specific application. Oblong (slotted), hexagonal and decorative patterns are also available. Provide your perforation specification and required sheet format when requesting a quote, and our team will confirm availability and lead times.
Which stainless steel grade is better for perforated sheets — 304 or 316L?
Grade 1.4301 (304) is suitable for most indoor and standard outdoor applications — including ventilation, architectural screening and general-purpose filtration. Grade 1.4404 (316L) is recommended for marine environments, chemical processing, pharmaceutical facilities and any application involving chloride exposure or aggressive cleaning agents. The 316L grade costs more but offers significantly better resistance to pitting corrosion. Our team can advise on the optimal grade selection for your environment.
Are material certificates available for perforated stainless steel sheets?
Yes. All perforated sheets can be supplied with 3.1 inspection certificates per EN 10204, confirming the base material’s chemical composition, mechanical properties and heat traceability. This is standard practice for customers in food processing, pharmaceutical, construction and other regulated sectors. Specify your documentation requirements when contacting us at [email protected] or +48 504 424 761.