Stainless Steel Frames

Stainless steel is one of the most durable materials used in architecture, building, and construction.

Karpen Steel can provide stainless steel frames per the following specifications:

• 16 Gage only
• Type 304 #3/#4 Finish (Satin Finish)
• UL Label Available
• 3 or 4-sided frames with mullions
• Cut-off stops available.

There are four major groups of stainless steel. Type 304 is the basic alloy and commonly used in frame manufacturing.

There are numerous surface finishes for stainless steel. Commonly frames use a Number 3/4 finish which is considered to be a general purpose “satin” finish. There is no differentiation anymore from the steel suppliers between the #3 and #4 finish, typically all the steel meets at least a #4 finish in quality.

By contrast, a Number 8 finish is commonly termed a “mirror” or “polished” finish.

Appropriate applications for Karpen Steel Stainless Steel Frames:

Industrial and institutional type applications only.
Examples of appropriate uses are:

• Food processing plants
• Veterinarian offices
• Cafeterias
• Restaurants in non-public areas (such as kitchens)

Stainless frames will be quoted for industrial type application only. The stainless steel is a brushed finish (Type 304 #3/4 Finish) and is not highly polished architectural grade. Please call us if you have any questions regarding application and suitability. We will need to know the type of application when the order is placed in order to assure that the material is suitable for the intended use.

Note: When hardware reinforcements and anchors are spot welded to stainless frames, the spot welds become visible through the frame as a normal result of the spot welding process. Joints between mullions and adjacent members will be TIG welded and cleaned.