Custom Stainless Steel Trays: Specifications, Materials and OEM Ordering Guide
Custom Stainless Steel Tray Manufacturing
E-BON manufactures custom stainless steel trays in its own factory for brands, importers, distributors, and hotel and restaurant suppliers. Every tray can be customized according to the buyer's size, shape, surface finish, logo, and packaging requirements, with 201 or 304 stainless steel available.
Ordering Information: The minimum order quantity is 1,000 pcs per design. Samples of existing styles take 3–7 days. Tooling development for a new shape takes approximately 30–40 days. After sample approval, bulk production takes 25–35 days. Final lead times depend on the product design, order quantity, and customization requirements.
FDA or LFGB food-contact testing reports can be requested for applicable products. Before ordering, confirm that the available reports cover the selected tray, stainless steel grade, surface finish, and destination market.
Custom Stainless Steel Tray Specifications
Each tray is manufactured according to the buyer's requirements, with the following customization options available.
| Specification | Available Options |
|---|---|
| Material | 201 or 304 stainless steel |
| Shape | Round, rectangular, or custom outlines based on buyer drawings |
| Dimensions | 200 × 250 mm to 600 × 400 mm; custom dimensions available subject to production requirements |
| Sheet Thickness | 0.8–1.2 mm, depending on tray dimensions, load capacity, and edge construction |
| Rim and Edge Design | Flat rim, raised edge, or rolled edge |
| Handles | No handle, cut-out handle, welded handle, or riveted handle |
| Surface Finish | Mirror polish, brushed finish, satin finish, or matte finish; other finishes subject to confirmation |
| Logo Customization | Laser marking, laser engraving, stamping, embossing, or etching, depending on the product design |
| Packaging | Individual protective bags or paper, export cartons, custom retail boxes, barcode labels, and carton markings |
Applications include serving trays for hotels, restaurants, and bars, as well as display and serving trays sold under private-label homeware brands.
Explore E-BON's stainless steel kitchenware collection for additional products available for bulk purchasing.
201 vs. 304 Stainless Steel: Which Grade Should You Choose?
Choose 304 stainless steel for trays intended for direct food contact, frequent commercial washing, or demanding operating environments. For dry serving, display applications, and price-sensitive projects, 201 stainless steel can be selected when its corrosion resistance meets the intended use requirements.
304 stainless steel typically contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Grade 201 uses manganese to replace part of the nickel, reducing material costs but also providing lower corrosion resistance.
| Application | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|
| Direct contact with acidic or salty foods, including citrus fruits, sauces, and brine | 304 |
| Frequent commercial dishwasher use | 304 |
| Humid, coastal, or outdoor environments | 304 |
| Dry serving, display, or gift trays | 201 or 304 |
| Price-sensitive promotional projects | 201, subject to application requirements |
Both grades can have a similar appearance after polishing. Specify the stainless steel grade on the quotation and pro forma invoice, and verify the approved sample and material documentation before mass production.
Custom Options and Their Impact on Orders
Whether a new stamping die is required is a major factor affecting tooling costs, minimum order quantities, and sampling lead times.
| Customization | New Tooling Required | Impact on the Order |
|---|---|---|
| Laser logo on an existing tray shape | No | No new logo die is required, simplifying the customization process. |
| Stamped or embossed logo | Yes, a logo die is required | Tooling is quoted separately based on logo dimensions, detail, and die requirements. |
| Surface finish change, such as mirror polish or brushed finish | Usually no | Producing and approving a new finish sample adds approximately 3–7 days. |
| Change in dimensions or depth of an existing shape | Subject to structural assessment | Tooling is quoted separately. New-shape tooling takes approximately 30–40 days, followed by sample production and approval. |
| Custom outline based on buyer drawings | Usually yes | Tooling is quoted separately. The minimum order quantity is 1,000–3,000 pcs per design, depending on dimensions, material consumption, structural complexity, and packaging requirements. |
Send a drawing or a reference tray with dimensions. E-BON can assess whether existing tooling can be used or modified. If new tooling is required, confirm the tooling cost and lead time before placing the order.
Tray Dimensions, Sheet Thickness and Flatness
Larger trays generally require thicker sheet metal or a stiffer rim structure to maintain flatness under load.
Thin sheet metal on a large tray is more likely to flex under load and develop dents. Increasing sheet thickness adds weight and material cost, while raised or rolled edges can improve rigidity without increasing the thickness of the entire tray.
| Tray Size | Suggested Sheet Thickness | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Small: longest side up to 300 mm | 0.8 mm | Lightweight serving and display trays |
| Medium: longest side 301–450 mm | 0.8–1.0 mm | General serving and hospitality applications |
| Large: longest side 451–600 mm | 1.0–1.2 mm | Larger trays and applications involving heavier loads |
The final sheet thickness should be determined by tray dimensions, maximum load, stainless steel grade, rim structure, and forming requirements. Heavy-duty commercial trays may require additional structural reinforcement.
Provide the tray dimensions and maximum expected load so E-BON's engineers can evaluate the appropriate sheet thickness and structural design before sampling.
Factory, Certifications and Quality Inspection
E-BON manufactures barware, kitchenware, and related stainless steel products at its manufacturing facility in Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- Established in 2000, with a 20,000 m² facility and more than 200 employees, including 5 senior engineers and 15 quality assurance staff.
- ISO 9001 certified and audited under the SEDEX 4-Pillar framework.
- FDA or LFGB food-contact testing reports can be requested for applicable products. Confirm report coverage for the selected tray, stainless steel grade, and destination market before ordering.
- Tray inspection covers dimensional accuracy, shape and flatness, edge burrs, scratches, dents, surface pitting, finish consistency, logo position and clarity, and packaging and carton markings. The final inspection plan should be agreed upon before mass production.
Visit E-BON's factory tour page to learn more about its manufacturing operations.
What to Include in Your Quotation Request
Provide the following information to help E-BON prepare an accurate quotation and reduce additional communication.
- A tray drawing, photograph, or physical sample with dimensions in millimeters.
- Material grade: 201 or 304, or the intended application if the grade has not been selected.
- Required sheet thickness, if specified.
- Surface finish: mirror polish, brushed finish, or another finish.
- Logo artwork, placement, and preferred marking method.
- Order quantity and expected annual purchasing volume.
- Packaging requirements, including bulk packaging or retail boxes and carton markings.
- Destination market to determine applicable testing requirements.
Submit your specifications through the E-BON inquiry form or email sales@szebon.com. For information about sampling and OEM product development, visit the OEM & Customization page.