What is stainless steel plate?
Stainless steel plate is often referred to as ‘corrosion-resistant steel’ – it does not stain, corrode or rust as easily as normal carbon steel. It would however be misleading to say it is corrosion-proof. It differs significantly from standard carbon steel due to the amount of chromium present, which limits surface corrosion unlike carbon steel which will rust when exposed to air and any moisture in the atmosphere. Due to its anti-oxidation qualities, stainless steel is often a popular solution.
Stainless Steel Plate is perfect for many kinds of applications. You can order custom-cut lengths with specific dimensions to meet your requirement. Our prices are competitive, and we offer a wide variety of sizes and thicknesses. Stainless steel is a great choice for home and commercial kitchen equipment, appliances, construction, engineering, and so on. If you’re looking for a material that is corrosion-resistant, durable, and easy to maintain, stainless steel is the way to go.
Where low maintenance and corrosion resistance is required, stainless steel plates are a natural choice and are used in a diverse range of applications from modern architecture for cladding or fascias, to the food hygiene industry due to its anti-bacterial qualities. Sunny Steel supplies stainless steel in a wide variety of grades and aesthetic finishes. There are many options available – for example adding carbon during the forming process will make the stainless steel more durable and stronger too. We can supply stainless steel in coils, sheets, plates and bars and ship the material worldwide.
Type 304 Stainless Steel
One of the most versatile and commonly used stainless steels on the market, Grade 304 stainless steel is the most standard used alloy of this type. Essentially, Grade 304 is an austenitic chromium alloy which is also known as an “18/8” stainless as the make-up of the steel is 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
The chromium content promotes the material’s considerable resistance to the effects of corrosion and oxidation. The stainless steel alloy resists most oxidizing acids and will withstand ordinary rusting though this does not mean that the steel will not tarnish over time. The steel needs to be cold worked to generate higher tensile strength. For stainless steel sections which are welded heavily, post-weld annealing may be necessary to provide maximum corrosive resistance.
Type 304 Stainless Steel has excellent welding and deep drawing characteristics – it is easy to fabricate, easy to clean and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Applications of Grade 304 Stainless Steel
The steel is common throughout industry particularly in food processing as the material is not susceptible to corrosion from acids found in common foodstuffs. As a consequence, such steel is ideal for items such as sinks, work surfaces, preparation areas and refrigerators. It is also a perfect material for use in the pharmaceutical industry for environments such as clean rooms.
Grade 304 can also be found in heat exchangers, chemical containers, pipelines and throughout the brewing industry. It can be used as a fabricated material where high temperature petroleum gases or steam production gases are stored such as pressure vessels. It can even be found extensively in the construction industry where the material is used for cosmetic purposes such as a building fascias.
304 & 304L plate and pipes have similar properties and in certain cases are stocked with Dual Certification, where it is concluded that each item has properties and a composition which comply with both steel types. Grade 304H cannot be included in this equation due to the steel’s higher carbon content which is intended for use in elevated temperature applications.
Mechanical Properties
| DESCRIPTION | TYPE 304 |
|---|---|
| Proof Stress 0.2% (MPa) | 205 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 515 |
| Elongation A5 (%) | 40 |
| Hardness | HB: 201 HRB: 92 |
Chemical Composition
| UNS No | S30400 |
| EN | 1.4301 |
| AISI | 304 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.07 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.75 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.50 – 19.50 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.00 – 10.50 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.10 |
Type 304L Stainless Steel
Type 304L is a lower carbon variant of Grade 304 – the steel can be welded without the resulting issue of carbon precipitation (precipitation of chromium carbide as heat is applied during the welding process which depletes the chromium element of the steel thus reducing its anti-corrosive/oxidation effectiveness).
As a result, Type 304L stainless steel is a sort after material for use in severely corrosive conditions. Weld annealing is only necessary in applications where stress loads are excessive.
This steel Grade is found in a variety of commercial sectors, particularly in the chemical industry.
Benefits of using 304L Stainless Steel
- Low carbon content eliminates carbon precipitation in the welding process
- Can be used in severe corrosive environments
- Weld annealing only required in high stress applications
- Very similar to Type 304
304 & 304L plate and pipes have similar properties and in certain cases are stocked with Dual Certification, where it is concluded that each item has properties and a composition which comply with both steel types. Grade 304H cannot be included in this equation due to the steel’s higher carbon content which is intended for use in elevated temperature applications.
Mechanical Properties of 304L
| DESCRIPTION | TYPE 304L |
|---|---|
| Proof Stress 0.2% (MPa) | 170 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 485 |
| Elongation A5 (%) | 40 |
| Hardness | HB: 201 HRB: 92 |
Chemical Composition of 304L
| UNS No | S30403 |
| EN | 1.4301 |
| AISI | 304 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.03 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.75 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.00 – 20.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.00 – 12.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.10 |
Type 304H Stainless Steel
Unlike 304L, Type 304H has a higher carbon content making the steel more suitable for use in applications where elevated temperatures are present. It is an austenitic chromium-nickel steel alloy and the greater carbon content delivers an increased tensile and yield strength.
The material is recommended for use in ASME pressure vessels in working service above 525 °C due to the grade’s heat resistant properties.
Benefits of using 304H Stainless Steel
- Higher carbon content gives the material greater heat resistant qualities
- Higher tensile yield strength
- Greater short and long term creep strength
304H alloy is commonly found in the oil refining, gas and chemical industry and is used in industrial boilers, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pipelines and condensers. The material is also used throughout the power generation industry.
Mechanical Properties of 304H
| DESCRIPTION | TYPE 304H |
|---|---|
| Proof Stress 0.2% (MPa) | 205 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 515 |
| Elongation A5 (%) | 40 |
| Hardness | HB: 201 HRB: 92 |
Chemical Composition of 304H
| UNS No | S30409 |
| EN | 1.4948 |
| AISI | 304H |
| Carbon (C) | 0.04/0.10 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.75 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.00 – 20.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.00 – 10.50 |
| Nitrogen (N) |
| UNS No | S30409 |
| EN | 1.4948 |
| AISI | 304H |
| Carbon (C) | 0.04/0.10 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.75 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.00 – 20.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.00 – 10.50 |
| Nitrogen (N) |
Type 316 Stainless Steel
After 304, this is the most common stainless steel on the market. Again it is an austenitic grade with the addition of 2–3% molybdenum which further improves corrosion resistance. It is often referred to as a marine grade stainless steel because of its effective resistance to chloride corrosion in comparison to other stainless steel grades.
The material has superior welding and forming qualities. Grade 316 will require post-weld annealing to promote maximum corrosion resistance, though this is not necessary if Type 316L is used.
Origins from the Paper Industry
The steel was initially produced for the paper producing industry as it has been shown to be highly resistant to the sulphur compounds used in paper processing.
Typical applications for this material are now widespread due to its superior corrosion resistance properties when compared to Grade 304. Type 316 stainless can be found in heat exchangers, pharmaceutical equipment, dairies and breweries, marine fittings, coastal architectural fascia and fittings and in food preparation areas.
316 & 316L steel plate and pipes have common properties and are often stocked with Dual Certification, where it is determined that both have properties and composition which comply with both steel types.
Type 316H is excluded from this scenario by virtue of the fact that unlike 316 & 316L, 316H is engineered to work in elevated working temperatures.
Mechanical Properties of Type 316
| DESCRIPTION | TYPE 316 |
|---|---|
| Proof Stress 0.2% (MPa) | 205 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 515 |
| Elongation A5 (%) | 40 |
| Hardness | HB: 217 HRB: 95 |
Chemical Composition of Type 316
| DESCRIPTION | TYPE 316 |
|---|---|
| Proof Stress 0.2% (MPa) | 205 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 515 |
| Elongation A5 (%) | 40 |
| Hardness | HB: 217 HRB: 95 |
Type 316L Stainless Steel
Type 316L is the low carbon version of 316 stainless. With the addition of molybdenum, the steel is popular for use in severe corrosion environments due to the materials immunity from boundary carbide precipitation (sensitisation).
The material is widely used in heavy gauge welded components and weld annealing is only required where the material is for use in high stress environments. 316L has an extensive variety of uses especially in marine applications due to the materials high corrosion resistance.
Benefits of using Type 316L Stainless Steel
- Low carbon content eliminates carbon precipitation in the welding process
- Can be used in severe corrosive environments
- Improved anti–corrosion scope due to added Molybdenum
- Weld annealing only required in high stress applications
- Very similar to Grade 316 in chemical composition and mechanical properties
316 & 316L steel plate and pipes have common properties and are often stocked with Dual Certification, where it is determined that both have properties and composition which comply with both steel types.
Type 316H is excluded from this scenario by virtue of the fact that unlike 316 & 316L, 316H is engineered to work in elevated working temperatures.
Mechanical Properties of Type 316L
| DESCRIPTION | TYPE 316 |
|---|---|
| Proof Stress 0.2% (MPa) | 170 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 485 |
| Elongation A5 (%) | 40 |
| Hardness | HB: 217 HRB: 95 |
Chemical Composition of Type 316L
| UNS No | S31603 |
| EN | 1.4404 |
| AISI | 316L |
| Carbon (C) | 0.08 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.75 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.00 – 18.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.00/3.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.00 – 14.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.10 |
Type 316H Stainless Steel
Type 316H is a higher carbon variant of 316 making the steel more suitable for use in applications where elevated temperatures are present. Stabilised Grade 316Ti offers similar qualities.
The increased carbon content delivers a greater tensile and yield strength. The austenitic structure of the material also gives this grade excellent toughness, even down to cryogenic temperatures.
Benefits of using Type 316H Stainless Steel
- Increased carbon content heat resistant qualities
- Greater tensile yield strength
- Greater short and long term creep strength
Mechanical Properties of Type 316H
| DESCRIPTION | TYPE 316 |
|---|---|
| Proof Stress 0.2% (MPa) | 205 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 515 |
| Elongation A5 (%) | 40 |
| Hardness | HB: 217 HRB: 95 |
Chemical Composition of Type 316H
| UNS No | S31603 |
| EN | 1.4401 |
| AISI | 316H |
| Carbon (C) | 0.04/0.10 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.75 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.00 – 18.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.00/3.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.00 – 14.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) |
Type 321 Stainless Steel
Type 321 is a standard austenitic 18/8 chromium nickel alloy with the addition of Titanium making it an excellent choice in elevated temperature environments.
The titanium stabilises the material removing its susceptibility to the effects of intergranular corrosion. 321 is therefore the stainless steel material of choice for applications in working environments up to 900° C.
A drawback of Type 321 is that the titanium does not transfer well across a high temperature arc, so it is not recommended as a welding consumable.
In such instances, 347 is the preferred choice as the Niobium performs the same function as Titanium but can be still transferred across a high temperature arc. Type 347 is therefore the consumable of choice for welding Grade 321.
The steel has excellent forming and welding qualities and excellent toughness even at cryogenic temperatures. If you are looking for a stainless steel to provide resistance to intergranular corrosion, 304L is the normal choice as it is a more commonly used and supplied steel.
However, 321 is a much better option in operating temperature environments in excess of 500° C and therefore has its own merits.
Note that Type 321 does not polish well so it is not practical to use this material as cosmetic architectural feature.
Mechanical Properties of Type 321
| DESCRIPTION | TYPE 321 |
|---|---|
| Proof Stress 0.2% (MPa) | 205 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 515 |
| Elongation A5 (%) | 40 |
| Hardness | HB: 217 HRB: 95 |
Chemical Composition of Type 321
| UNS No | S32100 |
| EN | 1.4541 |
| AISI | 321 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.08 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.75 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.00 – 19.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9.00 – 12.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | |
| Other | Ti:5x(C+N)/0.70 |
Type 347 Stainless Steel
347 stainless steel is variant of the basic austenitic 18/8 Grade 304 with added Columbium – the introduction of Columbium stabilizes the steel and eliminates carbide precipitation which subsequently causes intergranular corrosion.
The steel has excellent forming and welding qualities and excellent toughness even at cryogenic temperatures.
Benefits of 347 Stainless Steel
- Higher creep stress and rupture properties when compared with 304
- Ideal for high temperature service
- Overcomes sensitization and intergranular corrosion concerns
- Can be used in elevated temperature applications for ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications
- Due to stabilisation the material offers better overall corrosion resistance when compared to 304/304L
- Excellent mechanical properties
- A high carbon version (347H) is also available
Typical Uses
- Heat exchangers
- High temperature steam service
- High temperature chemical process
Both 347/347H are used primarily in elevated temperature applications.
Mechanical Properties of Type 347
| DESCRIPTION | TYPE 347 |
|---|---|
| Proof Stress 0.2% (MPa) | 205 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 515 |
| Elongation A5 (%) | 40 |
| Hardness | HB: 201 HRB: 92 |
Chemical Composition of Type 347
| UNS No | S34700 |
| EN | 1.4550 |
| AISI | 347 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.08 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.75 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.00 – 19.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 9.00 – 13.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | |
| Other | Cb:10xC1.00 |
Type 410 Stainless Steel
410 stainless steel is a hardenable martensitic stainless steel alloy. Unlike austenitic grades it can be heat treated (“quench and temper”) to generate high strength with good ductility. 410 alloy is required when strength, hardness and wear resistance is required with some corrosion resistance.
Due to the hardening capabilities of this steel, other properties and the resulting performance of this material are somewhat compromised. The alloy can only effectively be used in mildly corrosive environments. The operating temperature range is limited a) a loss of strength by over tempering at elevated temperatures and b) a loss of ductility at sub-zero temperatures.
Type 410 is officially a stainless steel but characteristically the material is actually a compromise of high carbon steel alloy (which promotes wear resistance) with chromium stainless steel (which promotes corrosion resistance).
This steel is ideal for use in the manufacture of highly stressed parts found in a variety of industries including petrochemical, automotive and power generation.
Mechanical Properties of Type 410
| DESCRIPTION | TYPE 410 |
|---|---|
| Proof Stress 0.2% (MPa) | 205 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 450 |
| Elongation A5 (%) | 20 |
| Hardness | HB: 217 HRB: 96 |
Chemical Composition of Type 410
| UNS No | S41000 |
| EN | 1.4006 |
| AISI | 410 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.08/0.15 |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.50 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.040 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 11.5/13.5 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0.75 |
| Nitrogen (N) |
UNS S31254
UNS S31254 is a high-end austenitic stainless steel, also referred to as stainless steel grade 254 or alloy 254 SMO. It has high levels of chromium, molybdenum and nitrogen, making it significantly stronger than other austenitic grades and providing many other benefits for a range of applications and industries.
Some of the standard applications that benefit from UNS S31254 include the following:
- Chokes
- Heat exchangers
- Industrial components for the chemical industry, food processing, and oil and gas
- Pipework
- Saltwater handling
If your applications require outstanding strength and strong resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, UNS S31254 is the ideal solution. Additional benefits include an enhanced level of ductility, good weldability and resistance to chemical and saltwater corrosion, especially in high chloride environments.
UNS S32205 Duplex Stainless Steel
Duplex stainless is a mixed microstructure of austenite and ferrite (50/50) which has improved strength over ferritic and austenitic steel grades with similar corrosion resistance qualities.
One of the main attractions of duplex stainless steel is cost – due to the materials increased yield strength it is often possible to reduce the thickness of material making it much cheaper than a comparative austenitic stainless steel grade.
Also Duplex steel has a lower alloy content reduces production costs. Certainly cost and weight savings without loss of performance is an attractive proposition to purchasers.
Benefits of using UNS32205 Duplex Stainless Steel
- Corrosion resistance much better than that of Type 316
- Greater tensile and yield strength
- Good ductility and toughness though not as good as austenitic grades
- Good stress corrosion cracking resistance (SSC)
- Opportunity for purchases to reduce their material costs without compromising on quality
Mechanical Properties of S32205
| DESCRIPTION | DUPLEX 2205 |
|---|---|
| Proof Stress 0.2% (MPa) | 450 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 620 |
| Elongation A5 (%) | 20 |
| Hardness | HB: 293 HRB: 96 (according to Rockwell C Scale) |
Chemical Composition of S32205
| UNS No | S32205 |
| EN | 1.4462 |
| AISI | 2205 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.030 |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.030 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.020 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 22.0/23.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 3.0/3.5 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 4.5/6.5 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.14/0.20 |
SuperDuplex has the same benefits as its counterpart – it has lower production costs when compared with similar ferritic and austenitic grades and due to the materials increased tensile and yield strength, in many cases this gives the purchaser the welcomed option of purchasing smaller thicknesses without the need to compromise on quality and performance.
Benefits of UNS32750 SuperDuplex Stainless Steel
- Improved corrosion resistance in comparison to Duplex
- Greater tensile and yield strength
- Good ductility and toughness
- Good stress corrosion cracking resistance (SSC)
- Opportunity for purchases to reduce their material costs without compromising on quality
Applications
SuperDuplex is used in the oil and gas industry, on offshore platforms, in heat exchangers, chemical processing equipment pressure vessels and boilers.
About UNS32750
2507 is the most common SuperDuplex alloy which contains 24% chromium and a minimum of 3% molybdenum. Please refer to the chemical composition and mechanic properties tables below. For information on Duplex alloy please click here.
Mechanical Properties of S32750
| DESCRIPTION | DUPLEX 2205 |
|---|---|
| Proof Stress 0.2% (MPa) | 450 |
| Tensile strength (MPa) | 620 |
| Elongation A5 (%) | 20 |
| Hardness | HB: 293 HRB: 96 (according to Rockwell C Scale) |
Chemical Composition of S32750
| UNS No | S32750 |
| EN | 1.4410 |
| AISI | 2507 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.030 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.80 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.20 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.035 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.020 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 24.0/26.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 3.0/3.5 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 6.00/8.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.24/0.32 |
| Other | Cu: 0.50 |
UNS S32760 SuperDuplex Stainless Steel
SuperDuplex stainless steel – with a microstructure of 50:50 austenite and ferrite, the steel has improved strength over ferritic and austenitic steel grades. With a higher than average Molybdenum and Chromium content, the material has greater heat and corrosion resistant qualities.
With reduced production costs when compared with equivalent austenitic and ferritic grades and with greater yield and tensile strength, SuperDuplex is a cost effective solution for the consumer. It is conceivable that material thicknesses for a project may be reduced if SuperDuplex is used, thus reducing cost without compromising quality.
Benefits of UNS S32760 SuperDuplex Stainless Steel
- Increased tensile & yield strength
- Good ductility and toughness
- SSC resistance
- Corrosion resistance is better than Duplex
- Cost effective
Applications
UNS S32760 is used in the oil and gas industry, on offshore platforms, in heat exchangers, chemical processing equipment, pressure vessels and boilers.
Chemical Composition of S32760
| UNS No | S32750 |
| EN | 1.4410 |
| AISI | 2507 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.030 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.80 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 1.20 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.035 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.020 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 24.0/26.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 3.0/3.5 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 6.00/8.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.24/0.32 |
| Other | Cu: 0.50 |
1.4057 Stainless Steel
One of the most rounded stainless steel grades on the market, 1.4057 stainless steel is an outstanding engineering material for demanding applications. It is a martensitic chromium alloy with exceptional corrosion resistance and versatile thermodynamic properties. Inherently resistant to salt water and scaling at continuous operating temperatures of 870°C, 1.4057 stainless steel is a widely-used engineering alloy for marine applications.
1.4057 stainless steel maintains its high toughness and tensile properties in the quenched and tempered condition. This makes it ideal for bolt and shaft applications. As with other common stainless steel grades, it is resistant to chemical attack from a range of biological media, organic matter, and various corrosive elements. This makes 1.4057 stainless steel uniquely suited for medical and food contact devices, as well as for complex machinery in shipbuilding applications.
Benefits of Using 1.4057 Stainless Steel
- Good resistance to seawater and water of varying salt concentrations
- Easily machined into complex parts
- Suitable for hygiene-critical applications
Mechanical Properties of 1.4057
| Description | 1.4057 Stainless Steel |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | <1000 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 1080 |
| Elongation (% in 50mm) | 20 |
| Hardness (HB) | <388 |
| Impact Charpy V (J) | 50 – 84 |
Chemical Composition of 1.4057
| UNS No | S43100 |
| AISI | 431 |
| Carbon (C) | 0.12 – 0.22% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 5—17% |
| Manganese (Mn) | <1.0% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 2.50% |
| Phosphorous (P) | <0.04% |
| Silicon (Si) | <1.0% |
Talking about the application range of 304 stainless steel
The surface of stainless steel plate is smooth, has high plasticity, toughness and mechanical strength, and is resistant to acid, solution, alkaline gas and corrosion of other media. It is an alloy steel that is not prone to rust, but it is definitely not rust-free. Steel plates that are resistant to weak media such as atmosphere, steam and water are stainless steel plates, and steel plates that are resistant to chemical corrosive media such as acids, alkalis, and salts are acid-resistant steel plates.
Stainless steel plate is divided into: cold-rolled stainless steel plate, hot-rolled stainless steel plate and medium and thick plate
- Cold-rolled stainless steel plate thickness: 0.3-6.0mm cold-rolled stainless steel plate
size specification: 10002000 12202440 12203050 12204000 15003000 15006000 width fixed length can be fixed according to requirements. - Hot rolled stainless steel plate thickness: 3.0-16.0mm hot rolled stainless steel plate size specification: 15006000 18006000 2000*6000 width fixed length can be fixed according to requirements.
- Thick plate thickness: 18-100mm Medium and thick plate size specifications: 15006000 18006000 2000*6000 length and width can be cut as needed.
What are the specifications of stainless steel plate? What are the classifications of stainless steel plates?
Stainless steel plate specifications: stainless steel plate standard thickness :
0.1/ 0.2/0.3/0.5/0.6/0.7/0.8/0.9/1.0/1.5/2.0/2.5/3.0/4.0/5.0/6.0/8.0/9/10/12/16/18/20/22/25/30mm Stainless steel plate width: 1000, 1220mm, 1250mm, 1500mm, 1800mm, 2000mm
No board width: 1000mm, 1220mm, 1250mm, 1500mm, 1800mm, 2000mm
Stainless steel plate classification:
- Four categories, such as Martensitic stainless steel plate (including precipitation hardening stainless steel plate), ferritic stainless steel plate, austenitic stainless steel plate and austenitic plus ferritic duplex stainless steel plate, are classified according to organizational structure.
- According to the main chemical composition in the steel plate or some characteristic elements in the steel plate to classify, it is divided into chromium stainless steel plate, chromium-nickel stainless steel plate, chromium-nickel-molybdenum stainless steel plate and low-carbon stainless steel plate, high molybdenum stainless steel plate, high-purity stainless steel plate, etc.
According to the performance characteristics and use of steel plate, it is divided into nitric acid resistant stainless steel plate, sulfuric acid resistant stainless steel plate, pitting corrosion resistant stainless steel plate, stress corrosion resistant stainless steel plate, high strength stainless steel plate, etc. - According to the functional characteristics of steel plate, it is divided into low-temperature stainless steel plate, non-magnetic stainless steel plate, easy-cutting stainless steel plate, superplastic stainless steel plate, etc.
How can you identify what grades of stainless steel you have?
Stainless steel is a steel alloy containing chromium, nickel, and other elements, such as Ni, that can be alloyed with stainless steel, increasing the complexity of identifying stainless steel from other types of metal. Do you find stainless steels difficult to identify?
Sensory sensing methods can basically identify those three grades: Cr stainless steel (400 series), Cr-Ni stainless steel (300 series), and Cr-Mn-N stainless steel (200 series), but it cannot distinguish specific steel grades. In the case of unknown steel grade, we can rely on the physical and chemical properties of steel, with the help of simple tools to determine whether it is stainless steel and what type of stainless steel it is. Here we will tell you some simple methods of identification:
1. Observing the color of the item after the selection process
Generally speaking, the color of stainless steel after pickling will change on the surface:
| Steel grade | Color after pickling | Color before pickling |
| Stainless steel Cr-Ni | Silvery white | White Cafe |
| Stainless steel Cr | Grey-white, bright | Dark brown |
| Cr-Mn-N stainless steel | Silvery white | Black |
2 Tests with copper sulfate
Copper sulfate tests often come with good results. Dissolve about 8 grams of copper sulfate in about 500 ml of water. Pass the swab to the item you test. Carbon steel surfaces will immediately show a copper color as the iron dissolves and copper replaces it. The 300 stainless series does not show any reaction, and the 400 series will generally not show a reaction, or it will be very limited.
3 Magnet tests
The alloy composition of stainless steel will determine whether it is magnetic or non-magnetic. Although the magnet can basically distinguish Cr stainless steel and Cr-N stainless steel, it cannot distinguish specific steel grades and concrete steel number accurately. The 400 series are magnetic, 304, 316, 201,202 is the only stainless steel that is not attracted to the magnet. However, 304 could become magnetic when running cold. Because Cr stainless steel can be magnetized in any condition; Cr-Ni stainless steel is generally not magnetic in annealing, and some will be magnetic after cold processing; The magnetic condition of Cr-Ni-N stainless steel is more complicated: some are non-magnetic, some are magnetic, some are non-magnetic, and the horizontal surface is magnetic. High manganese steel is completely non-magnetic.
For special types of steel, more sophisticated methods are needed to identify them:
1 spark test
If you grind some of the item into an abrasive grinding wheel and emit sparks, the item is most likely made of a 300 series of stainless steel Cr. If it sheds a “glow” of intense sparks, then it is high manganese steel or Mn-N steel.
2 acid test
Place a drop of nitric acid/strong sulfuric acid on the steel surface, or steel in acidic solution at room temperature. Observing the color changes of the surface of the object: strong attack, green crystals and dark surface: 302,304; Slow attack, the tanned surface turns brown: 316.
Corrosion factors of stainless steel plate
Stainless steel plate is actually a product that is not prone to corrosion. In fact, no product can be protected from corrosion unless it is in some cases serious. If our stainless steel plate is corroded, it can affect its normal use. Therefore, to avoid this situation, we still need to take some preventive measures. Let’s first understand the corrosion factorsof stainless steel plates?
(1) Electrochemical corrosion
The scratch is caused by contact betweenstainless steel plateand carbon steel parts and then forms a galvanic cell with a corrosive medium, which will produce electrochemical corrosion. If the pickled passivation effect is not good, the passivation film on the plate surface will also be uneven or too thin, which is also easy to produce electrochemical corrosion, slag cutting, splashes and other oxidation-prone substances adhered to the plate. , and then forms a galvanic cell with the corrosive medium, resulting in electrochemical corrosion. The pickling and passivation cleaning is not clean, resulting in chemical corrosion products between the remaining pickling and passivation residues and the plate, and then electrochemical corrosion with the plate.
(2) Chemical corrosion
Under certain conditions, a lot of greasy dirt, dust, acid, alkali, salt, etc. adhered to the surfaceof stainless steel plateswill turn into corrosive media, which will chemically react with some components of the plates, leading to chemical corrosion and oxidation. Cleaning, pickling and passivation are not clean enough, resulting in residual fluid retention that directly corrodes the plate. The surface of the plate is scratched, which leads to the destruction of the passive film, so the protection ability of the plate is reduced and it is easy to react with chemical means, resulting in chemical corrosion and oxidation.
Stainless steel sheet/plate is versatile and used in a variety of applications. It is primarily selected for its resistance to corrosion, longevity and formability.
Typical uses of stainless steel sheet/plate include, construction, food service applications, transportation, chemical, marine, and textile industries.
Grades
Our stainless steel sheet/plate is available in 300, 400 and 200 series. Each type has its own characteristics. The most popular grades are, 304 which can be easily roll-formed or shaped and due to its excellent corrosion resistance and weldability, it is one of the most popular grades available. 316 is an alloy that contains molybdenum which increases the corrosion resistance and is particularly effective in acidic environments as it provides a greater resistance to pitting corrosion. 321 is a variation of 304 with the addition of titanium, it is resistant to intergranular corrosion and has excellent weldability. Type 430 is a ferritic stainless steel alloy which offers good corrosion resistance and is predominately used in the domestic and catering industries.
We also offer sheet/plate in Aluzinc and aluminium if required.
Common Grades and Specifications
| Grades | Width | Length | Thickness |
|---|---|---|---|
| 304/304L (1.4301/1.4307) | Up to 1500mm | Up to 4000mm | From 0.4mm |
| 316/316L (1.4401/1.4404) | Up to 1500mm | Up to 4000mm | From 0.4mm |
| 321 (1.4541) | Up to 1500mm | Up to 4000mm | From 0.4mm |
| 430 (1.4016) | Up to 1500mm | Up to 4000mm | From 0.4mm |
You can buy standard stock directly from our warehouse for next day delivery or we can cut your sheets down to size. Other grades are available on request.
Finishes
Cold rolled, annealed in a controlled atmosphere to retain a highly reflective finish.
| Finish | Description |
|---|---|
| 2B | Smooth finish, reflective grey sheen. Most widely used surface finish. |
| Bright Annealed (BA) | Cold rolled, annealed in a controlled atmosphere to retain a highly reflective finish. |
| Dull Polish (DP) | Selected for ease of cleaning, brushed look, non-reflective, used extensively in the catering industry, also push plates and kick plates. |
| Hot Rolled (HR) | Scaled finish, ideal if surface finish is not a key concern. |
Other finishes are available if required and can be supplied with a protective film.
Profile
Profiling options are available such as corrugated or perforated sheet, these can be achieved on any of the grades available within the 300, 400 and 200 series as well as aluminium and Aluzinc.
Quality
All BS Stainless steel sheet/plate is manufactured to the highest quality within the scope of ISO 9001:2015 accredited management system and manufactured to BS EN 10088-2 specification.
Our stainless steel plates have properties all industrial manufacturers need from their products. They are made to last for many years with little to no maintenance. They have high temperature tolerance along with easy-wielding properties – perfect for all kinds of manufacturers.