The properties of stainless steel are corrosion resistance, high ductility, attractive appearance and low maintenance.
Stainless steel contains chromium, which provides the properties of corrosion resistance at high temperatures. Stainless steel can withstand corrosive or chemical environments due to its smooth surface. Stainless steel plates are safe for long-term use with excellent resistance to corrosion fatigue.
Stainless steel plate is an extremely popular mill processed material that offers good corrosion resistance for numerous types of applications. Stainless steel plate is widely used in internal equipment, walls, pressure vessels, and marine applications. 430 stainless steel plate is suitable for dry or internal environment equipment. 304 stainless steel plate is suitable for outdoor walls or windows. 316 stainless steel plate is suitable for the pressure vessel of industrial and marine applications.
Width Tolerance: Max. Aim ±10 mm
Edge Crack: Max. 5 mm per side
Stainless Steel Composition
Below is a table detailing the chemical composition of some of the stainless steel grades that are supplied by stainless materials
Austenitic Grades
| Grade | EN Specification | Carbon (C) | Silicon (S) | Manganese (Mn) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulfur (S) | Chromium (Cr) | Molybdenum (Mo) | Nickel (Ni) | Nitrogen (N) | Iron (Fe) |
|---|
| 301 | 1.4310 | 0.05 – 0.15 | 2.00 | 2.00 | 0.045 | 0.015 | 16.0 – 19.0 | 0.80 | 6.0 – 9.5 | 0.10 | Balance |
| 304 | 1.4301 | 0.07 | 1.00 | 2.00 | 0.045 | 0.015 | 17.5 – 19.5 | – | 8.0 – 10.5 | 0.1 | Balance |
| 304L | 1.4307 | 0.03 | 1.00 | 2.00 | 0.045 | 0.015 | 17.5 – 19.5 | – | 8.0 – 10.5 | 0.1 | Balance |
| 201 | 1.4372 | 0.15 | 1.00 | 5.5 – 7.5 | 0.045 | 0.015 | 16.0 – 18.0 | – | 3.5 – 5.5 | 0.05 – 0.25 | Balance |
| 316 | 1.4401 | 0.07 | 1.00 | 2.00 | 0.045 | 0.015 | 16.5 – 18.5 | 2.0 – 2.5 | 10.0 – 13.0 | 0.1 | Balance |
| 316L | 1.4404 | 0.03 | 1.00 | 2.00 | 0.045 | 0.015 | 16.5 – 18.5 | 2.0 – 2.5 | 10.0 – 13.0 | 0.1 | Balance |
Ferritic Grades
| Grade | EN Specification | Carbon
(C) | Silicon
(Si) | Manganese
(Mn) | Phosphorus
(P) | Sulfur
(S) | Chromium
(Cr) | Titanium
(Ti) | Niobium
(Nb) | Molybdenum
(Mo) | Nickel (Ni) |
|---|
| 409 | 1.4512 | 0.030 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.040 | 0.015 | 10.5 – 12.5 | [6 x (C + N)] to max 0.65 | – | – | – |
| 430 | 1.4016 | 0.080 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.040 | 0.015 | 16.0 – 18.0 | – | – | – | – |
| 434 | 1.4113 | 0.080 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.040 | 0.015 | 16.0 – 18.0 | – | – | – | – |
| 439 | 1.4510 | 0.050 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.040 | 0.015 | 16.0 – 18.0 | [4 x (C + N) + 0.15] to max 0.8 | (3 x C + 0.3) to max 1 | – | – |
| 4509 | 1.4509 | 0.030 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.040 | 0.015 | 17.5 – 18.5 | 0.1 – 0.6 | – | – | – |
| 436 | 1.4513 | 0.025 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.040 | 0.015 | 16.0 – 18.0 | [4 x (C + N) + 0.15] to max 0.8 | – | 0.80 – 1.40 | 0.020 |
Martensitic Grades
| Grade | EN Specification | Carbon (C) | Silicon (S) | Manganese (Mn) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulfur (S) | Chromium (Cr) | Nickel (Ni) | Nitrogen (N) | Iron (Fe) |
|---|
| 410 | 1.4006 | 0.08 – 0.15 | 1.00 | 1.50 | 0.040 | 0.015 | 11.5 – 13.5 | 0.75 | – | Balance |
| 420 | 1.4021 | 0.16 – 0.25 | 1.00 | 1.50 | 0.040 | 0.015 | 12.0 – 14.0 | – | – | Balance |
| 420 | 1.4031 | 0.07 | 1.00 | 2.00 | 0.045 | 0.015 | 17.5 – 19.5 | 8.0 – 10.5 | 0.1 | Balance |
What is Stainless Steel?
The term stainless steel refers to a wide variety of grades of metal which contain an alloy that has at least 10.5% of chromium. The most popular grades of stainless steel are 304 and 430. Each of the different grades of stainless steel contains different alloying elements that contribute to its properties such as resistance to corrosion, strength, and flexibility.
Because it’s a low-cost material, has a great appearance, has a high resistance to corrosion, and is durable, stainless steel has become very popular, and a preferred material in different applications.
Why is it Stainless?
The word simply means the metal does not stain. This valuable attribute is a result of the addition of the alloying element chromium which reacts with oxygen in the air forming a layer of chromium oxide which protects the surface of the metal.
If scratches or contact with aggressive chemicals destroy the layer, it repairs itself as soon as the metal is exposed to the air again, forming a constant protective coat on the steel.
Mechanical properties of stainless steel
The mechanical properties of stainless steel vary depending on the chemical composition of each grade. For example austenitic grades generally have a higher tensile strength than ferritics.
Austenitic Grades
| Grade | EN Specification | Form | Max Thickness (mm) | 0.2% – Proof Strength (min MPa)a | 1% – Proof Strength (min MPa)a | Tensile Strength (MPa) |
|---|
| 304 | 1.4301 | Cold rolled strip | 6.0 | 230 | 260 | 540 – 750 |
| 304 | 1.4301 | Hot rolled strip | 13.5 | 210 | 250 | 520 – 720 |
| 304 | 1.4301 | Hot rolled plate | 75.0 | 210 | 250 | 520 – 720 |
| | | | | | | |
| 304L | 1.4307 | Cold rolled strip | 6.0 | 220 | 250 | 520 – 700 |
| 304L | 1.4307 | Hot rolled strip | 13.5 | 200 | 240 | 520 – 700 |
| 304L | 1.4307 | Hot rolled plate | 75.0 | 200 | 240 | 500 – 700 |
| | | | | | | |
| 316 | 1.4401 | Cold rolled strip | 6.0 | 240 | 270 | 530 – 680 |
| 316 | 1.4401 | Hot rolled strip | 13.5 | 220 | 260 | 530 – 680 |
| 316 | 1.4401 | Hot rolled plate | 75.0 | 220 | 260 | 520 – 670 |
| | | | | | | |
| 316L | 1.4404 | Cold rolled strip | 6.0 | 240 | 270 | 530 – 680 |
| 316L | 1.4404 | Hot rolled strip | 13.5 | 220 | 260 | 530 – 680 |
| 316L | 1.4404 | Hot rolled plate | 75.0 | 220 | 260 | 520 – 670 |
a – If, in the case of strip in rolling widths < 300 mm, longitudinal test pieces are taken, the minimum values are reduced as follows:
- proof strength – minus 15 MPa,
- elongation for constant gauge length – minus 5 %;
- elongation for proportional gauge length – minus 2 %.
For continuously hot rolled products, 20 MPa higher minimum values of Rp0,2 and 10 MPa higher minimum values of Rp1,0 may be agreed upon at the time of inquiry and order.
Ferritic Grades
| Grade | EN Specification | Form | Max Thickness (mm) | 0.2% – Longitudinal Proof Strength (min MPa) | 0.2% – transverse Proof Strength (min MPa) | Tensile Strength (MPa) |
|---|
| 409 | 1.4512 | Cold rolled strip | 8.0 | 210 | 220 | 380 – 560 |
| 409 | 1.4512 | Hot rolled strip | 13.5 | 210 | 220 | 380 – 560 |
| | | | | | | |
| 430 | 1.4016 | Cold rolled strip | 8.0 | 260 | 280 | 430 – 600 |
| 430 | 1.4016 | Hot rolld strip | 13.5 | 240 | 260 | 430 – 600 |
| 430 | 1.4016 | Hot rolled plate | 25.0 | 240 | 260 | 430 – 600 |
| | | | | | | |
| 439 | 1.4510 | Cold rolled strip | 8.0 | 230 | 240 | 420 – 600 |
| 439 | 1.4510 | Hot rolled strip | 13.5 | 230 | 240 | 420 – 600 |
| | | | | | | |
| 4509 | 1.4509 | Cold rolled strip | 8.0 | 230 | 250 | 430 – 630 |
Martensitic Grades
| Grade | EN Specification | Form | Heat treatment condition | Max Thickness (mm) | 0.2% – Proof Strength (max MPa) | Tensile Strength (max MPa) |
|---|
| 420 | 1.4031 | Cold rolled strip | Quenched and tempered | 3.0 | – | – |
| 420 | 1.4031 | Cold rolled strip | Annealed | 8.0 | – | 760 |
| 420 | 1.4031 | Hot rolled strip | Annealed | 13.5 | – | 760 |
Stainless Steel Plate FAQs
Question: Why is stainless steel plate such a popular manufacturing material?
Answer： There are numerous reasons manufacturers come to Sunny Steel for stainless steel plate. The corrosion resistance of stainless steel is excellent. When combined with other benefits—ease of fabrication, strength-to-weight advantage, aesthetic appearance, easy cleaning ability, impact and heat resistance – stainless steel plate becomes the material of choice for a variety of applications.
Question: What grades of stainless steel plate does Sunny Steel carry?
Answer：
303
304
304L
316/316L
Question: What are the specific differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel?
Answer： Specific differences pertain to the makeup of the material. 316 contains 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. 304 contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Molybdenum adds corrosion resistance to substances such as salt found in highway de-icing salts and ocean water.
Question: Is stainless steel magnetic?
Answer： Yes and no. 300 series stainless steel contains nickel and does not have magnetic properties. 400 series stainless steel, which does not contain nickel, is magnetic.
Question: Is stainless steel suitable for welding?
Answer： Many of our customers weld with stainless steel. However, welding stainless steel varies from welding carbon steel, since “filler” rod or electrode must be of the same material (stainless steel).
Question: What about hardening stainless steel – can this be done?
Answer： It is possible to harden 300 series stainless steel. This can be done by cold-working the metal, cold-rolling down to lighter gauges, or by other size-altering means. Talk to us about your specific needs.
Question: What does an “L” signify in a stainless steel grade?
Answer： This pertains to carbon content. For example, the use of the letter L in the grade number 317L means that the carbon content does not exceed 0.03%. Lower carbon level stainless steel is often used in welding applications.
Question: Does stainless steel perform well in temperature extremes?
Answer： Stainless steel performs well in hot and cold temperatures. It may be used in applications with high heat of up to 1,800 degrees, as well as extreme cold, such as liquid nitrogen transport.
Question: What kind of machine finishing can you do on stainless steel?
Answer： We can machine finish your stainless steel project with a coarse or fine grain, or bring it up to a high luster, mirror-like finish.
Question: How can I get more information?
Answer： Contact us at +86 21 3378 0199 or sales@sunnysteel.com
5 Frequently Asked Questions about Stainless Steel
Stainless steel permeates so many aspects of life of today. The singular properties of this metal make it well suited for a wide range of applications – especially ones where conditions are demanding. From corrosion resistant cutlery and surgical tools, to food and pharmaceutical tanks, to water-tight watch housings and tools that can handle extreme temperatures; it’s safe to say that the world would be a different place without stainless steel.
Given its wide range of uses, it’s no surprise that there are some unique questions that are frequently asked about this metal. We have selected the top five questions, and compiled here a list of interesting facts about stainless steel, by way of a response.
To clarify, stainless steel is not a single type of metal, but more like a family of metals. There are generally five different categories with multiple grades contained in each. Each has its own different properties and uses.
- What is special about food grade stainless steel?
Food-grade stainless steel is special not only because it can withstand extreme temperatures, but also because it resists corrosion and is able to be easily sanitized. This ease of sanitization is due to the electropolishing process and the protective oxide layer of the metal. The electropolishing process strips away the outer layer of the stainless steel, leaving behind a microscopically smooth surface. Most typically, type 304 and 316 are the ideal choices for food grade stainless steel.
- Is stainless steel really stainless?
Because stainless steel is nearly rust proof, it is considered to be stainless. Its chromium atoms bind so securely with its oxygen atoms that a nearly impenetrable and rust-resistant layer is formed. The oxygen atoms are captured by this layer before they can bind to the iron that is in steel so rust is never given the chance to form.
- How is stainless steel better than aluminum?
As we have already mentioned, stainless steel holds up well in extreme conditions. Aluminum can be used in several similar applications, like cookware. In terms of longevity, steel is harder than aluminum. This means it is less likely to bend, warp or otherwise deform due to force, heat or weight. Another huge difference is electrical conductivity. Stainless is a poor conductor of electricity, whereas aluminum is relatively conductive. Stainless is a great choice for projects requiring low conductivity.
- Can stainless steel be successfully welded?
Yes! Fabricators weld stainless steel for all kinds of projects. With some small adjustments to the standard equipment, stainless can be welded. In order to weld austenitic stainless, the electrode or filler rod used must be stainless steel. Stainless can be welded to stainless, or to other metals, as long as the proper welding process, shielding gas and filler rod are selected.
- Is stainless steel stored and handled differently than other metals?
If your small shop or home project requires you to store quantities of stainless steel, handling procedures are good to know. It’s best to store stainless steel away from other metals. Especially in acidic or damp environments — stainless can cause galvanic corrosion in other metals. This type of corrosion typically leaves the stainless steel unaffected. Even with the strength and resistance to the elements, it is still possible to scratch, dent, and even cause corrosion (extended exposure to chlorine) to stainless. Care should be taken with the surface, and proper safety precautions should always be used.
Stainless steel is a versatile metal found in every industry today. The above questions are just the beginning when it comes to learning about its different properties.
Properties of Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has different corrosion properties which includes being non-corrosive, rust-resistant steel, which is simply designated as stainless steel. In comparison with aluminium, stainless steel is approximately 3 times heavier.
Stainless steel, like steel itself, is an alloy. An alloy always consists of different materials. Among the most frequent alloying elements in non-corrosive stainless steel is chrome, where nickel, molybdenum and further elements are used for special requirements.
The magnetisability, as well as the corrosion resistance, are two of these requirements which are controlled by the different alloys.
Stainless steel is a metal alloy, made up of steel mixed with elements such as chromium, nickel, molybdenum, silicon, aluminum, and carbon. Iron mixed with carbon to produce steel is the main component of stainless steel.
Chromium is added to make it resistant to rust. The addition of nickel enhances corrosion resistance properties in case of aggressive usage. The addition of molybdenum gives localized corrosion resistance against scarring. Other alloying metals like copper, titanium and vanadium are also added in order to improve the properties and structure of stainless steel. In all, there are more than 150 grades of steel, but only 15 are used regularly.
Stainless steel is preferred for making kitchen utensils because it does not affect the flavor of food and is easy to clean. It is used to manufacture cookware, surgical instruments, plates, sheets, bars, wire, kitchen cutlery, industrial equipment, building construction materials and hardware. It is also used in commercial kitchens and food processing plants.
Stainless steel is a hard and strong substance, it is not a good conductor of heat and electricity, it is ductile, magnetic, retains its strength and cutting edge regardless of temperature. There are five major types of stainless steel: Ferritic, Martensitic, Precipitation Hardening, Austenitic and Duplex.
Ferritic stainless steel contains 30% chromium that has a crystal structure. It is known to have ferromagnetic properties as well as malleability and ductility. Ferritic stainless steel lacks in high-temperature mechanical properties.
Martensitic stainless steel is a mixture of carbon and 18% chromium. It can be hardened by heat treatments. It is known to have ferromagnetic properties and less corrosion resistance.
Precipitation Hardening stainless steel contains a mixture of nickel and chromium. It is very strong.
Austenitic stainless steel is formed by using nitrogen, manganese and nickel. It contains about 16-26% of chromium and less than 35% nickel. Austenitic stainless steel is tough, ductile with cryogenic and high temperature strength properties.
Duplex stainless steel constitutes a combination of austenite and ferrite crystal structures. Chromium and nickel are the main alloying elements in duplex stainless steel. It is corrosion resistant.
Uses and properties
Steel with a chromium content of more than 10.5%, as well as various other elements in smaller quantities, is considered to be stainless. In combination with oxygen chromium forms a thin, sealed, fixed-adhering, chromic-oxide layer – the so-called passive layer. It is exactly this passive layer which is responsible for the resistance of the material. Due to its corrosion resistance, the metal is used for example for washing drums.
Rust-resistant stainless steel can be very well compared to anodised aluminum with regard to its properties. If the exterior skin of the material is impaired, the material and its surface mostly suffer damage.
Stainless steel applications
Automotive and transportation
Stainless steel was introduced in automotive in the 1930s by Ford to manufacture their concept cars. Since then, it is used to produce a variety of automotive parts such as exhaust systems, grills, and trims. With advancing technology, stainless steel is being favored by manufacturers to make structural components.
It is also heavily featured in other fields of transportation like freighting to make shipping containers, road tankers, and refuse vehicles. Its resistance to corrosion makes it ideal to transport chemicals, liquids, and food products. The low maintenance of stainless steel also makes it an easy and cost-effective metal to clean and sustain.
Medical technology
Stainless steel is preferred in clean and sterile environments as it is simple to clean and does not easily corrode. Stainless is used in the production of a wide range of medical equipment, including surgical and dental instruments.
It is also used in building operation tables, kidney dishes, MRI scanners, cannulas, and steam sterilizers.
Most surgical implants, such as replacement joints and artificial hips are made from stainless steel, as well as some joining equipment like stainless steel pins and plates to repair broken bones.
Building trade
Due to its strength, resistance, and flexibility, stainless steel application has become a vital element of the building trade. It is commonly featured in the interior on countertops, backsplashes, and handrails, and is also used externally in cladding for high impact buildings.
It is a common feature in modern architecture due to its weldability, easy maintenance and attractive finish, which is used in the Eurostar Terminal in London and the Helix Bridge in Singapore.
With the movement towards sustainable building, stainless steel, which is a highly recyclable metal, is becoming increasingly preferable to use in construction. With a polished or grain finish, it has aesthetically pleasing properties and can aid in improving natural lighting in the building.
Aircraft construction
The aviation industry also has a preference for stainless steel. It is used in various applications including the frames of airplanes because of its strength and ability to withstand extreme temperatures. It can also be applied in jet engines as it can help prevent its rusting.
Stainless steel is also an essential part of the landing gear. Its strength and rigidity can handle the weight of the landing aircraft.
Food and the catering industry
In the food and catering industry, stainless steel is used to manufacture kitchen accessories, cookware, and cutlery. Utensils such as knives are made using less ductile grades of stainless steel. The more ductile grades are used to make grills, cookers, saucepans, and sinks.
Stainless steel can also be used to finish freezers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and countertops. In food production, stainless steel is ideal because it doesn’t affect the flavour of the food. It is also corrosion resistant, and hence able to hold acidic drinks including orange juice. The ease of cleaning stainless steel makes it difficult to harbour bacteria, adding to its usefulness in food storage.
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