Stainless steel plates are widely used in various industrial and construction applications due to their high performance characteristics, including excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and good machinability. Different grades of stainless steel plates are tailored to meet specific chemical composition and performance requirements. Below is a detailed introduction to some of the main stainless steel grades, including their properties, characteristics, applications, and other relevant details.
Grade |
Properties |
Characteristics |
Color |
Classification |
Dimensions |
Applications |
304 |
Austenitic, 18% Cr, 8% Ni |
Excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, easy to process |
Silver-white |
Cold-rolled, Hot-rolled |
Thickness: 0.3mm-100mm; Width: 1000mm, 1219mm, 1500mm |
Building decoration, kitchenware, medical equipment, chemical containers |
316 |
Austenitic with added Mo |
Enhanced corrosion resistance, suitable for marine and chemical environments, high-temperature resistant |
Silver-gray |
316, 316L |
Thickness: 0.5mm-50mm; Width: 1000mm, 1219mm, 1500mm |
Marine facilities, chemical equipment, medical devices, food processing equipment |
201 |
Economic austenitic, high Mn |
Cost-effective, high tensile strength, moderate corrosion resistance |
Silver-white |
Cold-rolled, Hot-rolled |
Thickness: 0.3mm-6mm; Width: 1000mm, 1219mm, 1500mm |
Furniture, decorative materials, food industry, piping |
430 |
Ferritic, magnetic |
Good corrosion resistance, low thermal expansion, magnetic properties |
Bright silver-white |
430, 430F |
Thickness: 0.5mm-3mm; Width: 1000mm, 1219mm |
Household appliances, kitchenware, automotive trim, cleaning equipment |
310S |
High Cr-Ni alloy, high-temperature resistant |
Excellent high-temperature resistance, strong oxidation resistance, good corrosion resistance |
Silver-white |
310S, 310H |
Thickness: 1.5mm-50mm; Width: 1000mm, 1219mm, 1500mm |
Industrial furnaces, high-temperature transmission equipment, heat exchangers, combustion chambers |
Grade Corrosion Resistance High-Temperature Resistance Machinability Typical Applications
Grade |
Corrosion Resistance |
High-Temperature Resistance |
Machinability |
Typical Applications |
304 |
Excellent |
Good |
Excellent |
Building, kitchenware, chemical containers |
316 |
Superior |
Outstanding |
Excellent |
Marine, chemical, food industry |
201 |
Good |
Good |
Good |
Decorative, furniture, food industry |
430 |
Moderate |
Fair |
Good |
Appliances, kitchen equipment |
310S |
Fair |
Excellent |
Good |
Industrial furnaces, heat exchangers |
Corrosive Environments: For exposure to salt, chemicals, or marine environments, opt for grades with higher corrosion resistance, such as 316 or 310S, to prevent corrosion and material degradation.
High-Temperature Environments: For applications involving high temperatures, select grades like 310S that offer exceptional heat resistance to maintain material stability and strength.
Strength Requirements: Choose grades based on mechanical strength needs. For instance, 304 and 316 offer higher strength suitable for demanding applications.
Hardness and Wear Resistance: For applications requiring high hardness and wear resistance, consider stronger grades like 304.
Welding and Forming: Different grades perform differently in welding and processing. 304 and 316 stainless steels are known for their good weldability and are suitable for complex welding and forming requirements.
Processing Difficulty: While 201 is cost-effective, it has lower corrosion resistance and may require special attention during welding and processing.
Economy: 201 stainless steel is more budget-friendly, making it suitable for applications with limited budgets but basic performance requirements. If the budget allows, choosing 304 or 316 can provide better performance.
Cost-Effectiveness: To reduce costs while meeting performance requirements, select grades that offer a high balance between cost and functionality.
Construction and Decoration: 304 stainless steel, known for its appearance and corrosion resistance, is widely used in building decoration and kitchenware.
Chemical and Food Industry: 316 stainless steel is favored for its superior corrosion resistance and high-temperature performance, making it ideal for chemical equipment and food processing.
Appliances and Automotive: 430 stainless steel, due to its magnetic properties and cost-effectiveness, is used in household appliances and automotive trim.
Compliance: Ensure that the selected stainless steel grade meets relevant international standards and certifications, such as ASTM and ISO, to guarantee material quality and performance.
Certification Requirements: Based on project requirements, choose stainless steel grades that meet specific certification standards to comply with industry or project specifications.