Stainless steel sheet

Stainless steel plate is one of the most important steel products used in various industries due to its unique chemical composition and specific chemical analysis. It offers high resistance to corrosion, heat, and oxidation. These plates are made from alloy steel containing at least 10.5% chromium and are available in different grades depending on additional alloying elements such as nickel, molybdenum, chromium, etc. Stainless steels are generally categorized into three main groups: austenitic, ferritic, and martensitic, each offering unique properties and applications.

Industrial Applications of Stainless Steel Plate

Due to their outstanding features such as corrosion resistance, high durability, and functionality at high temperatures, stainless steel plates are widely used across various industries. The main applications in key industries are as follows:
Petrochemical and Oil Industry
In the petrochemical and oil industry, stainless steel plates of grades 316, 321, and 310 are commonly used for manufacturing heat exchangers, pipelines, and reactors. These grades are ideal for this sector due to their excellent resistance to corrosion, especially in chemical and high-temperature environments.
Food Industry
In the food industry, stainless steel plates of grades 304 and 316 are typically used to manufacture tanks, pipes, and food processing equipment. Due to their antibacterial and corrosion-resistant properties, especially in contact with food and moist environments, they are the most suitable options.
Automotive Industry
In the automotive industry, stainless steel plates of grades 409, 410, and 430 are used to manufacture exhaust systems, body trims, and brake discs. These grades are selected for their resistance to high temperatures and wear, as well as their attractive appearance and excellent strength against corrosion and pressure.
Marine Industry
In the marine industry, stainless steel plates of grades 316L and L304 are used for constructing ship bodies and seawater pumps. These grades are ideal for harsh marine conditions due to their high resistance to saltwater and seawater-induced corrosion.
Energy Production
In the energy production industry, especially in furnaces and heat exchangers, stainless steel plates of grades 310 and 309 are utilized. These grades are highly suitable for thermal and high-temperature applications due to their superior resistance to very high temperatures and oxidation.
Pharmaceutical Industry
In the pharmaceutical industry, stainless steel plates of grades 316L and 321 are used to manufacture reactors, autoclaves, and sterile equipment. These grades ensure high hygiene and safety standards due to their corrosion resistance and sterilization compatibility.
Heavy Industry
In heavy industries, stainless steel plates of grades 410 and 430 are used to produce blades, cutting tools, and components exposed to high wear and pressure. These grades are a suitable choice for this industry due to their high strength and good wear resistance in harsh conditions.

Key Stainless Steel Grades and Their Properties

304L Stainless Steel – Highly used and corrosion resistant
An austenitic grade with excellent general corrosion resistance, suitable for moist environments, food equipment, and decorative applications.
316L Stainless Steel – Chloride corrosion resistant
Contains molybdenum to enhance corrosion resistance in chemical, acidic, and marine environments.
321 Stainless Steel – Carbide precipitation resistant
Stabilized with titanium, ideal for welding and high thermal cycling environments.
309, 310, S309, S310 Stainless Steels – Heat-resistant grades
Austenitic grades with high chromium and nickel content, suitable for temperatures above 1000°C in furnaces and boilers.
410 Stainless Steel – Heat treatable martensitic grade
Capable of undergoing heat treatment, ideal for applications requiring wear resistance.
430 Stainless Steel – Ferritic and economical
Magnetic and cost-effective, suitable for household equipment, decorations, and non-corrosive environments.

Chemical Analysis of Stainless Steel Grades

Grade	C (max)	Cr (%)	Ni (%)	Mo (%)	Ti (%)	Other Elements
304	0.08	18–20	8–10.5	—	—	Mn≤2%, Si≤1%
316	0.08	16–18	10–14	2–3	—	Mn≤2%, Si≤1%
321	0.08	17–19	9–12	—	Ti=5×C–0.7	Mn≤2%, Si≤1%
309	0.20	22–24	12–15	—	—	Mn≤2%, Si≤1%
310	0.25	24–26	19–22	—	—	Mn≤2%, Si≤1.5%
410	0.15	11.5–13.5	≤0.75	—	—	Mn≤1%, Si≤1%
430	0.12	16–18	≤0.75	—	—	Mn≤1%, Si≤1%

Stainless steel plates are classified into two categories: L and non-L, which differ significantly in their chemical composition and applications, especially in industries requiring high corrosion and heat resistance.

L-Grade Stainless Steel Plates

L-grade plates like 316L and L304 contain lower carbon content (usually less than 0.03%) compared to regular grades. This feature helps prevent carbide precipitation during welding, thereby reducing the risk of intergranular corrosion.

Features of L-Grades:
Higher resistance to intergranular corrosion due to low carbon content.
Better weldability and less need for post-weld heat treatment.
Suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
Applications of L-Grades:
In pharmaceutical and food industries, where high corrosion resistance and sterile conditions are required.
In marine industry to resist seawater corrosion.
In chemical industries with aggressive chemical reactions.

Non-L Stainless Steel Plates

Grades such as 316 and 304 contain higher carbon content (0.03% to 0.08%) than L-grades and are less resistant to intergranular corrosion. They are typically used in applications with low welding or heat treatment requirements.

Features of Non-L Grades:
Adequate corrosion resistance in normal conditions.
Higher strength than L-grades under some conditions.
Suitable for applications without post-weld heat treatment.
Applications of Non-L Grades:
In automotive industry for manufacturing exhaust components and body trims.
In construction and decorative industries for producing pipes, fittings, and decorative parts.
In general industries for producing anti-corrosion equipment and medium-corrosion-resistant applications.

Mechanical Properties of Grades (Annealed Condition)

Grade	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Yield Strength (MPa)	Elongation (%)	Hardness (HB)	Structure
304	515–750	≥205	≥40	≤201	Austenitic
316	515–760	≥205	≥40	≤217	Austenitic
321	500–750	≥205	≥40	≤200	Austenitic
309	550–750	≥205	≥40	≤200	Austenitic
310	550–750	≥210	≥40	≤217	Austenitic
410	450–700	≥275	≥20	≤200	Martensitic
430	430–620	≥250	≥22	≤183	Ferritic

Top Stainless Steel Plate Brands in China

In the global stainless steel plate market, several Chinese brands offer high-quality products with unique features. Below are some well-known stainless steel brands and their highlights:

TISCO (Taiyuan Iron & Steel) – Located in Shanxi, China, known for producing grades 304, 316, 321, and 310. TISCO products are internationally recognized for their quality and mass production capability, making it one of China’s leading steel manufacturers.
BAOSTEEL – Based in Shanghai, this brand manufactures grades 304, 316L, 430, and 410. It is known for advanced production technology and compliance with international standards such as ASTM. BAOSTEEL is among the world’s largest stainless steel producers.
JISCO – Located in Gansu, China, this brand produces grades 304, 430, and 410. JISCO is known for its affordable pricing and diverse product range, making it a popular choice in various markets.
POSCO – A Korean brand operating in Guangdong, China, producing grades 304 and 316L. POSCO’s plates are highly regarded for their quality and conformity with international standards, particularly popular in Middle Eastern markets.
DELONG – Based in Jiangsu, China, producing grades 201, 304, and 430. Known for economical pricing and high production volume, DELONG is a suitable choice for customers seeking quality at a competitive price.
TSINGSHAN – Operating in Zhejiang, China, producing grades 304, 316, and 310. TSINGSHAN stands out for its export-oriented strategy and strict quality control, making it a key player in the global steel industry.

These brands, with their variety of grades and features, offer diverse choices for different industrial needs. Choosing the right brand depends on the specific requirements of each industry, expected quality, and pricing.

SSAB STEEL SAZEH Company, with expertise in directly sourcing stainless steel plates from reputable international manufacturers, provides products with analysis certificates, competitive prices, and fast delivery. Our cooperation with leading Chinese brands such as TISCO, TSINGSHAN, and others ensures authenticity and quality for our industrial clients.