ASTM A240: Standard for Stainless Steel Plate

ASTM A240 Standard Specifications and Requirements

Stainless steel has become one of the indispensable materials of modern industry. It is preferred in many sectors, especially for its durability and resistance to corrosion. However, certain standards are needed to ensure the quality and reliability of this material. This is where ASTM A240 comes into play. This standard plays an important role in the production of stainless steel sheets and strips. So, what is ASTM A240? Which features does it have? Let’s explore this important topic together.

ASTM is the American Society for Testing and Materials, and A240 is the ‘Standard Specification for Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet and Strip for Pressure Vessels and General Applications’. This general specification for supply defines the composition and mechanical property requirements for a wide range of stainless steels when supplied as plate, sheet and strip. Typical applications would include architectural, building, construction, aesthetic and general use. It also includes basic details for sampling and certification requirements.

This standard defines the properties required for the production of particularly high quality stainless steel. Criteria such as durability, corrosion resistance and mechanical properties of the materials stand out. One of the most important requirements of the standard is the chemical composition. Stainless steels are expected to contain alloying elements within certain limits. For example, chromium is usually 10% or more, which allows the material to resist oxidation.The grades of stainless steel materials applicable to this standard include: 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 310S, 904L, 6%Mo (UNS S31254, UNS N08367, UNS N08926), 7%Mo (UNS S32654), 4%Si (UNS S30600), 5%Si (UNS S30601), 5%Si (UNS S32615), 6%Si (UNS S38815) 2205 (UNS S32205), etc.

ASTM A240 Stainless Steel Plate Characteristic

ASTM A240 Standard for Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip is widely recognized within the industry as the definitive guide for the specification of stainless steel products. The standard covers a range of grades of stainless steel, including austenitic, ferritic, and martensitic stainless steels. One of the key benefits of the ASTM A240 Standard is that it provides a standardized way to measure and evaluate the properties of stainless steel products like astm a240 type 304 plate, astm a240 type 316 sheet and astm a240 321 plate. This makes it easy for manufacturers and users to ensure that their a240 material products meet the required standards, and to compare different products with each other.The following are common ASTM A240 stainless steel grades and their chemical compositions (expressed in weight percent):

Grade	C	Mn	Si	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	N	Other
304	≤0.08	≤2.00	≤1.00	≤0.045	≤0.030	18.00–20.00	8.00–10.50	—	≤0.10	—
304L	≤0.03	≤2.00	≤1.00	≤0.045	≤0.030	18.00–20.00	8.00–12.00	—	≤0.10	—
316	≤0.08	≤2.00	≤1.00	≤0.045	≤0.030	16.00–18.00	10.00–14.00	2.00–3.00	≤0.10	—
316L	≤0.03	≤2.00	≤1.00	≤0.045	≤0.030	16.00–18.00	10.00–14.00	2.00–3.00	≤0.10	—
321	≤0.08	≤2.00	≤1.00	≤0.045	≤0.030	17.00–19.00	9.00–12.00	—	≤0.10	Ti: 5×C
347	≤0.08	≤2.00	≤1.00	≤0.045	≤0.030	17.00–19.00	9.00–13.00	—	≤0.10	Nb: 10×C
2205	≤0.03	≤2.00	≤1.00	≤0.030	≤0.010	21.00–23.00	4.50–6.50	3.00–5.00	≤0.10	—
904L	≤0.02	≤2.00	≤1.00	≤0.045	≤0.030	19.50–23.00	23.00–28.00	4.00–5.00	≤0.10	Cu: 1.00–2.00

ASTM A240 Stainless Steel Plate Specifications

Description	ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 Stainless Steel Plates, ASTM A240 Hot Rolled Stainless Steel Plates
Standard	ASTM, ASME, BS, DIN, EN
Material	310S, 310, 316, 316L, 316Ti, 317, 317L, 321, 321H, 347, 347H, 304, 304L, 904L, Duplex 2205, S32750, S32760, etc
Specification	Cold rolled: 1219mm * 2438mm (4′ x 8′), 1219mm * 3048mm (4′ x 10′), 1220mm * 2440mm, 1250mm * 2500mm or as your requirement. Hot rolled: 1500mm * 2000mm, 1000mm * 3000mm, 1500mm * 4000mm, 1500m * 6000mm or as your requiremnt.
Technique	Hot rolled plate (HR), Cold rolled sheet (CR), 2B, 2D, BA NO(8), SATIN (Met with Plastic Coated)
Form	Shim Sheet, Perforated Sheet, Chequered Plate, Strip, Flats, Etc.
Surface	2B, 2D, BA, NO. 1, NO. 4, NO.8, 8K, Mirror, Checkered, Embossed, Hair Line, Sand Blast, Brush, Etching
Thickness	0.25-200mm,  0.3mm to 120mm
Width	1000mm, 1219mm, 1500mm, 1800mm, 2000mm, 2500mm, 3000mm, 3500mm
Length	2000mm, 2440mm, 3000mm, 5800mm, 6000mm, 12000mm
Package	Standard Export Seaworthy Package, or as required.
Value Added Services	Cladding,Heat Treatment,Annealed, Pickling, Polish,Rolling,Cutting,Bending,Forging,Minor Fabrication Etc.
MTC	Mill Test Certificate, Available as per EN 10204 3.1

Mechanical Property of ASTM A240 Stainless Steel Plate

UNS Designation	Type	Tensile Strength	Yield Strength	Elongation in 2 in. or 50 mm,min, %	Hardness, max	Cold Bend
ksi	Mpa	Ksi	Mpa	Brinell	Rockwell B
S30100	301	75	515	30	205	40
S30400	304	75	515	30	205	40
S30403	304L	70	485	25	170	40
S31600	316	75	515	30	205	40
S31603	316L	70	485	25	170	40
S31635	316Ti	75	515	30	205	40
S32100	321	75	515	30	205	40

ASTM A240 stainless steel plate production workshop

Application of ASTM A240 Stainless Steel Plates

The ASTM A240 standard mainly involves flat steel with a thickness of no more than 1/4 inch (6.35 mm), and is mainly applicable to various types of stainless steel used in corrosion-resistant environments. Specifically, the ASTM A240 specification covers a variety of alloy steel plates and strips with different chemical compositions and mechanical properties. Common grades include austenitic stainless steel (such as 304, 316), ferritic stainless steel (such as 430), etc. Common applications of ASTM A240 stainless steel plates

1. Chemical processing and manufacturing

Equipment in corrosive environments: ASTM A240 stainless steel plates are often used to manufacture equipment and structural parts that work in corrosive environments. For example, chemical reactors, heat exchangers, pipelines, storage tanks and other equipment.

Corrosion-resistant accessories: including valves, flanges, pump housings, compressors, etc. Stainless steels such as 304 and 316 are widely used in acidic or alkaline environments due to their excellent corrosion resistance.

2. Food and pharmaceutical industry

Sanitary equipment: In the field of food processing and pharmaceuticals, due to its good antibacterial and clean properties, A240 standard stainless steel plates are used to manufacture sanitary equipment, such as food processing equipment, pharmaceutical production equipment, storage tanks, and pipelines.

High surface finish requirements: For example, stainless steel plates need to achieve a high surface finish to avoid contaminating food or medicine.

3. Construction and decoration industry

Exterior wall decoration and interior decoration: such as the facade of commercial buildings, roof covering materials, and stainless steel plates used for interior decoration. Because of their strong weather resistance and beautiful appearance, A240 standard stainless steel plates are often used in building exterior design.

Public facilities: such as the manufacture of elevators, stair handrails, doors and windows, railings, etc.

4. Automobile and transportation industry

Automotive parts: used to manufacture automobile exhaust systems, exterior trim strips of the body, and interior trims.

Ship and aviation applications: Some highly corrosion-resistant steels, such as 316L stainless steel, are often used to manufacture the hull or hull parts of ships.

5. Energy field

High temperature resistant components in nuclear power and chemical industries: such as boilers, reactor shells, heat exchanger pipes, etc., high temperature resistant and corrosion resistant stainless steel plates are widely used in these fields.

Oil and gas: Especially in environments such as offshore platforms and drilling platforms, ASTM A240 materials can withstand high temperatures, high pressures and extreme corrosive environments.

6. High temperature and corrosion resistant applications

Heat treatment equipment and systems: When working in high temperature environments, ASTM A240materials are widely used in the manufacture of high temperature equipment, such as furnace tubes, steam generators, etc. due to their high temperature resistance and oxidation resistance.

Power industry: For example, related parts of boilers and turbines.

Summary

ASTM A240 standard plates are widely used in many fields, especially in environments that require high strength, corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance. Stainless steel plates meet the special needs of various industries through their different grades and performance. JN Alloy supplies stainless steel plates and sheets with ASTM A240 material standards to all parts of the world. If you have any needs, please contact us.