 |
Material: 304,304l,316,316l,347,904l,254smo...
Type: Plate, Sheet, Strip and Coil
Thickness: 0.3-1200mm, customized
Width: 0-2500mm, customized
Length: 0-12m, customized
Surface: No.1 No.2D No.2B BA No.3 No.4 No.6 No.7, etc
Stainless steel sheet is one of the most versatile and widely used forms of stainless steel in the modern world. "Sheet" typically refers to flat-rolled material with a thickness from 0.3 mm to 6 mm (or up to 3/16" in ASTM convention), while "plate" covers thicknesses above 6 mm. "Coil" describes sheet in continuous roll form.
Type | Plate, Sheet, Strip, Coil | |
|---|---|---|
Surface | No.1 No.2D No.2B BA No.3 No.4 No.6 No.7 | |
Size | Width: 0-2500mm / Customized | |
Manufacturing Technique | Hot / Cold Rolled | |
Packing | Steel Frame, waterproof paper, wooden palet, wooden case or as per the dient's requirements | |
Stainless Steel Grades | ASTM A240 | TP304,TP304L,TP316,TP316L,316Ti, TP317, TP317L, TP321, TP310S, TP347, etc |
The production route determines the microstructure, mechanical properties, and surface condition of the final sheet. Two primary routes are used industrially:
Hot rolling reduces an ingot or continuously cast slab to the required thickness at temperatures above the recrystallization point (~1,000–1,200°C). Key characteristics:
●Thickness range: typically 3 mm – 100 mm (plate); 2 mm – 6 mm (sheet)
●Surface: scale-covered (No.1 finish) unless descaled by pickling and annealing
●Mechanical properties: lower yield strength but good toughness and formability
●Standard: ASTM A240 (plate ≥ 3/16"), EN 10088-2, JIS G4304
●Applications: structural components, pressure vessels, heat-exchanger baffles, shipbuilding
After hot rolling, the material is pickled, annealed, and further reduced at room temperature. This work-hardens the sheet, then a final anneal restores ductility.
●Thickness range: 0.3 mm – 6 mm
●Tighter dimensional tolerances and superior flatness vs. hot-rolled
●Wide variety of surface finishes achievable (2B, BA, No.4, No.8, HL, PVD)
●Standard: ASTM A240 (< 3/16"), EN 10088-2, JIS G4305
●Applications: kitchen equipment, architectural panels, pharmaceutical vessels, automotive trim
Specialty Form | Description | Typical Use |
Perforated Sheet | CNC-punched circular, square, or slotted holes; OD 1–30 mm, pitch 2–50 mm | Screens, filtration, ventilation grilles |
Embossed / Tread Sheet | Pattern-rolled surface (lentil, diamond, checker) for anti-slip or aesthetic use | Flooring, elevator cabs, appliances |
Clad Plate | Stainless cladding (1–5 mm) roll-bonded to carbon-steel or low-alloy backing | Vessels, storage tanks — cost vs. corrosion balance |
Polished / Decorative Sheet | Post-rolling mechanical or electrochemical polishing to Ra < 0.8 µm | Architecture, signage, luxury interiors |
Color-Coated Sheet | Physical Vapour Deposition (gold, black, rose-gold, bronze, champagne) | Façades, interior fit-out, furniture |
Electro-polished Sheet | Electrochemical removal of surface micro-peaks; Ra < 0.4 µm; ASTM B912 | Pharma, biotech, food-contact, sterile-cleanroom |
These three product forms are distinct:
Product Form | Thickness Range | Width Range | Typical Temper (Finish) | Primary Manufacturing Process | Applications |
Hot-Rolled Sheet | 3.0–6.0 mm (0.120–0.236") | 1,000–2,030 mm (3'–6.67') | No. 1 (HRAP) | Hot rolled + annealed + pickled | Structural, tanks, pressure vessels, chemical processing |
Cold-Rolled Sheet | 0.3–3.0 mm (0.012–0.120") | 600–2,030 mm (2'–6.67') | 2B, BA, No. 3, No. 4, | Cold rolled + annealed + pickled/skin-passed | Architecture, appliances, automotive, food equipment, precision components |
Hot-Rolled Plate | 4.76–200 mm (3/16"–8") | 1,500–4,100 mm (5'–13.5') | No. 1 (HRAP) | Hot rolled + normalizing + annealing + cutting | Heavy pressure vessels, bridges, shipbuilding, large tanks |
Cold-Rolled Strip | 0.05–3.0 mm | 3–600 mm (1/8"–24") | 2B, BA, Tampo-T, PVC | Cold rolled + precision annealing + slitting | Automotive trim, strip wound springs, precision stamped parts, bellows |
Austenitic stainless steels have an FCC crystal structure stabilized by nickel (Ni) and manganese (Mn). They are non-magnetic in the annealed state, exhibit excellent toughness at cryogenic temperatures, and are not hardenable by heat treatment.
Grade | UNS No. | C max (%) | Cr (%) | Ni (%) | Mo (%) | Other |
304 | N08304→S30400 | 0.08 | 18–20 | 8–10.5 | — | — |
304L | S30403 | 0.03 | 18–20 | 8–12 | — | — |
316 | S31600 | 0.08 | 16–18 | 10–14 | 2–3 | — |
316L | S31603 | 0.03 | 16–18 | 10–14 | 2–3 | — |
321 | S32100 | 0.08 | 17–19 | 9–12 | — | Ti ≥ 5×C |
347 | S34700 | 0.08 | 17–19 | 9–13 | — | Nb+Ta ≥ 8×C |
310S | S31008 | 0.08 | 24–26 | 19–22 | — | — |
904L | N08904 | 0.02 | 19–23 | 23–28 | 4–5 | Cu 1–2% |
AL-6XN® | N08367 | 0.03 | 20–22 | 23.5–25.5 | 6–7 | N 0.18–0.25% |
254 SMO® | S31254 | 0.02 | 19.5–20.5 | 17.5–18.5 | 6–6.5 | N 0.18–0.22%; Cu 0.5–1.0% |
The industry uses a standardized finish designation system originating from EN 10088-2 and referenced by ASTM and SSINA.
Finish | Description & Production Method | Ra (µm) | Reflectivity | Typical Application |
No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed & pickled. Rough, matte grey surface. ASTM No.1 / EN 1D | > 6 | Low | Industrial pressure vessels, structural |
2D | Cold-rolled, annealed & pickled. Dull, non-reflective. EN 2D | 0.5 – 1.0 | Very Low | Deep-drawing, automotive parts |
2B ★ | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, then skin-passed. Smooth, slightly reflective. Most common CR finish. | 0.1 – 0.5 | Semi | General fabrication, kitchen equipment, chemical vessels |
BA (2R) | Bright annealed in controlled hydrogen/nitrogen atmosphere; mirror-like. EN 2R | < 0.1 | High | Pharma, food, architectural panels |
No.3 | Mechanically ground with 80–120 grit abrasives. Visible linear grain. | 0.5 – 1.5 | Low-Med | Commercial kitchens, HVAC ductwork |
No.4 ★ | Brushed with 150–180 grit; uniform directional grain. Industry workhorse finish. | 0.2 – 0.5 | Medium | Kitchen appliances, elevators, building interiors |
No.6 | Tampico-brushed over No.4; softer satin sheen. | 0.3 – 0.8 | Satin | Decorative panels, furniture |
No.8 (Mirror) | Progressively polished to 400+ grit then buffed. Near-perfect mirror reflection. | < 0.05 | Mirror | Architecture, luxury interiors, reflective signage |
HL (Hairline) | Continuous long grain produced by abrasive belt; no visible grit lines. | 0.2 – 0.5 | Med-High | Architectural facades, elevator panels, curtain walls |
Electro-polished | Electrochemical micro-smoothing per ASTM B912. Enhances passive layer Cr/Fe ratio. | < 0.4 | High | Pharma, biotech, sterile processing |
PVD Color | Physical Vapour Deposition of TiN, TiCN, CrN, ZrN coatings. Gold, black, bronze, rose-gold, champagne, etc. | < 0.1 | Mirror/Satin | Façades, luxury interiors, fit-out |
Stainless steel sheet is governed by internationally recognized specifications that define chemical composition limits, mechanical property requirements, testing procedures, dimensional tolerances, and surface finish acceptance criteria.
Standard | Organization | Scope | Grades Covered (examples) |
ASTM A240 / A240M | ASTM Intl. | Chromium and Chromium-Nickel stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip for pressure vessels and general applications | 304/304L, 316/316L, 321, 347, 310S, 2205, 2507, 17-4PH, 904L, 254 SMO, AL-6XN, 253MA… |
ASTM A480 / A480M | ASTM Intl. | General requirements for flat-rolled SS: tolerances, surface finish definitions, test methods, ordering information | Applies to all grades covered by A240, A666, A693, A887, etc. |
EN 10088-2 | CEN / DIN | Technical delivery conditions for hot-rolled and cold-rolled strip, sheet and plate of corrosion-resisting steels | 1.4301 (304), 1.4404 (316L), 1.4541 (321), 1.4550 (347), 1.4462 (2205), 1.4507 (2507)… |
JIS G4304 | JSA (Japan) | Hot-rolled stainless steel plate, sheet and strip | SUS304, SUS316L, SUS321, SUS347, SUS310S, SUS329J4L (2205)… |
JIS G4305 | JSA (Japan) | Cold-rolled stainless steel plate, sheet and strip | Same grades as G4304; specifies cold-roll tolerances and finishes |
GB/T 3280 | GB (China) | Cold-rolled stainless steel plate and strip — dimensional tolerances, mechanical properties, surface finish | 06Cr19Ni10 (304), 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 (316L), 06Cr18Ni11Ti (321)… |
GB/T 4237 | GB (China) | Hot-rolled stainless steel plate and strip | Equivalent to JIS G4304 scope |
ISO 15510 | ISO | Cross-reference of stainless steel designations: UNS, EN numeric, AISI, JIS, GB/T harmonized | Reference standard; does not set mechanical properties |
Standard | Scope | Key Parameters |
ASTM A480/A480M | Thickness, width, length, flatness, and edge-condition tolerances for all flat-rolled SS products per ASTM | Thickness tol: ±0.05–0.38 mm depending on grade and width |
EN 10029 / EN 10051 | EN thickness and flatness tolerances for hot-rolled plate (EN 10029) and HR strip/sheet (EN 10051) | Class A/B/C flatness; thickness tol. Class A = tighter |
EN 10258 / 10259 | EN dimensional tolerances for cold-rolled narrow strip and wide strip / sheet | Thickness tol: ±0.02–0.15 mm; camber ≤ 3 mm/m |
ASME B36.19M | Stainless steel pipe — referenced for plate-to-pipe cross-reference. Not directly a sheet standard. | NPS size series; wall thickness schedules |
Standard | Test Type | Application to SS Sheet |
ASTM A262 Practice A/E | Intergranular corrosion (IGC) | Detects weld-zone sensitization in 304, 316; Practice A = oxalic etch, Practice E = Huey (65% HNO₃) |
ASTM A370 | Mechanical testing | Tensile, hardness, Charpy impact for plate/sheet test coupons |
ASTM E112 | Grain size measurement | Optical microscopy grain size per planimetric/lineal intercept method |
ASTM E213 / E309 | Ultrasonic / Eddy-current NDT | Lamination detection in plate; surface defect detection in CR sheet |
EN 10204 | Material certification | 2.1 Declaration of Compliance; 2.2 Test Report; 3.1 Inspection Certificate (third-party witness); 3.2 with independent body |
NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 | Sour service qualification | Hardness (HRC/HRB) limits for H₂S service; applies to 316L, duplex, 904L sheet in oil/gas |
PED 2014/68/EU | Pressure equipment directive | CE marking requirement for sheet used in EU-market pressure vessels; requires EN 10204 3.1 minimum |
FDA 21 CFR Part 177 | Food-contact compliance | 316L and 304 sheet in food-contact equipment; electro-polished finish preferred |
Mechanical properties | Tensile, min, ksi[MPa] | Yield, min, ksi[MPa] | Elongation, %(min) | Hardness, HB（max） |
TP304 | 75【515】 | 30【205】 | 35 | 192 |
TP304L | 70【485】 | 25【170】 | 35 | 192 |
TP316 | 75【515】 | 30【205】 | 35 | 192 |
TP316L | 70【485】 | 25【170】 | 35 | 192 |
316Ti | 75【515】 | 30【205】 | 35 | 192 |
TP317 | 75【515】 | 30【205】 | 34 | 192 |
TP317L | 75【515】 | 30【205】 | 35 | 192 |
TP321 | 75【515】 | 30【205】 | 35 | 192 |
TP310S | 75【515】 | 30【205】 | 35 | 192 |
TP347 | 75【515】 | 30【205】 | 35 | 192 |
S31254 | 98【675】 | 43【310】 | 35 | 220 |
N08367 | 100【690】 | 45【310】 | 30 | 241 |
N08926 | 94【650】 | 43【295】 | 35 | 256 |
N08904 | 71【490】 | 31【215】 | 35 | 192 |
N08925 | 87【600】 | 43【295】 | 40 | 217 |
Industry Sector | Typical Environment / Requirement | Recommended Grade(s) | Standard / Reference |
Food & Beverage | Hygienic surfaces; mild organic acids; cleaning agents (CIP/SIP) | 304L, 316L (elevated Cl⁻); electropolished | FDA 21 CFR 177; EHEDG; 3-A Sanitary Std. |
Pharmaceutical / Biotech | High-purity water systems, WFI, CIP/SIP; Ra < 0.8 µm surface | 316L (S31603); electropolished to Ra < 0.4 µm | ASME BPE-2022; USP <661>; ASTM A480 |
Chemical Processing | Sulfuric acid dilute: 904L; Chloride/HCl: 2205 or C276; H₃PO₄: 904L | 904L, 316L, 2205, 254 SMO, AL-6XN | ASTM A240; NACE RP0169 |
Oil & Gas / Sour Service | H₂S + CO₂ + Cl⁻ wet gas; NACE MR0175 hardness limits | 316L (mild), 2205 (moderate), 2507, 825 (severe) | NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 Part 3 |
Architecture & Construction | Urban/coastal atmospheres; aesthetic finish required | 304 (inland), 316 (coastal), 2205 (marine/coastal); No.4, HL, mirror finishes | ASTM A480; NIDI Architectural Guide |
Automotive & Exhaust | High temperature (600–900°C), vibration, condensate corrosion | 409, 439 (manifolds/catalytic), 321 (flex pipes), 316Ti (muffler) | SAE J411; ASTM A240 |
Petrochemical / High-Temp Furnaces | Oxidizing atmosphere > 900°C; intermittent/continuous service | 310S (to 1,100°C), 253MA (to 1,150°C), 330 (to 1,200°C) | ASTM A240; API RP 939-C |
Desalination / Water Treatment | High Cl⁻ brine (35,000–50,000 ppm); seawater heat exchangers | 2507, 254 SMO (PREN > 43) | ASTM A240; NACE SP0300 |
Cryogenic Applications | LNG, LOX, LN₂ storage at -196°C; Charpy impact required | 304L, 316L, 321 (all retain toughness to -196°C) | ASTM A240; EN 10028-7; BS 7777 |
Q1: What is the difference between stainless steel sheet, plate, and coil?
"Sheet" refers to flat-rolled stainless steel up to 6 mm thick (ASTM defines "sheet" as below 3/16" or 4.76 mm; "plate" from 3/16" upward). "Coil" is a continuous-length sheet wound into a roll — commonly supplied as-is to stamping/forming operations or cut to length. Plates are thicker, used for structural or pressure-vessel applications; sheets for fabricated components, cladding, and equipment.
Q2: Which grade is best for food processing equipment?
Grade 316L (UNS S31603) is the food-industry standard. Its molybdenum content (2–3%) provides adequate resistance to chlorides present in brine, salt brines, and cleaning chemicals. A 2B or BA surface finish with post-fabrication passivation (ASTM A380) and optional electropolishing (Ra ≤ 0.8 µm) meets FDA 21 CFR and EHEDG hygienic design requirements. Grade 304L is acceptable for mild environments away from direct salt/acid contact.
Q3: Why is 316L preferred over 316 for welded assemblies?
Standard 316 contains up to 0.08% carbon. During welding, carbon precipitates as chromium carbide at grain boundaries (sensitization), depleting the Cr-rich passive layer and creating pathways for intergranular corrosion. Grade 316L limits carbon to 0.03% max, eliminating sensitization without requiring post-weld heat treatment (PWHT). For welded structures that cannot be PWHT-treated, always specify 316L over 316.
Q4: What does PREN mean and why does it matter?
PREN = Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number = %Cr + 3.3×%Mo + 16×%N. It is a calculated index that approximates a steel's resistance to chloride-induced pitting corrosion. Higher PREN = more pitting-resistant. As a rough guide: 304 ≈ 18; 316L ≈ 25; 2205 ≈ 34; 2507 ≈ 43; 254 SMO ≈ 43. For seawater service, specify PREN ≥ 40. PREN does not account for all corrosion mechanisms (e.g., SCC, crevice geometry) and should be used as a comparative screening tool, not an absolute predictor.
Q5: Can stainless steel sheet be used at cryogenic temperatures?
Yes — austenitic grades (304L, 316L, 321, 347) retain excellent toughness at cryogenic temperatures down to -196°C and below because their FCC crystal structure does not undergo the ductile-to-brittle transition seen in ferritic (BCC) steels. Charpy impact testing at -196°C is a standard acceptance criterion for cryogenic-service sheet per ASTM A240 supplementary requirements. Ferritic and martensitic grades are not suitable for cryogenic service.
Q6: What is the maximum continuous service temperature for common stainless sheet grades?
Grade 304: 870°C (oxidizing); 816°C (cyclic). Grade 316L: 870°C (oxidizing); 816°C (cyclic). Grade 321: 870°C intermittent, 900°C continuous (Ti stabilization prevents sensitization). Grade 310S: 1,100°C continuous. Grade 253MA: 1,150°C continuous. Grade 330 (N08330): 1,200°C continuous. Note: "continuous" vs "cyclic" service can reduce the usable temperature by 55–85°C; thermal cycling promotes oxide scale spalling.
Q7: What certifications should I require for stainless steel sheet used in pressure equipment?
At minimum: (1) EN 10204 Type 3.1 Inspection Certificate — issued by the manufacturer's own quality department under authorization; includes actual heat/lot chemical analysis and mechanical test results. (2) For EU pressure equipment: CE marking per PED 2014/68/EU requires EN 10204 3.1 at minimum; some notified bodies require 3.2. (3) For sour-gas service: NACE MR0175/ISO 15156 compliance statement. (4) For nuclear: ASME N-Certificate. Always request the original mill test report (MTR) with heat number traceable to each plate/sheet.
Q8: What is the lead time and minimum order quantity (MOQ) for stainless steel sheet?
Standard grades (304, 316L, 2B or No.4 finish) in common thicknesses (1–6 mm) are typically ex-stock or 2–4 weeks from service centers. Specialty grades (2507, 904L, 254 SMO, 17-4 PH), unusual thicknesses, or custom surface finishes require mill orders: lead times of 8–16 weeks, MOQ typically 2–5 metric tons per heat. Custom-cut-to-size sheets from stocked coil are available with 5–10 business days lead time and no MOQ for standard grades.
JNAlloy is a specialist supplier of high-performance alloy flat products with direct mill partnerships in Asia, Europe, and North America.
● ✅ 20+ stainless grades in stock: 304/304L, 316/316L, 321, 347, 310S, 2205, 2507, 904L, 254 SMO, AL-6XN, 17-4PH, and more
● ✅ Full thickness range: 0.5 mm cold-rolled sheet to 100 mm heavy plate
● ✅ All major finishes: 2B, BA, No.4, No.8, HL, electropolished, PVD color
● ✅ Mill certifications: EN 10204 3.1 standard; 3.2 on request; NACE MR0175 compliance
● ✅ Cut-to-size service: laser, waterjet, plasma — tolerance ±0.5 mm standard
● ✅ Custom fabrication: bending, rolling, welding, surface treatment from single sheet to full project packages
● ✅ Technical support: material selection consultation, PREN calculation, corrosion assessment for specific service environments
● ✅ Fast global delivery: EXW Shanghai / FOB Rotterdam; DDP available for most countries
Contact our sales team or visit jnalloy.com for a quote within 24 hours.
