Stainless steel plate: corrosion-resistant and multifunctional high-quality plate

Stainless steel plate is made from an iron base with a chromium content of ≥10.5% (a core anti-corrosion element) and optionally alloyed with nickel, molybdenum, and titanium. The plate is manufactured through rolling, annealing, and surface treatment. Its core strength lies in its corrosion resistance and versatility. It can withstand environmental erosion from air, water, weak acids, and bases, while also maintaining strength and aesthetics. It is widely used in applications requiring high material stability, such as food, medical, construction, and chemical industries. It represents a high-end plate product, distinct from carbon steel. ​

Based on core properties, stainless steel can be further categorized by microstructure: primarily austenitic stainless steel (such as 304 and 316, containing ≥8% nickel, exhibiting good plasticity, non-magnetic properties, and strong corrosion resistance, suitable for ambient temperature applications); ferritic stainless steel (such as 430, which is nickel-free, magnetic, has good oxidation resistance, and is relatively low-cost, primarily used in decorative applications); and martensitic stainless steel (such as 410, which has a high carbon content and can be quenched and hardened, offering high strength but weak corrosion resistance, making it suitable for mechanical parts). ​

Classification by surface finish is even more diverse, including cold-rolled mirror stainless steel (with a smooth, mirror-like surface, used for decoration and equipment panels); brushed stainless steel (with straight or random graining, offering anti-slip properties and easy cleaning, commonly found in kitchenware and elevator door panels); and pickled stainless steel (with an off-white surface, often used for subsequent welding and requiring secondary treatment). Different surface finishes can be directly matched to the needs of different scenarios. ​

Its core features focus on "corrosion resistance and adaptability": First, it offers outstanding corrosion resistance. Chromium forms a dense oxide film (passivation film) on the surface, protecting it from humid air and freshwater corrosion. Because it contains molybdenum, 316 stainless steel is also resistant to seawater and weakly acidic media (such as chemical wastewater), whereas carbon steel lacks this protection and is prone to rusting. Second, its physical properties are adjustable. Austenitic stainless steel offers excellent toughness and can be cold-bent and stamped (for example, in stainless steel sinks). Martensitic stainless steel, after quenching, reaches a hardness exceeding HRC50 and can replace some high-carbon steel parts. Third, it offers both aesthetics and durability. Surface treatments such as mirrored and brushed finishes allow for direct use without painting, and its service life is 3-5 times that of carbon steel (the difference is even greater in humid environments), but the cost is typically 2-4 times that of carbon steel. ​

Application scenarios cover high-demand fields: In the food and medical industries, 304 stainless steel is used to make kitchenware, food delivery pipelines (which meet hygiene standards), and surgical instruments (resistant to disinfection and corrosion); in the architectural decoration field, brushed stainless steel is used for elevator door panels and curtain wall decoration, while mirrored stainless steel is used for shopping mall ceilings and hotel columns; in the chemical industry, 316 stainless steel is used to make reactors and storage tanks (resistant to acid and alkali corrosion); in addition, stainless steel is used in the automotive industry for exhaust pipes (resistant to high-temperature corrosion), and in marine engineering, 316L stainless steel is used for platform components (resistant to seawater corrosion). ​

Three key points to consider when using stainless steel: First, material selection: 316 is preferred for humid/acidic environments, while 430 is an option for dry, decorative environments. Avoid over-selecting materials and increasing costs. Second, processing protection: Use stainless steel welding wire when welding (to prevent material degradation). Immediately perform pickling and passivation after welding (to repair the oxide film and prevent intergranular corrosion). This requirement is not required for welding carbon steel plates. Third, cleaning and maintenance: Avoid using steel wool or strong acid cleaners (such as toilet cleaners) to prevent scratching the surface or damaging the oxide film. Daily cleaning with a neutral detergent and a soft cloth is recommended. Stainless steel plates used outdoors require regular inspection to prevent salt and contaminant accumulation that may affect corrosion resistance.