Top Stainless Steel Suppliers from China

Stainless Steel

Discover our comprehensive stainless steel collection, featuring austenitic, ferritic, and duplex grades for diverse industrial applications. From high-performance industrial grades to specialized corrosion-resistant options, we offer various material compositions and finishes to meet your specific requirements. Our expertise covers multiple stainless steel types, ensuring optimal performance and value across different price points. Whether you need standard or custom specifications, our professional team provides tailored solutions backed by industry expertise.

201 Stainless Steel Coil

What is Stainless Steel

The Origin and Development of Stainless Steel

The story of stainless steel begins in the early 20th century. In 1913, Harry Brearley, a British metallurgist, discovered that adding chromium to steel created a corrosion-resistant alloy while experimenting with gun barrel materials. This marked the birth of stainless steel as we know it. Initially used for cutlery, its applications expanded rapidly with advancements in production techniques and the addition of elements like nickel and molybdenum. By the mid-20th century, stainless steel grades like 304 and 316 became industry standards, revolutionizing sectors from construction to aerospace. Today, ongoing innovations in duplex stainless steel and high-performance alloys continue to push its boundaries.

Standards, Grades, and Classifications

Stainless steel is classified into several families based on its microstructure, each with distinct stainless steel grades. The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) and Unified Numbering System (UNS) provide standardized designations, such as 304, 316, and 430, which indicate specific compositions and properties. These stainless steel types include:

  • Austenitic: Non-magnetic, highly ductile, and corrosion-resistant (e.g., 304, 316).
  • Ferritic: Magnetic, cost-effective, with moderate corrosion resistance (e.g., 430).
  • Martensitic: Hardenable, strong, but less corrosion-resistant (e.g., 410).
  • Duplex: A hybrid of austenitic and ferritic, offering high strength and corrosion resistance (e.g., 2205).
  • Precipitation Hardening (PH): Heat-treatable for exceptional strength (e.g., 17-4 PH).

Each grade adheres to strict standards, ensuring consistency for stainless steel fabricators and end-users alike.

Chemical Elements and Proportions

The magic of stainless steel lies in its composition. At its core, it’s an iron-based alloy with a minimum of 10.5% chromium, which forms a protective oxide layer. Additional elements like nickel, molybdenum, and carbon fine-tune its properties:

  • Chromium (10.5–30%): Enhances corrosion resistance.
  • Nickel (0–20%): Improves ductility and toughness, common in austenitic grades.
  • Molybdenum (0–6%): Boosts resistance to pitting, found in food grade stainless steel like 316.
  • Carbon (0.03–1.2%): Affects hardness, higher in martensitic grades.

These proportions vary across stainless steel types, tailoring them for specific uses.

Stainless Steel Characteristics

Types of Stainless Steel

TypeCompositionCharacteristicsCommon Grades
Austenitic17–25% Cr, 8–20% NiNon-magnetic, ductile, corrosion-resistant304, 316
Ferritic10.5–27% Cr, low NiMagnetic, cost-effective, moderate corrosion resistance430
Martensitic12–18% Cr, 0.1–1.2% CHardenable, high strength, magnetic410, 420
Duplex22–25% Cr, 4–7% Ni, 3–5% MoHigh strength, excellent corrosion resistance2205, 2507
Precipitation Hardening15–17% Cr, 3–7% Ni, Cu/TiHeat-treatable, ultra-strong17-4 PH

Chemical Properties: Behavior in Different Environments

Stainless steel excels in harsh conditions, but its performance varies by grade.
PropertyAustenitic (e.g., 304)Ferritic (e.g., 430)Martensitic (e.g., 410)Duplex (e.g., 2205)
Corrosion ResistanceExcellentModerateModerateSuperior
Oxidation ResistanceHigh (up to 925°C)Good (up to 800°C)ModerateVery High
Key ElementsCr, Ni, MoCrCr, CCr, Ni, Mo
MagneticNoYesYesYes
Heat ResistanceGoodModerateModerateExcellent

Inox material like 316 thrives in chloride-rich environments, while ferritic grades suit less aggressive settings.

Physical Properties: Strength, Hardness, and Ductility

Compared to other metals, stainless steel strikes a unique balance.
PropertyStainless Steel (304)Carbon SteelAluminum
Tensile Strength621 MPa400–550 MPa90–300 MPa
Hardness (Brinell)170–200 HB120–200 HB15–95 HB
DuctilityHigh (40–60% elongation)ModerateHigh
Density8 g/cm37.8 g/cm32.7 g/cm3

Stainless steel outperforms aluminum in strength and hardness while rivaling carbon steel in durability, with added corrosion resistance.

Applications: Industries and Uses

Stainless steel shines across industries:

  • Food Processing: Food grade stainless steel (e.g., 316) for tanks, pipes, and utensils.
  • Construction: Stainless steel finishes for cladding and structural components.
  • Aerospace: Precipitation hardening grades for high-strength parts.
  • Oil & Gas: Duplex stainless steel for pipelines and pressure vessels.
  • Medical: SS material for surgical tools and implants.

Its adaptability makes stainless steel a go-to for stainless steel fabricators.

Limitations: What to Watch Out For

Despite its strengths, stainless steel isn’t flawless:

  • Cost: Stainless steel price can be high, especially for nickel-rich grades like 316.
  • Weldability: Martensitic grades are prone to cracking during welding.
  • Chloride Sensitivity: Even inox stainless steel can pit in high-chloride environments if the grade isn’t optimized (e.g., 304 vs. 316).
  • Work Hardening: Austenitic types harden quickly, complicating machining.

Corrosion Data: Resistance and Influencing Factors

Stainless steel’s corrosion resistance hinges on its chromium content and environment:

  • Pitting: Common in chloride-rich settings; mitigated by molybdenum (e.g., 316).
  • Crevice Corrosion: Occurs in tight spaces; duplex grades resist this best.
  • Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC): A risk under tensile stress and heat; austenitic grades like 304 are susceptible.

Temperature, pH, and alloy composition all play roles, so match the grade to your conditions.

Welding and Manufacturing

Welding stainless steel requires precision:

  • Austenitic: TIG welding for clean, strong joints.
  • Ferritic: Lower heat input to prevent grain growth.
  • Martensitic: Preheating and post-weld tempering to avoid brittleness.
  • Duplex: Controlled heat to maintain phase balance.

Stainless steel fabricators often use cold rolling or annealing to enhance stainless steel finishes and formability.

Customer Reviews

Maria Rodriguez
Maria Rodriguez
Food Equipment Manufacturing
The Stainless Steel Pipes and Tubes we ordered were delivered on schedule and met all our specifications. We particularly appreciate the precision of their seamless tubes which have performed exceptionally well in our food processing equipment. This supplier has become our go-to source for all stainless components.
Thomas Wagner
Thomas Wagner
Chemical Processing Industry
The 316L Stainless Steel Sheets and Plates we sourced for our chemical processing facility have demonstrated exceptional corrosion resistance in our highly acidic environment. Their consistent quality and precise tolerances have made fabrication much more efficient compared to our previous suppliers.
Fatima Al-Mansouri
Fatima Al-Mansouri
Water Treatment Facilities
We've relied on their 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel Pipes and Tubes for our desalination plant where chloride resistance is critical. The material has performed flawlessly in our harsh coastal conditions where standard grades would quickly deteriorate. Their metallurgical expertise was invaluable during material selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What grades of stainless steel do you offer and which ones are best for corrosive environments?

A: We offers a comprehensive range of stainless steel grades including 304/304L, 316/316L, 316Ti, 321, 310S, 2205 duplex, and 904L super austenitic stainless steel. For highly corrosive environments, we recommend avoiding standard 304 grade and instead utilizing 316L, which contains molybdenum for enhanced corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride-rich settings. For extreme corrosion applications, our 904L and duplex grades (2205, 2507) provide superior performance in aggressive chemical environments, seawater exposure, and high-temperature acidic conditions. Our metallurgical experts can provide detailed consultation to ensure you select the optimal grade for your specific application requirements.

 

Q: What are your minimum order quantities and lead times for stainless steel products?

A: Our factory maintains flexible minimum order quantities (MOQs) to accommodate various customer needs. For standard grades like 304 and 316L in common dimensions, MOQs can be as low as 500kg, while specialty grades may require 1-2 ton minimums. Lead times typically range from 2-3 weeks for stock items to 4-6 weeks for custom specifications or specialty grades. For large projects, we recommend placing orders with sufficient lead time to ensure timely delivery. As a leading stainless steel manufacturer, we maintain substantial inventory of common specifications to serve urgent requirements and can provide expedited production when necessary.

 

Q: How do you ensure the quality and authenticity of your stainless steel products?

A: Quality assurance is paramount at our enterprise. We implement a rigorous multi-stage quality control system that includes raw material verification, in-process inspections, and final product testing. Each batch undergoes chemical composition analysis using spectrometers, mechanical property testing, and dimensional verification. We provide comprehensive mill test certificates (MTCs) with each shipment, documenting chemical composition, mechanical properties, and heat treatment details. Additionally, we can arrange third-party inspection by internationally recognized agencies upon request. Our quality management system is certified to ISO 9001:2015 standards, and we maintain traceability throughout our production process to ensure authentic, high-quality stainless steel products.

 

Q: What surface finishes are available for your stainless steel sheets and plates?

A: Our stainless steel sheets and plates are available in a wide range of surface finishes to meet diverse application requirements. Standard options include 2B (smooth, reflective finish), No.4 (brushed finish), BA (bright annealed), 2D (matte finish), and No.1 (hot-rolled). We also offer specialized finishes such as hairline, mirror polish (up to 8K), embossed patterns, and PVC film-coated surfaces for protection during transportation and fabrication. Our distributor network provides custom finishing services including laser cutting, water jet cutting, and precision blanking. All finishes comply with ASTM, EN, or JIS standards as required, and we can develop custom finishes to meet specific aesthetic or functional requirements.

 

Q: Can you provide custom fabrication or processing services for stainless steel products?

A: Yes, our factory offers comprehensive custom fabrication and processing services for all stainless steel products. These include precision cutting (laser, plasma, and waterjet), bending, rolling, welding, machining, heat treatment, and surface finishing. We can produce components according to your engineering drawings or specifications, with capabilities for both prototype and high-volume production. Our manufacturing facilities are equipped with advanced CNC machinery and staffed by skilled technicians with extensive experience in stainless steel fabrication. For specialized projects, our engineering team can provide design assistance to optimize material usage and manufacturing processes, ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining required performance characteristics.

Q: How do you handle international shipping and what are your payment terms?

A: We offer comprehensive international logistics solutions including sea freight, air freight, and express courier services with all necessary export documentation. Our payment terms are flexible, primarily T/T, with options for L/C, D/A, and D/P to accommodate different customer needs.

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