C13 · Food Processing

Stainless Steel Plates for Food Processing Industry: 304/316L Selection and 16 Part List

In the food processing industry, we have compiled 16 parts using stainless steel: commonly used 304 / 316L / 420, with thickness ranging from 1-12 mm.

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Stainless Steel Workbenches, Conveyors, and Wash Basins for Food Processing Facilities
In food processing areas, stainless steel workbenches, conveyors, and wash basins (diagram; actual selection based on medium, temperature, and drawings)

List of Parts and Material Selection

Part / ComponentRecommended GradeSpecifications / ThicknessSurfaceFailure ModesReference Standards
Disassembly Surface304/316L1.5–3.0mm2B，Ra≤0.8μmCleaning + ScrapingGB/T 3280；GB 16798
Conveyor Plates3041.0–2.0mm2B / Brushed FinishWear + Protein CorrosionGB/T 3280
Scalding Pool/Tank304/316L2.0–4.0mm2BHot Water + OilGB/T 3280；NB/T 47014
Halving Saw304/4203.0–6.0mmBusiness / SurfaceBoneScraps Wear, CorrosionGB/T 3280；GB/T 1220
Chopper Bowl Body3043.0–6.0mm2B，Ra≤0.8μmSalt + Oil + Blade ScrubbingGB/T 3280
Chopper Blades420/440C5–12mmQuenched + PolishedHigh hardness wear + corrosion fatigueGB/T 1220
Rota-macer inner wall304/316L2.0–4.0mm2B，Ra≤0.8μmSalt water + vacuum + kneading wearGB/T 3280
Pulverizer auger/plate304/4203–12mm2B / machined surfaceMeat fiber wear + salt corrosionGB/T 3280；GB/T 1220
Smoker interior/airways304/316L1.5–3.0mm2BAcidic high-temperature smoke condensate + fatGB/T 3280
Fish sorting platform/skid304/316L1.5–3.0mm2BSeawater + fish blood + Cl⁻ pittingGB/T 3280
Fish paste washing tank316L2.0–4.0mm2B，Ra≤0.8μmSalt water + repeated rinsing + low temperatureGB/T 3280
Shrimp cooking line mesh belt304/316Wire diameter 1.0–3.0mmLustrous / 2BHigh-temperature steam + salt + thermal circulationGB/T 17492；GB/T 3280
Cleaning Racks for Shellfish316L2.0–5.0mm2BSoak in Sea Water + SandGB/T 3280
Fishmeal Dryer Interior/ Cyclone Separator316L2.0–6.0mm2BHigh Salt+High Temp+WearGB/T 3280
Vegetable Washing Tank/Bubbler Tube3041.5–3.0mm2BWater+Silt WearGB/T 3280
Juicer Screen/Screw304/316L1.0–3.0mm2B/HolesOrganic acid corrosion+wearGB/T 3280
Table below isStandard Configuration.Same part may switch from 304 to 316L or 2205 based on usage conditions— explain clearly, not just specify the grade.

Material Points

  • Most common grades in this industry are 304 (12), 316L (9), and 420 (3)— parentheses indicate number of affected areas, as a starting point for quoting and material procurement.
  • Wear parts (edges, liners, conveyors) consider hardness, not just corrosion resistance (11/16 hits).
  • Chloride ions and salts are the most common sources of corrosion (pitting, crevice corrosion) (8/16 hits).
  • Thickness range 1–12 mm: Thin plates are mostly formed parts (considering bend back-arc and deep drawing cracks), thick plates are mostly welded structures (considering heat input and sensitization).

Common questions

What type of stainless steel is used most in the food processing industry?
How many parts are we looking at?
What's the most common grade?
Which part is prone to issues?
For what kind of material and temperature?
Thickness range in the list is 1–12 mm. For thin plates, consider bending and surface finish; for thick plates, welding and structural strength. Values may vary by equipment manufacturer for the same location, review your drawing or operating conditions.

Related materials and adjacent industries

304Materials and specifications316LMaterials and specificationsFood manufacturingFood ManufacturingManufacture of alcoholic beverages, drinks, and refined teasBeverage & BrewingTobacco products industryTobacco
Applications16
Thickness1–12mm
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