C32 · Non-ferrous Metallurgy
Stainless Steel Plates for Metallics and Rolling Industry: 904L/2205 Selection and 3 Item Lists
In the metallics and rolling industry, we have organized three stainless steel parts: commonly used 904L / 2205 / 254SMO with thickness ranging from 2–50 mm.
3 parts and material list
| Part / Component | Recommended grade | Specifications / Thickness | Surface | Main Failure Modes | Reference Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wet Heap Leaching Tanks/ Pipelines/ Valves | 904L/254SMO/2205 | Cassette 3-12mm; Pipeline 2-8mm | 2B/Acid Cleaning | H₂SO₄ 100g/L +95℃+Cl⁻≤50ppm+redox 350mV → Uniform Corrosion + Pitting; 316L fails rapidly in this condition (Case: Cassette 904L passes, but pipework/valves used as 316 fail within about 3 weeks) | ASTM A240；GB/T 3280 |
| Electrolytic/Electrodeposition Tanks Linings/ Electrodes | 316L/2205/904L | 2–8mm | 2B/Acid Cleaning | Acidic Electrolyte + Current + Cl⁻ → Pitting / Crevice Corrosion | ASTM A240; YS/T Refining Equipment Standards |
| Metallic Melting Crucibles / Furnace Linings | 310S / Heat Resistant Castings | 10–50mm | Cast Surface / Machined Surface | High Temperature + Molten Metal Erosion + Thermal Fatigue | GB/T 8492；GB/T 3280 |
This Table ShowsStandard ConfigurationsSpecify material based on usage conditions.
Material considerations
- Most common grades in this industry are 904L (2), 2205 (2), and 254SMO (1) —— parentheses indicate the number of affected areas, useful for quoting and material ordering.
- Chloride ions and salt are the most common sources of corrosion (pitting, crevice corrosion) (2/3 hits).
- Minimum thickness 2–50 mm: Thin plates are mostly formed parts (considering bend rebound and deep drawing cracking), thick plates are mostly welded structures (considering heat input and sensitization).
Common Questions
Which stainless steel is used most in the aluminum and copper rolling industries?
When totaled across these three areas, the most frequent part was 904L (2 occurrences), 2205 (2 occurrences), and 254SMO (1 occurrence). Specific to a particular component still depends on the medium and temperature, for example, stainless steel countertops that come into contact with salt water should switch from 304 to 316L.
Which part is the weakest?
Based on failure description, typical is "WetCupola Furnace/Pipe/Valves": H₂SO₄ 100g/L + 95℃ + Cl⁻ ≤ 50ppm + redox 350mV → uniform corrosion + pitting; 316L fails quickly in this condition (case: vessel 904L qualified, pipe/valve misused 316, leaking within about 3 weeks); recommended grades 904L/254SMO/2205, thickness range 3–12mm for vessels; 2–8mm for pipes. This condition suggests specifying media concentration, temperature, and cleaning method in the design phase.
What thickness do I need?
Thickness ranges from 2–50 mm., Consider forming and surface quality for thin plates., Welding and structural strength for thick plates., Values may vary based on drawings or conditions., Recheck with your drawings or conditions.
Related Materials and Adjacent Industries
Applications3