What are the common sizes of ASTM stainless steel plate available?

2025-10-31 07:47:16

Common Sizes of ASTM Stainless steel plates

Introduction to ASTM Stainless steel plates

Stainless steel plates manufactured according to ASTM standards are widely used across various industries due to their excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and mechanical properties. These plates come in numerous sizes, thicknesses, and grades to meet different application requirements. Understanding the common sizes available is essential for engineers, architects, and procurement professionals working with stainless steel materials.

ASTM International (formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials) establishes specifications for stainless steel plates that define their chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensions, and tolerances. The most commonly referenced standards for stainless steel plates include ASTM A240, ASTM A480, and ASTM A167, among others.

Standard Thickness Ranges

Stainless steel plates are available in a wide range of thicknesses to accommodate various applications:

Thin Plates

- 0.018 inches to 0.187 inches (0.46 mm to 4.75 mm): Often referred to as "sheet" when under 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) thick

- Common thicknesses in this range include:

- 0.036 inches (0.91 mm)

- 0.048 inches (1.22 mm)

- 0.060 inches (1.52 mm)

- 0.075 inches (1.91 mm)

- 0.105 inches (2.67 mm)

- 0.125 inches (3.18 mm)

- 0.156 inches (3.96 mm)

Medium Thickness Plates

- 0.187 inches to 0.375 inches (4.75 mm to 9.53 mm)

- Common thicknesses include:

- 0.188 inches (4.78 mm)

- 0.250 inches (6.35 mm)

- 0.312 inches (7.92 mm)

- 0.375 inches (9.53 mm)

Thick Plates

- 0.375 inches to 2 inches (9.53 mm to 50.8 mm)

- Common thicknesses include:

- 0.500 inches (12.7 mm)

- 0.625 inches (15.88 mm)

- 0.750 inches (19.05 mm)

- 1.000 inches (25.4 mm)

- 1.250 inches (31.75 mm)

- 1.500 inches (38.1 mm)

- 2.000 inches (50.8 mm)

Extra Thick Plates

- Above 2 inches (50.8 mm): Available up to 6 inches (152.4 mm) or more for special applications

- These are typically custom-ordered and may have longer lead times

Standard Width and Length Dimensions

Stainless steel plates are produced in various width and length combinations:

Common Widths

- 36 inches (914 mm)

- 48 inches (1219 mm)

- 60 inches (1524 mm)

- 72 inches (1829 mm)

- 96 inches (2438 mm)

- 120 inches (3048 mm)

Common Lengths

- 96 inches (2438 mm)

- 120 inches (3048 mm)

- 144 inches (3658 mm)

- 240 inches (6096 mm)

- 300 inches (7620 mm)

Standard Size Combinations

Typical plate size combinations include:

- 48" x 96" (1219 mm x 2438 mm)

- 48" x 120" (1219 mm x 3048 mm)

- 60" x 120" (1524 mm x 3048 mm)

- 72" x 144" (1829 mm x 3658 mm)

- 96" x 240" (2438 mm x 6096 mm)

Metric Equivalent Sizes

For markets using the metric system, common stainless steel plate sizes include:

Thickness (mm)

- 0.5, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50 mm and up

Width (mm)

- 1000, 1250, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000 mm

Length (mm)

- 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 6000 mm

ASTM Specifications for Stainless Steel Plates

Several ASTM standards govern stainless steel plate production:

ASTM A240

Specifies chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip for pressure vessels and general applications. Common grades under this standard include:

- 304/304L

- 316/316L

- 321

- 347

- 410

- 430

- 2205 (duplex)

ASTM A480

Covers general requirements for stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip. It includes dimensional tolerances, straightness, and flatness requirements.

ASTM A167

Standard specification for stainless and heat-resisting chromium-nickel steel plate, sheet, and strip.

ASTM A666

Specifies requirements for annealed or cold-worked austenitic stainless steel sheet, strip, plate, and flat bar.

Tolerances for Stainless Steel Plates

ASTM standards define precise tolerances for stainless steel plates:

Thickness Tolerances

- For plates under 0.187 inches (4.75 mm): ±0.005 to ±0.015 inches depending on width

- For plates 0.187-0.375 inches (4.75-9.53 mm): ±0.010 to ±0.025 inches

- For plates over 0.375 inches (9.53 mm): ±0.015 to ±0.030 inches

Width and Length Tolerances

- Typically ±1/8 inch (3.2 mm) for plates under 48 inches wide

- ±1/4 inch (6.4 mm) for plates over 48 inches wide

Flatness Tolerances

- Varies by thickness and size but generally:

- 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) maximum deviation in any 3 feet (914 mm) for plates under 3/16 inch (4.76 mm)

- 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) maximum deviation in any 3 feet (914 mm) for thicker plates

Common Grades and Their Typical Sizes

Different stainless steel grades may have size limitations based on their properties:

Austenitic Grades (304, 316, etc.)

- Available in the widest range of sizes

- Typically stocked in thicknesses from 0.018" to 2" (0.46-50.8 mm)

- Widths up to 120" (3048 mm) commonly available

Ferritic Grades (430, 409, etc.)

- More limited in thick plate availability

- Typically stocked up to 0.375" (9.53 mm) thickness

- Widths usually up to 72" (1829 mm)

Martensitic Grades (410, 420, etc.)

- Available in thicknesses from 0.036" to 1" (0.91-25.4 mm)

- Widths typically up to 60" (1524 mm)

Duplex Grades (2205, 2507)

- Commonly available from 0.060" to 2" (1.52-50.8 mm)

- Widths up to 96" (2438 mm)

Factors Affecting Plate Size Availability

Several factors influence which sizes are commonly stocked or readily available:

Manufacturing Process

- Hot-rolled plates are typically available in larger sizes than cold-rolled

- Continuous casting limitations affect maximum widths

- Rolling mill capabilities determine maximum thicknesses

Market Demand

- More common sizes (like 48" x 96" or 48" x 120") are more likely to be in stock

- Less common sizes may require custom orders with longer lead times

Material Grade

- Some specialty grades have more limited size availability due to production constraints

- High-nickel alloys may have more restrictions than standard 300-series grades

Surface Finish

- Certain finishes (like No. 8 mirror) may not be available on very thick plates

- Polished finishes often have more size limitations than mill finishes

Specialty Sizes and Custom Options

While standard sizes are most common, manufacturers can often provide:

Oversized Plates

- Widths up to 144" (3658 mm) for some grades

- Lengths up to 480" (12,192 mm) in certain cases

Custom Cut-to-Size

- Plates can be cut to exact dimensions required by the customer

- Waterjet, laser, or plasma cutting available for precise shapes

Non-Rectangular Shapes

- Circles, rings, and other geometric shapes cut from plate stock

- Custom patterns for specific applications

Weight Considerations by Size

The weight of stainless steel plates varies significantly by size:

Weight Calculation

- Formula: Weight (lbs) = Thickness (inches) × Width (inches) × Length (inches) × Density (0.285 lbs/in³ for stainless)

- Metric formula: Weight (kg) = Thickness (mm) × Width (mm) × Length (mm) × Density (0.000008 kg/mm³)

Examples:

- 48" x 96" x 0.125" plate: ~164 lbs (74.4 kg)

- 60" x 120" x 0.250" plate: ~513 lbs (232.7 kg)

- 96" x 240" x 0.500" plate: ~3,283 lbs (1,489 kg)

Applications by Size

Different plate sizes suit various applications:

Thin Plates (Under 0.187")

- Kitchen equipment

- Architectural panels

- Chemical processing equipment

- Automotive trim

Medium Plates (0.187"-0.375")

- Food processing equipment

- Pharmaceutical equipment

- Storage tanks

- Structural components

Thick Plates (Over 0.375")

- Pressure vessels

- Marine applications

- Offshore platforms

- Heavy industrial equipment

- Bridge components

International Size Variations

While ASTM sizes are standard in North America, other regions may have different common sizes:

European Standards (EN)

- Often supplied in 1000mm, 1250mm, 1500mm, or 2000mm widths

- Lengths typically 2000mm, 2500mm, or 3000mm

Japanese Standards (JIS)

- Common widths: 1000mm, 1219mm, 1500mm

- Common lengths: 2000mm, 2438mm, 3000mm

Chinese Standards (GB)

- Similar to metric sizes but may have different thickness progressions

- Often supplied in 1000mm x 2000mm or 1500mm x 3000mm

Ordering Considerations

When specifying ASTM stainless steel plates:

Standard vs. Custom Sizes

- Standard sizes are more cost-effective and have shorter lead times

- Custom sizes may require minimum order quantities

Tolerances

- Specify if tighter tolerances are needed beyond standard ASTM requirements

Certification Requirements

- Material test reports (MTRs) may be required for certain applications

- Some projects require third-party inspection

Surface Finish

- Specify if a particular finish (2B, No. 4, etc.) is required

- Finishes may affect size availability

Storage and Handling of Different Sizes

Proper handling varies by plate size:

Thin Plates

- Require careful handling to prevent bending or warping

- Should be stored flat with adequate support

Thick Plates

- Need proper lifting equipment due to weight

- Can be stored vertically in racks if space is limited

Large Plates

- Require adequate space for storage and movement

- May need special equipment for loading/unloading

Future Trends in Stainless Steel Plate Sizes

Emerging trends that may affect size availability:

Increased Width Capabilities

- New rolling mills allow for wider plates

- Reduces welding requirements for large projects

Thinner High-Strength Grades

- Advanced alloys allow thinner plates with equivalent strength

- May change standard thickness offerings

Customization

- More options for precision-cut sizes to reduce waste

- Just-in-time manufacturing reducing inventory of standard sizes

Conclusion

ASTM stainless steel plates are available in a comprehensive range of sizes to meet diverse industrial needs. From thin sheets under 0.020 inches to thick plates exceeding 2 inches, and from narrow widths to expansive panels over 10 feet wide, the variety ensures there's an appropriate size for nearly any application. Understanding these standard sizes, along with their associated tolerances and availability by grade, enables professionals to make informed material selection decisions. While standard sizes offer cost and availability advantages, custom sizes provide flexibility for specialized projects. As manufacturing technologies advance, we can expect to see continued evolution in the size options available for stainless steel plates.