ASTM A480/A480M Stainless Steel Plate
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APPLICATION SCENARIOS
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ASTM A480/A480M establishes mandatory general requirements for flat-rolled stainless/heat-resisting steel plates, sheets, and strips. The 2025 revision enhances quality control with:
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Stricter tolerances: Cold-rolled sheets (≤2.5mm) now have ±0.1mm thickness tolerance.
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Phase balance control: Mandatory intermetallic phase testing for duplex grades.
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Conflict resolution hierarchy: Procurement order > Product specification > A480 base standard.
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Dual-unit system: SI (A480M) and inch-pound units must be used independently; mixing voids compliance.
Material Classification & Definitions
| Product Type | Thickness | Width | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plate | ≥5 mm | >250 mm | Used for structural/pressure vessels |
| Sheet | <5 mm | ≥600 mm | Ideal for fabrication/welding |
| Strip | <5 mm | <600 mm | Cold-rolled, precision applications |
Chemical Composition & Tolerances
Table 1: Elemental Ranges & Allowable Variations (Weight %)
| Element | 304 (S30400) | 304L (S30403) | 316L (S31603) | Prod. Analysis Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cr | 18.0–20.0 | 18.0–20.0 | 16.0–18.0 | ±0.15–0.25* |
| Ni | 8.0–10.5 | 8.0–12.0 | 10.0–14.0 | ±0.07–0.15 |
| C | ≤0.08 | ≤0.03 | ≤0.03 | +0.002–0.01 |
| Mo | – | – | 2.0–3.0 | ±0.03–0.05 |
| N | ≤0.10 | ≤0.10 | ≤0.10 | ±0.03–0.04 |
*Tolerance widens with higher Cr/Ni content. Phosphorus/sulfur allowances: +0.005% max.
Mechanical Properties by Condition
Table 2: Performance Metrics (Typical Values)
| Property | Annealed | ¼ Hard | ½ Hard | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 515–720 | 860–1,000 | 1,000–1,200 | ASTM A370 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 205–310 | 515–690 | 690–860 | ASTM A370 |
| Elongation (%) | 40–60 | 25–35 | 15–25 | ASTM A370 |
| Hardness (HV) | 130–180 | 210–260 | 260–310 | ASTM E92 |
| Impact Toughness | 100 J (-196°C) | – | – | ASTM E23 |
Surface Finish Standards
Table 3: ASTM A480 Surface Codes & Applications
| Finish Code | Description | Roughness (Ra) | Primary Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 2B | Bright annealed, smooth | 0.1–0.3 μm | Food equipment, tanks |
| No. 4 | Directional brushed | 0.4–0.8 μm | Architectural cladding |
| BA | Mirror-reflective | ≤0.05 μm | Decorative/optical |
| No. 1 | Hot-rolled, pickled | 0.8–2.0 μm | Structural/industrial |
| No. 7 | High polish | 0.01–0.05 μm | Medical devices |
Manufacturing & Quality Control
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Melting Process:
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EAF + AOD refining: Ensures sulfur ≤50 ppm, oxygen ≤30 ppm.
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Hot Rolling:
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Slabs reheated to 1250°C, finish-rolled at 850°C (thickness: 3–200 mm).
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Cold Rolling & Annealing:
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Solution treatment at 1050–1150°C + rapid quenching.
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Surface Treatment:
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Pickling (HF + HNO₃ mix) + passivation per ASTM A967.
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Critical Testing:
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Hydrostatic/eddy current: Detects subsurface defects.
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Intergranular corrosion: ASTM A262 Practice E for sensitization risk.
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Microstructural analysis: Ferrite scope for duplex grades (45–55% phase balance).
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Fabrication Guidelines
✅ Best Practices:
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Welding:
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Use ER308L/ER316L filler with 98% Ar + 2% O₂ shielding gas.
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Limit interpass temperature to 150°C max.
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Cutting:
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Waterjet for >40mm thickness; laser with N₂ assist for oxidation-free edges.
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Forming:
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Minimum bend radius = 1.0×T (annealed), 3.0×T (cold-rolled).
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⚠️ Critical Restrictions:
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Avoid: 425–860°C “sensitization range” – causes carbide precipitation.
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Prohibited: Direct marine piling or hydrochloric acid exposure without protective coatings.
5 Essential FAQs
Q1: Why does cold-rolled 304 plate become magnetic?
A: Cold working transforms austenite to martensite, inducing magnetism. Annealing restores non-magnetic properties.
Q2: When must 304L replace 304?
A: For:
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Thickness >6mm with welding (prevents carbide precipitation).
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Services below -150°C (enhanced toughness).
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Oxidizing acid exposure (e.g., HNO₃).
Q3: Is A480 plate suitable for coastal applications?
A: Limited to low-splash zones (PREN 19–22). For saltwater immersion:
| Environment | Recommended Grade |
|---|---|
| Coastal architecture | 316L (PREN 24–26) |
| Offshore structures | 2205 duplex (PREN 34+) |
Q4: What are standard plate dimensions?
A:
| Thickness | Max Width | Max Length |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5–10 mm | 1,500 mm | 6,000 mm |
| 10–50 mm | 3,500 mm | 12,000 mm |
| 50–200 mm | 2,500 mm | 6,000 mm |
Q5: How to identify counterfeit materials?
A: Demand:
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EN 10204 3.2 Certificate with PMI report.
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Mill heat number etched on plate edge.
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Third-party validation (e.g., SGS/BV).
Why Partner with Luokaiwei?
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Certifications: ASME Sec. VIII, PED 2014/68/EU, NORSOK M-650.
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Advanced Processing:
Service Capability Tolerance Laser Cutting 6kW fiber (0.5–50 mm) ±0.15 mm Press Braking 4,000-ton force ±0.3° Shot Blasting SA 2.5 cleanliness – -
Global Supply:
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30,000+ tons annual capacity; 15-day delivery for stock sizes.
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Order Your ASTM A480/A480M Plates Today!
✅ Stock Ranges: 2B/No.4/BA finishes | Thickness: 0.5–100 mm
✅ Certifications: Material Test Reports per EN 10204 3.1/3.2
✅ Customization: Perforation, beveling, non-standard sizes
Contact Luokaiwei:
📧 sales@luokaiweipipe.com
📱 +86 18912200505
