What Stainless Steel Grade Is Best for Food & Pharma?
In industries where hygiene, contamination resistance, and cleanability are critical, not every stainless steel plate makes the cut. Food and pharmaceutical manufacturers demand materials that are non-reactive, corrosion-resistant, and compliant with global sanitary standards. The most widely recommended grades are SS 304, SS 316L, and SS 904L—each offering different advantages based on acid resistance, cost, and environmental exposure.
Where Are These Plates Used in Food & Drug Manufacturing?
Stainless steel plates are vital across:
- Dairy tanks and cheese vats
- Meat processing tables and slicers
- Beverage storage and bottling lines
- Clean rooms and tablet production lines
- Bioreactors and API processing vessels
Performance & Safety Standards Required
Grades selected must ensure:
- Resistance to citric, lactic, and phosphoric acids
- Smooth, crevice-free surfaces
- No leaching or chemical reactions with food/drugs
- High resistance to steam, moisture, and cleaning chemicals
Grades Most Suitable for Food and Pharmaceutical Industry
- SS 304: General food-grade, affordable, non-toxic, used widely.
- SS 316 / 316L: Enhanced resistance to saline, acids, and sterilization chemicals.
- SS 904L: Ultra corrosion resistance, used in highly acidic or chloride-rich pharmaceutical environments.
Thickness Range & Finish Consideration
We offer:
- 0.5mm to 150mm thickness plates
- BA (Bright Annealed), No. 4, and Mirror Finish for hygienic surfaces
- Custom-polished finishes to Ra < 0.8 µm where required
Surface Cleanliness & Fabrication Requirements
For sterile environments:
- Plates must be burr-free and weldable with minimal contamination
- Seamless fabrication to prevent microbial growth
- Mirror finishes for CIP/SIP equipment are ideal
Tips for Plate Selection by Application Type
- Dairy / Beverage Plants: SS 304 is adequate
- Acidic Juice / Pickle / API Use: SS 316L or SS 904L is preferable
- Sterile Pharma Equipment: SS 316L with EP (electropolishing) or mirror finish
Why Buy Food-Grade SS Plates from Hindustan Steel?
- BIS/ASTM/ASME-compliant inventory
- Pre-cleaned, factory-packaged for pharma-grade
- Support for traceability, mill certificates & validation
Related Grades & Options Available
We also supply:
- SS 321/347 for heat-resistant pharmaceutical sterilization
- SS 410/430 for less aggressive environments
- Mirror polished, slit, or circle cut formats
Export Supply to Food & Pharma Industries
We supply to:
- UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia – Food machinery OEMs
- India’s major pharma belts – Hyderabad, Gujarat, Himachal
- Europe – Biopharma equipment and clean room systems
Buyer Tips: SS 304 vs 316 vs 904L – Which One to Choose?
- For general use: SS 304
- For acidic/corrosive exposure: SS 316L
- For high-end critical hygiene + chloride resistance: SS 904L
Certifications & Quality Documents Provided
- EN 10204 3.1 Test Certificates
- ISO 9001 & GMP-compliant supply chain
- Surface finish and Ra values (on request)
- NABL-attested lab reports if needed
FAQs for Choosing the Right Plate for Food & Pharma
Is SS 304 safe for dairy and beverage use?
Yes, it's commonly used in dairy tanks and juice bottling.
Why use SS 316L in pharmaceutical plants?
It resists strong disinfectants and acidic drug intermediates.
Is SS 904L better than SS 316L?
Yes, it offers superior acid and chloride resistance but is costlier.
Can I use mirror finish plates for clean rooms?
Yes, mirror polished plates prevent bacteria and are easy to clean.
What surface roughness is acceptable for food contact?
Typically Ra < 0.8 µm is preferred.
Is 430 or 410 stainless steel usable in food industry?
Only for dry or non-corrosive applications; they lack nickel and corrosion resistance.
What thickness is commonly used in food processing?
2mm to 12mm depending on application.
What finish is preferred for pharma-grade SS plates?
Bright Annealed (BA) or Mirror Finish.
Do you provide MTC and quality certificates?
Yes, we provide EN 10204 3.1 and other required reports.
Are the plates IBR certified?
IBR is not required for food/pharma; we offer ISO/GMP-compatible stock.
Do you cut-to-size for pharma reactors?
Yes, CNC or laser cutting is available.
Do you export pharma-grade SS plates?
Yes, to several countries with customized packaging.
Can we order plates with specified Ra values?
Yes, we can offer certified surface finish per request.
How to get the best price on pharma-grade SS plate?
Choose the right grade (304/316L), finish, and order in bulk for best pricing.
Need Price or Material Datasheet?
Get:
- Plate pricing per kg (bulk and small lot)
- Ready stock details
- Finish sample photos
- Datasheets for 304 / 316 / 904L with chemical + mechanical specs