What Are SS Plates Used For? – Industrial Applications & Buyer Guide
Stainless steel plates (SS plates) are among the most widely used metallic flat products across industrial, commercial, and infrastructural domains. Their strength, corrosion resistance, durability, and hygienic finish make them indispensable in sectors ranging from food processing to petrochemicals. At Hindustan Steel Corporation, we supply a wide range of stainless steel plates including SS 304, SS 316, 321, 347, 410, 420, 430, 904L, Duplex, and more—engineered for the most demanding usage environments.
Voice Search – What Are the Main Uses of Stainless Steel Plates?
If you’re searching online for:
- “Where are SS plates used?”
- “Which industries use stainless steel plates?”
- “What are stainless steel plates used for in construction?”
This page covers all answers with detailed, industry-specific applications.
Key Industries That Use SS Plates
SS plates serve across dozens of critical industries, including:
- Chemical & Petrochemical Processing
- Food & Beverage Manufacturing
- Pharmaceutical & Cleanroom Applications
- Pulp & Paper Plants
- Power Generation & Boilers
- Shipbuilding & Marine Equipment
- Water Treatment Plants
- Oil & Gas Refineries
- Architecture & Interior Cladding
- Automotive & Rail Components
Each application leverages stainless steel’s core properties: corrosion resistance, thermal stability, strength-to-weight ratio, and aesthetic finish.
Stainless Steel Plate Properties That Drive Usage
- Corrosion Resistance: Against water, acids, alkalis, and chlorides
- Hygienic Finish: Ideal for food-grade and pharmaceutical use
- High Strength & Toughness: Withstand extreme temperatures and loads
- Non-reactive Surface: Preferred in cleanroom and medical environments
- Weldability & Fabrication Flexibility: For tanks, vessels, and frames
- Long Lifespan & Low Maintenance
Popular Grades of High Tensile Plates
| Grade | Standard | Yield Strength | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| IS 2062 E350 | BIS (India) | 350 MPa | Infra, construction, trailers |
| S355J2 | EN 10025-2 | 355 MPa | Fabrication, bridges |
| S690QL | EN 10025-6 | 690 MPa | Crane, automotive, offshore |
| Hiten 550 | JFE Japan | 550 MPa | Rail, shipbuilding, heavy parts |
| SAILMA 450 | SAIL India | 450 MPa | Trucks, defense vehicles |
| ASTM A572 Gr 50 | ASTM USA | 345 MPa | Transmission towers, bridges |
What Are the Standard Grades & Specifications of SS Plates?
At Hindustan Steel Corporation, we supply stainless steel plates in accordance with global standards:
- ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 – Common for 304, 316, 321, 347, 904L grades
- EN 10088-2 – European stainless specification
- IS 6911 / BIS Norms – Indian standards for SS grades
- PED / AD 2000 / NACE – For pressure vessels and critical components
Available stainless steel plate grades:
- Austenitic: SS 304, SS 316L, SS 321, SS 347, SS 904L
- Ferritic: SS 410, SS 420, SS 430
- Duplex: UNS S31803 / S32205
- Super Duplex: UNS S32750 / S32760
Common Thickness, Width & Plate Sizes
Stainless steel plates used across industries are supplied in:
- Thickness Range: 3 mm to 100 mm (for most industrial-grade applications)
- Width: 1000 mm, 1250 mm, 1500 mm, 2000 mm
- Length: 2500 mm, 5000 mm, or custom-cut-to-length
- Finish: 2B, No. 1 Hot Rolled, Mirror Finish (BA), and Polished (No. 4)
We also provide plates in:
- Perforated Sheets
- Chequered / Tread Plates
- Mirror Polished Decorative Sheets
Heat Resistance & Toughness Properties in Service
Applications in food processing, pressure vessels, marine or chemical environments demand stainless steel plates that:
- Resist oxidation up to 1100°C (for SS 321/310/446)
- Offer cryogenic toughness (in SS 304L/316L)
- Maintain high chloride resistance (SS 316L/904L/Super Duplex)
- Perform under cyclic stress and vibration (in boilers, tanks, exchangers)
Fabrication, Machining & Welding Considerations
SS plates are chosen for their fabrication versatility:
- Bending/Forming: Austenitic grades are easy to form
- Machining: SS 420 & 410 preferred for better machinability
- Welding: SS 304L/316L are weld-friendly; Duplex grades need special electrodes
- Etching / Polishing: Architectural or sanitary applications often require custom finishes
We also offer CNC profile cutting, plasma/laser cutting, surface polishing, and edge finishing for project-ready deliveries.
Why Buyers Prefer Hindustan Steel Corporation for SS Plate Supply
- Inventory across all grades (304 to 904L and Duplex)
- Custom cut-to-size with CNC / laser support
- Ready stock in polished, rolled, and mirror-finish plates
- Quick delivery for bulk orders, urgent shutdowns, or OEM needs
- Trusted by EPCs, fabricators, OEMs, marine suppliers, and pharma equipment manufacturers
What Buyers Should Consider Before Ordering
- Required Yield Strength & Impact Test Temp
- Fabrication method – cut, bend, drill, weld
- Finish – primer coated, rough, or blasted
- Project Type – mobile, offshore, static
- Certifications needed – EN 10204 3.1 / IBR / NACE / CE
Related Grades & Application-Linked Variants
Depending on usage, buyers may also choose:
- SS 316L instead of SS 304 for better chloride resistance
- SS 904L or Duplex for acid and seawater resistance
- SS 410 / 420 for cost-effective, hardenable ferritic use
- SS 321 / 347 for high-temperature and stabilised operations
Explore our entire stainless steel plate range for:
- Food-safe, hygienic, polished SS
- Heat-resistant, pressure-vessel-compatible alloys
- Corrosion-proof, saltwater & acid-grade solutions
Export-Friendly Packaging & Global Supply Readiness
Hindustan Steel Corporation supplies stainless steel plates to 35+ countries including:
- UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Vietnam, Oman, Malaysia, and Europe
Our export supply includes:
- Sea-worthy wooden pallets
- Waterproof wrapping and edge protection
- Grade stamping and heat number traceability
- Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1/3.2) + Third Party Inspection
We comply with international shipping norms, CE/PED requirements, and packing mandates for marine and pharmaceutical sectors.
Export-Ready for Global Infrastructure Projects
Hindustan Steel Corporation supplies high tensile plates to:
- UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar – Oil & infra builds
- Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia – Bridges, ports
- South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya – Mining, trailers
- USA, UK, Germany – Machine fabrication, pressure parts
Plates are shipped in export seaworthy packaging with wooden skids, edge protection, and certified documentation.
Quick Guide – How to Choose the Right SS Plate for Your Project
To select the right stainless steel plate:
- For Food & Pharma? Choose SS 304L or 316L with polished finish
- For Acid/Chloride Environment? Use SS 316L, SS 904L, or Duplex
- For Heat Applications? Prefer SS 321, SS 310S, or 446
- For Decorative Architecture? Go for Mirror Finish 304/430 Plates
- For Structural Strength? Consider Duplex / Super Duplex Plates
Talk to our technical team for matching the right grade to your environment, thickness, and weldability requirements.
Certifications, Compliance & Documentation
We offer full compliance with:
- ASTM / ASME / EN / IS / PED / IBR standards
- Mill TC, Third-Party Inspection, PMI & NDT reports
- Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, PED, DNV, Lloyds (as applicable)
Whether you’re in EPC, marine, pharma, or OEM supply – we ensure every order meets your documentation and quality needs.
FAQs for What Are SS Plates Used For?
Which grade of stainless steel is best for chemical resistance?
SS 316L, SS 904L, and Duplex grades like S31803 offer superior chemical and corrosion resistance.
Can stainless steel plates be used for food industry?
Yes, SS 304 and SS 316L are food-safe and commonly used in dairy, pharma, and processing equipment.
Which stainless steel plate is best for marine use?
SS 316L and SS 904L, as well as Duplex/Super Duplex grades, are ideal for saltwater and offshore applications.
What are common sizes of SS plates available?
Standard sizes include 1250 mm x 2500 mm and 1500 mm x 3000 mm in thicknesses from 3 mm to 50 mm. Custom cut sizes are also available.
What finishes are available in stainless steel plates?
Plates come in No. 1 (hot rolled), 2B (cold rolled), BA (mirror), and No. 4 (brushed) finishes.
Can stainless steel plates be mirror polished?
Yes, we supply mirror finish (BA or No. 8) stainless steel plates for decorative and sanitary use.
Is SS 304 or SS 316 better?
SS 316 has better resistance to chlorides and is preferred for marine or chemical use, while SS 304 is widely used in general applications.
Is 904L better than 316L?
Yes, 904L offers higher corrosion resistance, especially in acidic environments. It's more expensive but more durable.
Are stainless steel plates magnetic?
Austenitic grades like SS 304 and SS 316 are generally non-magnetic. Ferritic and martensitic grades like SS 410, SS 430 are magnetic.
Can I get cut-to-size plates?
Yes, we offer CNC cutting, plasma cutting, and waterjet cutting as per your dimensions.
Do you provide SS plate for pressure vessels?
Yes, we supply PED/ASME-compliant stainless steel plates for pressure vessels and heat exchangers.
What is the minimum order quantity?
We cater to both retail and bulk orders – from 1 sheet to 100 tons depending on grade and availability.
Do you supply SS plates outside India?
Yes, we export stainless steel plates globally with full documentation and packing support.
How can I get the best price for SS plates?
Share your grade, size, quantity, and location – and our team will send the most competitive mill-linked price.
Need pricing for a specific size or grade?
Send us your requirement for:
- Grade (e.g., 316L, 904L, S32205)
- Size and thickness
- Finish (No.1, 2B, Mirror)
- Quantity and delivery location
We’ll reply with the best factory-direct price, stock availability, and lead time
Also download our SS Plate Grade Comparison Chart (A240 / EN / IS Equivalent)