304 stainless steel shell plates for pressure vessels

304 Stainless Steel Shell Plate for Pressure Vessel is a heavy-duty austenitic stainless steel flat plate that complies with ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240 standards. In China's pressure equipment industry, the equivalent grade is S30408 (06Cr19Ni10), manufactured according to GB/T 24511 "Stainless Steel Plates and Strips for Pressure Equipment." It is widely used for fabricating the cylindrical bodies of storage tanks, reactors, and boilers.

 

304 stainless steel pressure vessel plates are specially engineered to withstand internal pressure, thermal stress, and corrosive media while maintaining excellent structural integrity. Containing 18–20% chromium and 8–11% nickel, with a carbon content of ≤0.08%, the material offers outstanding weldability and corrosion resistance. Its service temperature range extends from -196°C to 800°C, making it suitable for both cryogenic and high-temperature applications.Compared with thinner stainless steel sheets, pressure vessel shell plates are distinguished by their greater thickness typically ranging from ≥3 mm to over 100 mm , as well as the stricter inspection and testing requirements necessary for pressure-bearing applications.

 

We can supply 304 stainless steel shell plates in thicknesses mainly ranging from 10 mm to 35 mm, widths from 1000 mm to 2000 mm, and fixed lengths generally controlled within 12 meters. Customized dimensions are available according to specific vessel design requirements.

SS 304 sheet specifications

Product Name	Stainless Steel Hot Rolled Plate
Material	300 series: 304, 304L
Standard	AISI, ASTM, BS, DIN, EN, GB, ISO, JIS., etc.
Thickness	3.0 - 18.0mm
Width	1250, 1500, 1800, 2000, 2200mm or as required
Length	Fixed Size: 1220 x 2440, 1500 x 6000, 1800 x (6000 - 9000), 2200 x (6000 -12000)mm or as required.
Tolerance:	According to Standard
Surface	NO.1, 2D, 2B, NO.4, HL, BA, 8K, etc.
Quality Management	ISO9001, CE, Third Party Testing / Inspection, Certifications which apply for Buyers' Countries.
Lead Time	Depends on Specifications, Quantity etc.
Package	Standard Seaworthy Package or as required

GNEE Stainless Steel offers 304 stainless steel sheets, plates, and coils in various sizes. Please contact us if you require custom sizes or expedited delivery.

Click to get the 304 stainless steel sheet inventory list

 

304 Stainless Steel Plate Chemical Composition

 

Grade	Carbon	Manganese	Silicon	Phosphorous	Sulfur	Chromium	Molybdenum	Nickel	Nitrogen
SS 304	0.08 maximum	2 maximum	0.75 maximum	0.045 maximum	0.030 maximum	18 – 20	–	8 – 11	–

 

304 Stainless Steel Sheet Mechanical Properties

Density	Elongation	Tensile Strength	Melting Point	Yield Strength (0.2%Offset)
8.0 g/cm3	35 %	Psi=75000, MPa=515	2550 °F	Psi=30000, MPa=205

 

ASTM A240 Grade 304 Plate Melting Point

Grade	Melting point
304	2,550 °F – 2,650 °F (1399 °C – 1454 °C)

 

304 Stainless Steel Plate Thickness Tolerance

SS 304	Thickness in Inch/MM	Tolerance in Inch/MM
11 Gauge	0.120 and 3.05	± 0.005 and 0.13
12 Gauge	0.105 and 2.667	± 0.005 and 0.127
14 Gauge	0.075 and 1.905	± 0.004 and 0.102
16 Gauge	0.059 and 1.499	± 0.004 and 0.102
18 Gauge	0.048 and 1.219	± 0.003 and 0.076
20 Gauge	0.035 and 0.889	± 0.002 and 0.051
22 Gauge	0.031 and 0.79	± 0.002 and 0.05
24 Gauge	0.025 and 0.64	± 0.002 and 0.05

 

Main Applications:

Widely used in the manufacture of shells for various pressure vessels:
Industrial pressure tanks: including water pressure tanks, glue pressure tanks, and chemical atmospheric pressure storage tanks, exhibiting superior corrosion resistance compared to carbon steel under acidic/neutral conditions.

General pressure vessels: aerospace structures, pressure-bearing bases, and storage/processing tanks for the food and beverage industry, meeting food-grade cleanliness requirements.

Boilers and heat exchange equipment: boiler shells and heat exchanger cylinders.

 

304 Stainless Steel Plate VS. Carbon Steel Plate

Compared to ordinary carbon steel shells, 304 stainless steel shell plates can significantly improve the corrosion resistance of pressure vessels, eliminating the need for additional anti-corrosion coatings, resulting in lower maintenance costs, while also meeting the hygiene requirements of industries such as food and pharmaceuticals.

 

Our technical and certification requirements:

1. Classification requirements: Materials must meet the approval requirements of DNV and LR classification societies.

2. Delivery condition: Solution treated, pickled, hot-rolled, No. 1 surface finish.

3. Full-width ultrasonic testing of the plates, suitable for stamping pressure vessel heads.

4. Documentation requirements: Original manufacturer's material certificate in EN 10204 3.1, with complete traceable furnace batch number.

 

 

High-quality packaging

For packaging and shipping, all stainless steel sheets are treated for moisture resistance and securely sealed using wooden crates, pallets, or bubble wrap. Standard containers or dedicated transport vehicles are used during transportation to ensure the integrity and safety of the goods during transit. We offer global shipping, with a typical delivery cycle of 7-15 days from production to delivery, ensuring on-time delivery to our customers.