ASTM A480
Basic Info
The ASTM A480 standard specifies the manufacturing requirements for general stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips. This standard covers the chemical composition, mechanical properties, dimensions, and processing requirements of steel to ensure that product quality meets the standards and meets various engineering requirements. The A480 standard is applicable to various industrial fields, including construction, chemical engineering, and food processing.
Characteristics
Comprehensive Standards: ASTM A480 provides comprehensive standards for flat-rolled stainless and heat-resisting steel plate, sheet, and strip, covering various aspects such as dimensions, tolerances, surface finishes, and marking requirements.
Dimensional Specifications: This standard specifies the dimensional requirements for stainless steel products, including thickness, width, and length, ensuring uniformity and consistency in manufacturing.
Tolerances: ASTM A480 defines tolerances for dimensional variations in flat-rolled stainless steel products, ensuring that they meet acceptable limits for thickness, width, and length deviations.
Surface Finishes: It outlines guidelines for surface finishes, including options such as bright annealed, mill finish, and polished finishes, allowing for customization based on aesthetic and functional requirements.
Fabrication Guidelines: ASTM A480 provides guidance for various fabrication processes, such as cutting, forming, and welding, to ensure proper handling and processing of stainless steel materials.
Marking Requirements: The standard specifies marking requirements for stainless steel products, ensuring proper identification and traceability throughout the supply chain. This helps users verify compliance with the specified standards and track product origin and specifications.
ASTM A480 Data Sheet
Steel Grade
Dimensions and Tolerances
Equivalent Grades
Chemical Composition
Mechanical Properties
Fabrication and Welding
Steel Grade
301
Chromium-Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel
302
Chromium-Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel
304
Chromium-Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel
304L
Low Carbon Version of Type 304 Stainless Steel
309
Chromium-Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel
310
Chromium-Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel
316
Chromium-Nickel-Molybdenum Austenitic Stainless Steel
316L
Low Carbon Version of Type 316 Stainless Steel
317
Chromium-Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel
321
Titanium-Stabilized Chromium-Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel
347
Niobium-Stabilized Chromium-Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel
409
Ferritic Stainless Steel
410
Martensitic Stainless Steel
430
Ferritic Stainless Steel
436
Ferritic Stainless Steel with 1.25% Chromium
439
Ferritic Stainless Steel with 18% Chromium
441
Ferritic Stainless Steel with 18% Chromium and Dual Stabilization
444
Ferritic Stainless Steel with 18% Chromium and 2% Molybdenum
Dimensions and Tolerances
Shape
Plate, Sheet, and Strip
Thickness
0.1875 inches (4.76 mm) to 4.000 inches (101.6 mm) for plate; 0.015 inches (0.38 mm) to 0.187 inches (4.75 mm) for sheet and strip
Width
Up to 96 inches (2438 mm) for plate; Up to 60 inches (1524 mm) for sheet and strip
Length
Custom lengths or coils
Tolerances
Thickness: As specified in ASTM A480/A480M standard
Width: As specified in ASTM A480/A480M standard
Length: As specified in ASTM A480/A480M standard or custom
Surface Finish
Mill finish, bright annealed, polished, or as specified by customer
Equivalent Grades
United States
Equivalent Grade(s): AISI 301, 304, 316, 430
Standard: AISI/SAE
Notes: AISI/SAE standards are commonly used in North America
United Kingdom
Equivalent Grade(s): 1.4310, 1.4301, 1.4401, 1.4016
Standard: BS EN (European Standard)
Notes: BS EN standards are widely adopted in the UK and Europe
Japan
Equivalent Grade(s): SUS301, SUS304, SUS316, SUS430
Standard: JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards)
Notes: JIS standards are commonly used in Japan and Asia
China
Equivalent Grade(s): 1Cr17Ni7, 0Cr18Ni9, 0Cr17Ni12Mo2, 1Cr17
Standard: GB/T (Chinese National Standards)
Notes: GB/T standards are prevalent in China and Asia
Chemical Composition
AISI 301
Carbon (C): 0.15 max
Manganese (Mn): 2.00 max
Phosphorus (P): 0.045 max
Sulfur (S): 0.030 max
Silicon (Si): 1.00 max
Chromium (Cr): 16.00-18.00
Nickel (Ni): 6.00-8.00
Iron (Fe): Balance
AISI 304
Carbon (C): 0.08 max
Manganese (Mn): 2.00 max
Phosphorus (P): 0.045 max
Sulfur (S): 0.030 max
Silicon (Si): 1.00 max
Chromium (Cr): 18.00-20.00
Nickel (Ni): 8.00-10.50
Iron (Fe): Balance
AISI 316
Carbon (C): 0.08 max
Manganese (Mn): 2.00 max
Phosphorus (P): 0.045 max
Sulfur (S): 0.030 max
Silicon (Si): 1.00 max
Chromium (Cr): 16.00-18.00
Nickel (Ni): 10.00-14.00
Molybdenum (Mo): 2.00-3.00
Iron (Fe): Balance
AISI 430
Carbon (C): 0.12 max
Manganese (Mn): 1.00 max
Phosphorus (P): 0.040 max
Sulfur (S): 0.030 max
Silicon (Si): 1.00 max
Chromium (Cr): 16.00-18.00
Iron (Fe): Balance
Mechanical Properties
AISI 301
Yield Strength: ≥ 205 MPa (≥ 30 ksi)
Tensile Strength: ≥ 515 MPa (≥ 75 ksi)
Elongation: ≥ 40%
Hardness (Rockwell B): ≤ 92
AISI 304
Yield Strength: ≥ 205 MPa (≥ 30 ksi)
Tensile Strength: ≥ 515 MPa (≥ 75 ksi)
Elongation: ≥ 40%
Hardness (Rockwell B): ≤ 92
AISI 316
Yield Strength: ≥ 205 MPa (≥ 30 ksi)
Tensile Strength: ≥ 515 MPa (≥ 75 ksi)
Elongation: ≥ 40%
Hardness (Rockwell B): ≤ 92
AISI 430
Yield Strength: ≥ 450 MPa (≥ 65 ksi)
Tensile Strength: ≥ 450 MPa (≥ 65 ksi)
Elongation: ≥ 22%
Hardness (Rockwell B): ≤ 89
Fabrication and Welding
AISI 301
Cutting: Use methods such as shearing, sawing, or laser cutting for plate, sheet, and strip materials. For thicker sections, consider abrasive cutting techniques. Ensure clean, sharp cutting tools to minimize distortion and achieve precise dimensions.
Forming: Cold forming is preferred for most applications to avoid thermal distortion and work hardening. Bend radii should be generous to prevent cracking, typically 1.5 to 2 times the material thickness. Use appropriate lubricants to reduce friction and avoid galling.
Machining: Carbide tooling is recommended for machining operations due to the tendency for work hardening. Use of proper cutting speeds, feeds, and coolant is essential to improve chip evacuation and reduce thermal distortion.
Welding: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): Use low-hydrogen electrodes (E308, E309) for austenitic grades or ferritic electrodes (E310) for ferritic grades. Preheat thicker sections to prevent cracking and maintain proper interpass temperatures. Employ proper welding techniques to ensure full penetration and fusion.
AISI 304
Cutting: Use methods such as shearing, sawing, or laser cutting for plate, sheet, and strip materials. For thicker sections, consider abrasive cutting techniques. Ensure clean, sharp cutting tools to minimize distortion and achieve precise dimensions.
Forming: Cold forming is preferred for most applications to avoid thermal distortion and work hardening. Bend radii should be generous to prevent cracking, typically 1.5 to 2 times the material thickness. Use appropriate lubricants to reduce friction and avoid galling.
Machining: Carbide tooling is recommended for machining operations due to the tendency for work hardening. Use of proper cutting speeds, feeds, and coolant is essential to improve chip evacuation and reduce thermal distortion.
Welding: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): Use low-hydrogen electrodes (E308, E309) for austenitic grades or ferritic electrodes (E310) for ferritic grades. Preheat thicker sections to prevent cracking and maintain proper interpass temperatures. Employ proper welding techniques to ensure full penetration and fusion.
AISI 316
Cutting: Use methods such as shearing, sawing, or laser cutting for plate, sheet, and strip materials. For thicker sections, consider abrasive cutting techniques. Ensure clean, sharp cutting tools to minimize distortion and achieve precise dimensions.
Forming: Cold forming is preferred for most applications to avoid thermal distortion and work hardening. Bend radii should be generous to prevent cracking, typically 1.5 to 2 times the material thickness. Use appropriate lubricants to reduce friction and avoid galling.
Machining: Carbide tooling is recommended for machining operations due to the tendency for work hardening. Use of proper cutting speeds, feeds, and coolant is essential to improve chip evacuation and reduce thermal distortion.
Welding: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): Use low-hydrogen electrodes (E308, E309) for austenitic grades or ferritic electrodes (E310) for ferritic grades. Preheat thicker sections to prevent cracking and maintain proper interpass temperatures. Employ proper welding techniques to ensure full penetration and fusion.
AISI 430
Cutting: Use methods such as shearing, sawing, or laser cutting for plate, sheet, and strip materials. For thicker sections, consider abrasive cutting techniques. Ensure clean, sharp cutting tools to minimize distortion and achieve precise dimensions.
Forming: Cold forming is preferred for most applications to avoid thermal distortion and work hardening. Bend radii should be generous to prevent cracking, typically 1.5 to 2 times the material thickness. Use appropriate lubricants to reduce friction and avoid galling.
Machining: Carbide tooling is recommended for machining operations due to the tendency for work hardening. Use of proper cutting speeds, feeds, and coolant is essential to improve chip evacuation and reduce thermal distortion.
Welding: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): Use low-hydrogen electrodes (E308, E309) for austenitic grades or ferritic electrodes (E310) for ferritic grades. Preheat thicker sections to prevent cracking and maintain proper interpass temperatures. Employ proper welding techniques to ensure full penetration and fusion.
Surface Finish
Mill Finish: This is the standard finish produced by the mill during the manufacturing process. It has a slightly rough texture and may contain minor surface imperfections. Mill finish is commonly used for structural and industrial applications where appearance is less critical, and subsequent finishing processes are applied.
Bright Annealed: Bright annealing is a heat treatment process that involves heating the material to a specific temperature and then rapidly cooling it in a controlled atmosphere to prevent oxidation. This results in a smooth, reflective surface with improved corrosion resistance. Bright annealed finishes are often used in applications requiring high aesthetic appeal, such as decorative trim, appliances, and architectural components.
Polished Finish: Polishing is a mechanical finishing process that involves abrasively rubbing the surface of the material to achieve a smooth, glossy finish. There are different levels of polish, ranging from satin to mirror-like finishes, depending on the abrasive grit size and polishing technique used. Polished finishes enhance the appearance of stainless steel and are commonly used in decorative applications, such as handrails, signage, and kitchen equipment.
Brushed Finish: Brushing is a surface treatment process that involves rubbing the material with abrasive brushes to create a textured, satin-like finish. Brushed finishes have a directional grain pattern that adds visual interest and hides surface imperfections. They are often used in architectural and industrial applications, including panels, facades, and appliances.
Patterned Finish: Patterned finishes involve embossing or etching the surface of the material with decorative patterns or textures. Common patterns include diamond, linen, and chequer plate designs. Patterned finishes provide both aesthetic appeal and functional benefits, such as improved grip and wear resistance. They are used in various applications, including flooring, cladding, and decorative panels.
