If you manage bulk stainless steel procurement, this article gives you a step-by-step framework that balances corrosion resistance, regulatory compliance and landed cost. By the end you will have:
A downloadable ROI calculator that pulls live LME nickel prices
An RFQ template that eliminates spec ambiguity
A real case study showing how a façade contractor saved 6 % on a 100 t 316 order
| Grade | Cr % | Ni % | Mo % | Mn % | PREN* | σ0.2 MPa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 201 | 16.3 | 3.8 | – | 7.5 | 17 | 310 |
| 304 | 18.2 | 8.1 | – | 1.0 | 19 | 215 |
| 316 | 16.5 | 10.2 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 24 | 220 |
| Grade | FOB Shanghai US$/t | Δ vs 201 |
|---|---|---|
| 201 2B | 1,250 | baseline |
| 304 2B | 1,650 | +32 % |
| 316 2B | 2,350 | +88 % |
| Environment | Min Grade | Test | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry indoor | 201 | NSS 48 h | Signage |
| Urban exterior | 304 | NSS 240 h | Office tower |
| Marine / de-icing salts | 316 | NSS 1,000 h | Dubai hotel |
| Food contact | 316L | FDA 21 CFR § 182 | Brewery tanks |
ASTM A240/A240M or EN 10088-2 mechanical & chemical report
Surface roughness Ra ≤ 0.4 µm (profilometer trace)
RoHS & REACH SVHC declaration (<0.1 % each)
| Grade | Lead time (weeks) | 50 t discount | 100 t discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201 | 3–4 | –2 % | –4 % |
| 304 | 4–5 | –3 % | –6 % |
| 316 | 6–8 | –4 % | –7 % |
To: sales@yourmill.comSubject: RFQ – 50 t 316L 2B sheets, Dubai project1. Specification • Grade: ASTM A240 316L • Thickness: 2.0 mm ±0.1 mm (A480 Table A2.1) • Size: 1,500 mm × 3,000 mm • Surface: 2B Ra ≤ 0.4 µm • Quantity: 50 t (≈ 700 sheets)2. Packing • Fumigation-free plywood pallets • 1.0 t per pallet max, VCI film + steel strapping3. Documentation • MTC EN 10204 3.1 per heat • SGS inspection AQL 2.5 • LMEshield traceability QR code4. Pricing & Terms • Price: US$ ___ /t FOB Shanghai • Lead time: ___ weeks ex-mill • Payment: 30 % T/T pre-shipment, 70 % against B/L scanGet Editable RFQ Sheet
Project: 42-story beachfront tower, Jeddah
Original spec: 316 2B 2.0 mm × 1,500 × 4,000 mm
FEA confirmed 1.5 mm 316 No.4 + PVD bronze met wind load 2.5 kN/m²
Weight dropped from 100 t → 75 t (-25 %)
Net saving US$ 58 k, delivery time –10 days
Q1: Can 201 be exported to the EU?
A: Yes, but EN 10088-2 lists it as “not recommended for welded structures in corrosive environments” (NSS 48 h max).
Q2: 304 vs 304L price gap?
A: Currently US$30 /t (1.8 %). For welded tanks pick 304L.
Q3: How to prevent 316 tea-staining during sea freight?
A: Desiccant 200 g/m³ + RH target <40 %. Data: staining drops from 12 % to <1 %.
Our metallurgist will run your project parameters through the ROI model and return a three-tier quote (EXW / FOB / CIF) within 24 h.
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