GB/T 4237 022Cr15NbTi S11573 Stainless Steel Plate Supplier
What is GB/T 4237 022Cr15NbTi (S11573) stainless steel plate?
022Cr15NbTi is a 15% chromium ferritic with low carbon and Ti+Nb 0.30–0.80%. It fills the gap between 409 and 439, mainly in automotive exhaust where better corrosion resistance than 409 is needed at moderate cost.
Reading the designation: ‘022’ gives the carbon level (C ≤0.030% in GB/T 4237), followed by Cr15 = about 15% chromium; Nb = niobium added; Ti = titanium added. S11573 is the unified numeric code (ISC) used in GB/T 4237-2015. Note that GB/T 20878-2024 has since assigned the code S11563; this page follows GB/T 4237-2015, the plate standard in force.
SHH STEEL produces and exports ferritic stainless plate from China, works as a sales agent for leading stainless mills, and runs its own processing warehouse for cutting and surface finishing. 022Cr15NbTi is part of our GB/T 4237 stainless plate range; for comparison, see our ASTM A240 Type 429 page.
Heat analysis limits for 022Cr15NbTi
| Element | 022Cr15NbTi heat analysis, % (Table 17) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.030 | Carbon. Low values protect welds from carbide precipitation; higher values add hot strength or hardenability. |
| Si | ≤ 1.20 | Silicon. Deoxidizer; in heat-resistant grades it builds a protective scale. |
| Mn | ≤ 1.20 | Manganese. Deoxidizer; in Mn-bearing grades it replaces nickel and keeps nitrogen in solution. |
| P | ≤ 0.040 | Phosphorus. Impurity, kept low for toughness and weld cracking resistance. |
| S | ≤ 0.030 | Sulfur. Impurity; low sulfur improves pitting resistance, hot workability and polishability. |
| Cr | 14.00 – 16.00 | Chromium. Forms the passive film; the main driver of corrosion and oxidation resistance. |
| Ni | ≤ 0.60 | Nickel. Stabilizes austenite, improves toughness and resistance to reducing acids. |
| Mo | ≤ 0.50 | Molybdenum. Raises pitting and crevice resistance in chlorides (×3.3 in PREN). |
| N | ≤ 0.030 | Nitrogen. Strengthens, stabilizes austenite and adds pitting resistance (×16 in PREN). |
| Other | Ti+Nb: 0.30 – 0.80 | Stabilizing / special-element requirement of the standard |
| PREN (Cr + 3.3Mo + 16N) | 14.0 – 15.0 (minimum – mid-range) | Calculated from the limits above, not a requirement of GB/T 4237 |
Values are maximum unless a range is given. The mill reports the ladle (heat) analysis on the certificate; this is the figure to compare with Table 17.
Product analysis vs heat analysis
A check analysis drilled from the finished plate may differ slightly from the heat analysis. GB/T 4237 refers to GB/T 222 for the permitted deviations; the table applies them to the 022Cr15NbTi limits. Deviations apply to one side of a range only, never to both sides in the same heat.
| Element | Heat analysis limit (%) | Permitted deviation | Product analysis limit (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.030 | +0.005 | ≤ 0.035 |
| Si | ≤ 1.20 | ±0.10 | ≤ 1.30 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.20 | ±0.04 | ≤ 1.24 |
| P | ≤ 0.040 | +0.005 | ≤ 0.045 |
| S | ≤ 0.030 | +0.005 | ≤ 0.035 |
| Cr | 14.00 – 16.00 | ±0.15 (min) / ±0.20 (max) | 13.85 – 16.20 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.60 | ±0.03 | ≤ 0.63 |
| Mo | ≤ 0.50 | ±0.03 | ≤ 0.53 |
| N | ≤ 0.030 | ±0.01 | ≤ 0.040 |
Where the table says ‘by agreement’, the deviation is not tabulated for that content level and should be agreed in the contract, usually by reference to ASTM A480 Table A1.1.
022Cr15NbTi S11573 tensile and hardness requirements
| Property | 022Cr15NbTi (Table 22) |
|---|---|
| Proof strength Rp0.2, MPa | ≥ 205 |
| Tensile strength Rm, MPa | ≥ 450 |
| Elongation A, % | ≥ 22 |
| Hardness HBW | ≤ 183 |
| Hardness HRB | ≤ 89 |
| Hardness HV | ≤ 200 |
| 180° bend (cold) | D=2a, no cracks on the outer surface |
Values apply to plate in the delivery heat-treated condition, tested transversely per GB/T 228.1. Hardness is checked by one method chosen by the mill.
Specification summary
| Item | GB/T 4237-2015 requirement / SHH STEEL supply |
|---|---|
| Standard | GB/T 4237-2015 Hot rolled stainless steel plate, sheet and strip (current edition, replaces GB/T 4237-2007) |
| Grade / unified code | 022Cr15NbTi / S11573 |
| Steel class | Ferritic |
| Chemical composition | Table 17 (heat analysis); product analysis per GB/T 222 |
| Mechanical properties | Table 22 |
| Product forms | Hot-rolled thick plate (3.0 – 200 mm in the standard), hot-rolled wide strip and cut plate (2.0 – 25.4 mm) |
| Our usual thickness range | 2 – 12 mm |
| Delivery condition | 780 – 1 050 °C, rapid or slow cooling |
| Surface | Hot rolled, heat treated, pickled (No.1 / 1D) as standard; ground or polished by agreement |
| Density | 7.7 g/cm³ |
| Certificate | EN 10204 3.1 mill certificate; 3.2 with third-party inspection on request |
Sister grades on the same standard are listed under GB/T 4237; cold-rolled sheet of the same chemistry is ordered to GB/T 3280, and all our plate lines sit in stainless steel sheets and plates.
Ferritic behaviour: magnetism, toughness and thickness
022Cr15NbTi is ferritic: it is magnetic, has lower thermal expansion and better thermal conductivity than austenitic steel, and is immune to chloride stress corrosion cracking. Those properties make it a good choice for heat exchangers, hot water tanks and exhaust parts.
The trade-off is toughness. Ferritic stainless has a ductile-brittle transition, and it moves to higher temperature with thickness and grain size. This is why ferritic plate is mostly thin; for sections above about 6 mm ask for Charpy data or bend in a warm shop.
Ferritic grades contain little or no nickel, so their price is far more stable than GB/T 4237 06Cr19Ni10 S30408 (304).
022Cr15NbTi equivalent grades: ASTM, EN, JIS
| Standard system | Equivalent / closest grade |
|---|---|
| China GB/T 4237-2015 | 022Cr15NbTi (S11573) |
| GB/T 20878-2024 code | S11563 |
| ASTM A240/A240M | — (429 is 10Cr15) |
| EN 10088-2 | — |
| JIS G4304 (hot rolled) | — |
| Common name | 429-type low C, Nb+Ti |
Equivalent grades are close in chemistry and properties but are never identical: limits on carbon, nitrogen and residual elements differ. For dual or multiple certification the heat must meet every standard named on the order, and we confirm that from the heat chemistry before quotation.
Related pages: ASTM A240 Type 429, JIS G4305 SUS429, AISI 429. See also our ASTM A240/A240M and JIS G4305 plate lists.
Choosing between 022Cr15NbTi and its neighbours
The table compares 022Cr15NbTi with the grades buyers most often weigh it against. Strength values are GB/T 4237-2015 minimums; PREN is calculated from the minimum chemistry.
| Grade (GB/T 4237) | Key chemistry, % | PREN min | Rp0.2 min, MPa | Rm min, MPa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 022Cr15NbTi S11573 | C ≤ 0.030, Cr 14.00 – 16.00, Ni ≤ 0.60, Mo ≤ 0.50, N ≤ 0.030 | 14.0 | 205 | 450 |
| GB/T 4237 022Cr17NbTi S11763 | C ≤ 0.030, Cr 16.00 – 19.00 | 16.0 | 175 | 360 |
| GB/T 4237 022Cr11Ti S11163 | C ≤ 0.030, Cr 10.50 – 11.75, Ni ≤ 0.60, N ≤ 0.030, Ti 0.15 – 0.50, Nb ≤ 0.10 | 10.5 | 170 | 380 |
| GB/T 4237 022Cr18Nb S11873 | C ≤ 0.030, Cr 17.50 – 18.50, Ti 0.10 – 0.60 | 17.5 | 250 | 430 |
Not identical to ASTM 429 (10Cr15, C ≤0.12%); the Chinese grade is low carbon and stabilized. GB/T 20878-2024 recodes it S11563.
Corrosion behaviour and intergranular corrosion tests
17–18% chromium ferritics resist indoor and mild outdoor atmospheres, foods and nitric acid. They are immune to chloride stress corrosion cracking but pit more easily than 304.
PREN of 022Cr15NbTi from the GB/T 4237 limits: 14.0 – 15.0. PREN is a ranking tool for pitting in chlorides, not a guarantee; temperature, crevices, deposits and weld finish matter as much.
Intergranular corrosion testing of ferritic and martensitic plate is by agreement (GB/T 4334 or ASTM A763 practices).
If service is harsher than 022Cr15NbTi can handle, the next step up in this batch is GB/T 4237 022Cr18Nb S11873.
Cutting, forming and welding 022Cr15NbTi plate
Stabilized 17–18% Cr ferritics weld much better than 430: use ER430Ti/ER439 or ER308L/309L filler. Low heat input and fast travel limit grain coarsening.
Plain 10Cr17 (430) needs a preheat of about 150–200 °C on thick sections and, ideally, a post-weld anneal at 760–820 °C to restore ductility and corrosion resistance.
Cutting: we cut 022Cr15NbTi by plasma (up to about 150 mm), laser (thin plate) or waterjet, and remove the heat-affected edge by machining where the drawing requires it.
How 022Cr15NbTi plate is heat treated
Recommended heat treatment for 022Cr15NbTi (GB/T 4237-2015 Annex C): 780 – 1 050 °C, rapid or slow cooling.
Avoid holding ferritic plate at 400–550 °C (475 °C embrittlement) and do not overheat above about 950 °C, which coarsens grain.
Applications of 022Cr15NbTi plate
Typical uses:
- Exhaust manifolds and front pipes
- Mufflers and catalytic converter shells
- Appliance parts
- Heat-resistant welded parts
Buyers specifying 022Cr15NbTi for these jobs often compare it with GB/T 4237 022Cr17NbTi S11763 and GB/T 4237 022Cr18Nb S11873; the comparison table on this page shows the differences.
International grade pages for the alternatives mentioned above: ASTM A240 Type 439, ASTM A240 Type 409L, ASTM A240 Type 441.
Surface finish and processing
| Finish | Description | Availability for this grade |
|---|---|---|
| No.1 / 1D | Hot rolled, heat treated, pickled; the GB/T 4237 standard surface | Standard |
| Shot-blasted + pickled | Uniform matte for welded structures | On request |
| No.4 / brushed | Abrasive finish, grit 150–180 | Warehouse processing, thin plate |
| HL (hairline) | Long continuous lines, decorative | Warehouse processing, thin plate |
| 8K mirror | Polished reflective finish | Warehouse processing, limited sizes |
| 2B / BA | Cold-rolled finishes (ordered as GB/T 3280 sheet, not hot-rolled plate) | Sheet only |
Our warehouse cuts plate to size (plasma, laser, waterjet, saw), bevels weld edges, polishes and applies PVC protective film. Processed plate ships with the original mill heat number marked. Ask for cut pieces of other stainless steel products at the same time to consolidate freight.
022Cr15NbTi plate sizes
| Dimension | Typical supply |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 2 – 12 mm |
| Width | 1 000 / 1 219 / 1 250 / 1 500 / 1 800 / 2 000 mm; wider by mill order |
| Length | 2 000 / 2 438 / 3 000 / 6 000 mm or cut to size |
| Flatness | Per GB/T 4237; ≤15 mm per metre for plate up to 25 mm unless agreed tighter |
| Thickness tolerance | Per the GB/T 4237 dimensional tolerance tables (normal or higher accuracy as ordered) |
| Edge | Mill edge or cut edge |
Weight: plate mass in kg/m² = thickness (mm) × density (7.7 g/cm³). A 10 mm 022Cr15NbTi plate weighs about 77.0 kg/m²; a 1 500 × 6 000 × 10 mm plate about 693 kg.
Inspection, tests and mill certificates
- Heat chemical analysis on every heat; product analysis by agreement
- Tensile test (Rp0.2, Rm, A) per batch
- Hardness test
- 180° bend test
- Ultrasonic testing (NB/T 47013.3 or ASTM A578) when specified
- Positive material identification (PMI) on every plate leaving our warehouse
- Visual and dimensional inspection; third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TÜV, Intertek) at the buyer’s request
Certificates follow EN 10204 3.1 as standard. Where plate is also certified to ASME SA240 or ASTM A240, both standards are shown on one certificate.
How to order
- Standard and edition: GB/T 4237-2015
- Grade and code: 022Cr15NbTi (S11573); add the equivalent if dual certification is needed
- Thickness × width × length, quantity in pieces or tonnes
- Thickness tolerance class and flatness if tighter than standard
- Surface finish and protective film
- Tests beyond the standard (IGC, UT, impact, ferrite, PMI, grain size)
- Certificate type (EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2) and inspection body
- Marking, packing (wooden cases, steel pallets) and delivery terms
Send the list to SHH STEEL and we return a quotation with mill, lead time and stock options. Other grades from the same standard can be combined in one shipment; browse GB/T 4237 plate grades.
Where our plate comes from
022Cr15NbTi is produced by a small number of Chinese mills with the melting and heat treatment capability for it. We place mill orders for it through the producers we represent and do not usually hold it in stock. Expect about 45–90 days, with minimum quantities per thickness; we can combine small quantities into one rolling where the mill allows.
Every plate is traceable to its heat number, and copies of the mill certificates stay on file for repeat orders and audits. The same mills also supply our ASTM A240, ASME SA240, JIS G4305 and AISI plate ranges, so mixed-standard orders can ship together.
Why buy from SHH STEEL
- Mill-direct prices with our own export documentation
- Own processing warehouse: cutting, bevelling, polishing, PVC film
- PMI and dimensional check before packing
- Mixed-grade shipments across our AISI stainless and GB/T plate ranges
- Technical answers from people who read the standard, not just the price list
SHH STEEL has exported stainless and carbon steel plate to buyers in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the Americas.
FAQ
- Is 022Cr15NbTi the same as 429?
- Not exactly. ASTM Type 429 (S42900) is a 15Cr ferritic with C ≤0.12% and no stabilizer. 022Cr15NbTi (S11573) has C ≤0.030% and Ti+Nb 0.30–0.80%, which makes it better for welding. GB/T 20878-2024 recodes it S11563.
- What is the chemical composition of 022Cr15NbTi?
- Under GB/T 4237-2015 Table 17, 022Cr15NbTi (S11573) has C ≤ 0.030, Cr 14.00 – 16.00, Ni ≤ 0.60, Mo ≤ 0.50, N ≤ 0.030; Ti+Nb: 0.30 – 0.80. Phosphorus is limited to ≤0.040% and sulfur to ≤0.030%.
- What are the mechanical properties of 022Cr15NbTi plate?
- GB/T 4237-2015 Table 22 requires for 022Cr15NbTi: proof strength Rp0.2 ≥205 MPa, tensile strength ≥450 MPa and elongation ≥22%, hardness ≤183 HBW. Values apply to plate in the delivery heat-treated condition.
- Is 022Cr15NbTi stainless steel magnetic?
- Yes. 022Cr15NbTi is ferritic and is magnetic in all conditions.
- What thickness of 022Cr15NbTi plate can you supply?
- Under GB/T 4237 we supply 022Cr15NbTi hot-rolled plate in 2 – 12 mm, widths up to 2 000 mm (wider by mill order), cut to size in our warehouse. Thinner material is cold-rolled sheet to GB/T 3280.
- How much does a 022Cr15NbTi plate weigh?
- Multiply thickness in mm by the density 7.7 g/cm³ to get kg/m². A 10 mm plate weighs about 77.0 kg/m², so a 1 500 × 6 000 × 10 mm sheet weighs about 693 kg.
Conclusion
GB/T 4237 022Cr15NbTi (S11573) is a 17–18% chromium ferritic plate grade, known internationally as 429-type Nb+Ti. It is defined by Table 17 chemistry (C ≤ 0.030, Cr 14.00 – 16.00, Ni ≤ 0.60, Mo ≤ 0.50, N ≤ 0.030) and Table 22 properties of at least 205 MPa proof strength and 450 MPa tensile strength. Typical uses include exhaust manifolds and front pipes, mufflers and catalytic converter shells and appliance parts. Not identical to ASTM 429 (10Cr15, C ≤0.12%); the Chinese grade is low carbon and stabilized.
Before ordering, state the standard edition, the grade name with its code, and any extra tests, so that the mill certificate matches your design documents. SHH STEEL supplies 022Cr15NbTi plate by mill order through the producers we represent, cut to size and finished in our own warehouse, with EN 10204 3.1 certificates. For related grades see GB/T 4237 022Cr17NbTi S11763 and GB/T 4237 022Cr11Ti S11163, our GB/T 4237 category and the ASTM A240 Type 429 page. Send your sizes and quantities for a quotation.




