GB/T 4237 022Cr18NbTi S11973 Stainless Steel Plate Supplier
GB/T 4237 022Cr18NbTi: what it is and who uses it
022Cr18NbTi is a dual-stabilized 18% chromium ferritic matching UNS S43932: Ti+Nb [0.20 + 4(C+N)] to 0.75%. Dual stabilization gives a fine weld structure and good surface quality, so it is a common 304 replacement for welded indoor parts.
How to read the name: under GB/T 20878 the leading ‘022’ is the carbon code (here C ≤0.030%), then Cr18 = about 18% chromium; Nb = niobium added; Ti = titanium added. S11973 is the unified numeric code (ISC) used in GB/T 4237-2015.
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. 022Cr18NbTi is part of our GB/T 4237 stainless plate range; for comparison, see our ASTM A240 Type 439 page.
Heat analysis limits for 022Cr18NbTi
| Element | 022Cr18NbTi 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 | ≤ 1.00 | Silicon. Deoxidizer; in heat-resistant grades it builds a protective scale. |
| Mn | ≤ 1.00 | 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 | 17.00 – 19.00 | Chromium. Forms the passive film; the main driver of corrosion and oxidation resistance. |
| Ni | ≤ 0.50 | Nickel. Stabilizes austenite, improves toughness and resistance to reducing acids. |
| N | ≤ 0.030 | Nitrogen. Strengthens, stabilizes austenite and adds pitting resistance (×16 in PREN). |
| Al | ≤ 0.15 | Aluminium. Ferrite former; in PH grades it forms the NiAl hardening phase. |
| Other | Ti+Nb: [0.20+4 × (C+N)] – 0.75 | Stabilizing / special-element requirement of the standard |
| PREN (Cr + 3.3Mo + 16N) | 17.0 – 18.0 (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 (check) analysis tolerances
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 022Cr18NbTi 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 | ≤ 1.00 | ±0.05 | ≤ 1.05 |
| Mn | ≤ 1.00 | ±0.03 | ≤ 1.03 |
| P | ≤ 0.040 | +0.005 | ≤ 0.045 |
| S | ≤ 0.030 | +0.005 | ≤ 0.035 |
| Cr | 17.00 – 19.00 | ±0.20 | 16.80 – 19.20 |
| Ni | ≤ 0.50 | ±0.03 | ≤ 0.53 |
| N | ≤ 0.030 | ±0.01 | ≤ 0.040 |
| Al | ≤ 0.15 | −0.005 / +0.01 | ≤ 0.16 |
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.
Mechanical properties at room temperature
| Property | 022Cr18NbTi (Table 22) |
|---|---|
| Proof strength Rp0.2, MPa | ≥ 205 |
| Tensile strength Rm, MPa | ≥ 415 |
| 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.
What the standard covers for this grade
| 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 | 022Cr18NbTi / S11973 |
| 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 – 950 °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
022Cr18NbTi 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).
Cross-reference to other standards
| Standard system | Equivalent / closest grade |
|---|---|
| China GB/T 4237-2015 | 022Cr18NbTi (S11973) |
| ASTM A240/A240M | S43932 |
| EN 10088-2 | X2CrTiNb18 / 1.4509 (close) |
| JIS G4304 (hot rolled) | — |
| Common name | 439 / 430Ti (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 439, ASME SA240 439, AISI 439. See also our ASTM A240/A240M and JIS G4305 plate lists.
022Cr18NbTi compared with related grades
The table compares 022Cr18NbTi 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 022Cr18NbTi S11973 | C ≤ 0.030, Cr 17.00 – 19.00, Ni ≤ 0.50, N ≤ 0.030 | 17.0 | 205 | 415 |
| GB/T 4237 022Cr18Ti S11863 | C ≤ 0.030, Cr 17.00 – 19.00, Ni ≤ 0.50, N ≤ 0.030 | 17.0 | 205 | 415 |
| GB/T 4237 022Cr17NbTi S11763 | C ≤ 0.030, Cr 16.00 – 19.00 | 16.0 | 175 | 360 |
| GB/T 4237 022Cr18Nb S11873 | C ≤ 0.030, Cr 17.50 – 18.50, Ti 0.10 – 0.60 | 17.5 | 250 | 430 |
Like all ferritics it is less ductile in thick sections and at low temperature; keep heavy plate above room temperature for bending and confirm impact needs before using it outdoors.
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 022Cr18NbTi from the GB/T 4237 limits: 17.0 – 18.0. 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).
Welding and fabrication of 022Cr18NbTi
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 022Cr18NbTi 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.
Annealing / solution treatment
Recommended heat treatment for 022Cr18NbTi (GB/T 4237-2015 Annex C): 780 – 950 °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 022Cr18NbTi plate
Typical uses:
- Hot water tanks and calorifiers
- Welded appliance parts
- Exhaust cold-end parts
- Elevator and interior panels
Buyers specifying 022Cr18NbTi for these jobs often compare it with GB/T 4237 022Cr18Ti S11863 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 441.
Other GB/T 4237 grades buyers request alongside it: GB/T 4237 10Cr17 S11710, GB/T 4237 019Cr18CuNb S11882.
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.
Sizes, tolerances and weight
| 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 022Cr18NbTi 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: 022Cr18NbTi (S11973); 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.
Supply chain and lead time
022Cr18NbTi is a mainstream grade at Chinese stainless mills. We supply it from our own stock and processing warehouse, and by mill order from major producers such as TISCO and Baosteel Stainless, for which we act as a sales agent. Stock plate ships in about 1–2 weeks after cutting; mill orders typically take 30–60 days depending on thickness and rolling schedule.
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
- What is 022Cr18NbTi equivalent to?
- 022Cr18NbTi (S11973) corresponds to UNS S43932 and is close to EN 1.4509 and ASTM 439. GB/T 4237-2015 minimums: 205 MPa proof, 415 MPa tensile, 22% elongation.
- What is the chemical composition of 022Cr18NbTi?
- Under GB/T 4237-2015 Table 17, 022Cr18NbTi (S11973) has C ≤ 0.030, Cr 17.00 – 19.00, Ni ≤ 0.50, N ≤ 0.030; Ti+Nb: [0.20+4 × (C+N)] – 0.75. Phosphorus is limited to ≤0.040% and sulfur to ≤0.030%.
- What are the mechanical properties of 022Cr18NbTi plate?
- GB/T 4237-2015 Table 22 requires for 022Cr18NbTi: proof strength Rp0.2 ≥205 MPa, tensile strength ≥415 MPa and elongation ≥22%, hardness ≤183 HBW. Values apply to plate in the delivery heat-treated condition.
- Is 022Cr18NbTi stainless steel magnetic?
- Yes. 022Cr18NbTi is ferritic and is magnetic in all conditions.
- What thickness of 022Cr18NbTi plate can you supply?
- Under GB/T 4237 we supply 022Cr18NbTi 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 022Cr18NbTi 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 022Cr18NbTi (S11973) is a 17–18% chromium ferritic plate grade, known internationally as S43932 (Nb+Ti). It is defined by Table 17 chemistry (C ≤ 0.030, Cr 17.00 – 19.00, Ni ≤ 0.50, N ≤ 0.030) and Table 22 properties of at least 205 MPa proof strength and 415 MPa tensile strength. Typical uses include hot water tanks and calorifiers, welded appliance parts and exhaust cold-end parts. Like all ferritics it is less ductile in thick sections and at low temperature; keep heavy plate above room temperature for bending and confirm impact needs before using it outdoors.
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 022Cr18NbTi plate from stock and by mill order, cut to size and finished in our own warehouse, with EN 10204 3.1 certificates. For related grades see GB/T 4237 022Cr18Ti S11863 and GB/T 4237 022Cr17NbTi S11763, our GB/T 4237 category and the ASTM A240 Type 439 page. Send your sizes and quantities for a quotation.






