GB/T 4237 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN S22294 Stainless Steel Plate Supplier
GB/T 4237 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN: what it is and who uses it
03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN is the 2101 lean duplex (UNS S32101, EN 1.4162): Cr 21–22%, Mn 4–6%, Ni 1.35–1.70%, N 0.20–0.25%. Its 450 MPa proof strength and 304L-level corrosion resistance made it a common choice for storage tanks and bridges.
Reading the designation: ’03’ gives the carbon level (C ≤0.04% in GB/T 4237), followed by Cr22 = about 22% chromium; Mn5 = about 5% manganese; Ni2 = about 2% nickel; Mo = molybdenum added; Cu = copper added; N = nitrogen added. S22294 is the unified numeric code (ISC) used in GB/T 4237-2015. Note that GB/T 20878-2024 has since assigned the code S21014; this page follows GB/T 4237-2015, the plate standard in force.
SHH STEEL produces and exports austenitic-ferritic (lean duplex) stainless plate from China, works as a sales agent for leading stainless mills, and runs its own processing warehouse for cutting and surface finishing. 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN is part of our GB/T 4237 stainless plate range; for comparison, see our ASTM A240 Type 2304 page.
Comparison with sister grades
The table compares 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN S22294 | C ≤ 0.04, Cr 21.00 – 22.00, Ni 1.35 – 1.70, Mo 0.10 – 0.80, N 0.20 – 0.25, Mn 4.00 – 6.00 | 24.5 | 450 | 650 |
| GB/T 4237 022Cr23Ni2N S22353 | C ≤ 0.030, Cr 21.50 – 24.00, Ni 1.00 – 2.80, Mo ≤ 0.45, N 0.18 – 0.26 | 24.4 | 450 | 650 |
| GB/T 4237 022Cr23Ni4MoCuN S23043 | C ≤ 0.030, Cr 21.50 – 24.50, Ni 3.00 – 5.50, Mo 0.05 – 0.60, N 0.05 – 0.20, Cu 0.05 – 0.60 | 22.5 | 400 | 600 |
| GB/T 4237 022Cr21Mn5Ni2N S22152 | C ≤ 0.030, Cr 19.50 – 21.50, Ni 1.00 – 3.00, Mo ≤ 0.60, N 0.05 – 0.17, Mn 4.00 – 6.00 | 20.3 | 450 | 620 |
| GB/T 4237 022Cr19Ni10 S30403 | C ≤ 0.030, Cr 17.50 – 19.50, Ni 8.00 – 12.00, N ≤ 0.10 | 17.5 | 180 | 485 |
Low nickel and high nitrogen make welds sensitive to heat input; use ER2209 or 2307 filler and keep inside a qualified window. GB/T 20878-2024 recodes it S21014.
Heat analysis limits for 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN
| Element | 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN heat analysis, % (Table 16) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.04 | 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 | 4.00 – 6.00 | 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 | 21.00 – 22.00 | Chromium. Forms the passive film; the main driver of corrosion and oxidation resistance. |
| Ni | 1.35 – 1.70 | Nickel. Stabilizes austenite, improves toughness and resistance to reducing acids. |
| Mo | 0.10 – 0.80 | Molybdenum. Raises pitting and crevice resistance in chlorides (×3.3 in PREN). |
| Cu | 0.10 – 0.80 | Copper. Improves resistance to sulfuric acid and, in ferritics, general corrosion and formability. |
| N | 0.20 – 0.25 | Nitrogen. Strengthens, stabilizes austenite and adds pitting resistance (×16 in PREN). |
| PREN (Cr + 3.3Mo + 16N) | 24.5 – 26.6 (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 16.
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 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN 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 | ≤ 0.04 | ±0.01 | ≤ 0.05 |
| Si | ≤ 1.00 | ±0.05 | ≤ 1.05 |
| Mn | 4.00 – 6.00 | ±0.05 | 3.95 – 6.05 |
| P | ≤ 0.040 | +0.005 | ≤ 0.045 |
| S | ≤ 0.030 | +0.005 | ≤ 0.035 |
| Cr | 21.00 – 22.00 | ±0.25 | 20.75 – 22.25 |
| Ni | 1.35 – 1.70 | ±0.07 | 1.28 – 1.77 |
| Mo | 0.10 – 0.80 | ±0.03 (min) / ±0.05 (max) | 0.07 – 0.85 |
| Cu | 0.10 – 0.80 | ±0.03 (min) / ±0.05 (max) | 0.07 – 0.85 |
| N | 0.20 – 0.25 | ±0.02 | 0.18 – 0.27 |
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 of 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN plate
| Property | 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN (Table 21) |
|---|---|
| Proof strength Rp0.2, MPa | ≥ 450 |
| Tensile strength Rm, MPa | ≥ 650 |
| Elongation A, % | ≥ 30 |
| Hardness HBW | ≤ 290 |
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.
Phase balance, strength and service limits
Duplex plate is about half ferrite and half austenite after solution annealing. Ferrite gives strength and resistance to stress corrosion cracking; austenite gives toughness and weldability. Mills measure the balance on each heat, and most project specifications ask for 35–65% ferrite in plate.
Two temperature limits apply to all duplex grades. Above about 250–300 °C long-term service causes 475 °C embrittlement, so ASME limits duplex to that range. At low temperature duplex has a ductile-brittle transition, so impact testing is normally specified at −40 °C or −46 °C for offshore plate.
Weight saving: with roughly double the proof strength of 316L, duplex shells and tanks can often be 30–40% thinner. That is the real cost case for 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN, not the price per tonne.
Corrosion behaviour and intergranular corrosion tests
Lean duplex grades match 304L to 316L in pitting but are far more resistant to chloride stress corrosion cracking, and they are twice as strong.
PREN of 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN from the GB/T 4237 limits: 24.5 – 26.6. PREN is a ranking tool for pitting in chlorides, not a guarantee; temperature, crevices, deposits and weld finish matter as much.
Intergranular corrosion testing is not compulsory for this grade in GB/T 4237-2015; when required, the method (GB/T 4334, ASTM A262 or A923 for duplex) and acceptance are agreed in the order.
Fabrication guidance
Weld lean duplex with ER2209 or ER2307 filler. Low nickel and high nitrogen make the HAZ sensitive to excessive ferrite, so avoid very low heat input on thin plate and use N2-bearing shielding gas where possible.
Lean duplex is less prone to sigma than 2205, which gives a wider working window, but impact properties of the HAZ should still be checked on thick sections.
Cutting: we cut 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN 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.
International equivalents of 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN S22294
| Standard system | Equivalent / closest grade |
|---|---|
| China GB/T 4237-2015 | 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN (S22294) |
| GB/T 20878-2024 code | S21014 |
| ASTM A240/A240M | 2101 / S32101 |
| EN 10088-2 | X2CrMnNiN21-5-1 / 1.4162 |
| JIS G4304 (hot rolled) | — |
| Common name | 2101 / LDX 2101-type |
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 2304. See also our ASTM A240/A240M and JIS G4305 plate lists.
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 | 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN / S22294 |
| Steel class | Austenitic-ferritic (lean duplex) |
| Chemical composition | Table 16 (heat analysis); product analysis per GB/T 222 |
| Mechanical properties | Table 21 |
| 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 | 3 – 60 mm |
| Delivery condition | ≥ 1 020 °C, water quench |
| Surface | Hot rolled, heat treated, pickled (No.1 / 1D) as standard; ground or polished by agreement |
| Density | 7.8 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.
Annealing / solution treatment
Recommended heat treatment for 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN (GB/T 4237-2015 Annex C): ≥ 1 020 °C, water quench.
Lean duplex is less sensitive to intermetallic phases, but water quenching is still the norm for plate over about 6 mm.
Typical uses of GB/T 4237 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN
Where lean duplex replaces austenitic plate:
- Storage tanks and silos
- Bridges and structural members
- Water treatment equipment
- Transport tanks and containers
Buyers specifying 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN for these jobs often compare it with GB/T 4237 022Cr23Ni2N S22353 and GB/T 4237 022Cr19Ni10 S30403; the comparison table on this page shows the differences.
International grade pages for the alternatives mentioned above: ASTM A240 Type 304L.
Other GB/T 4237 grades buyers request alongside it: GB/T 4237 022Cr21Ni3Mo2N S22153, GB/T 4237 022Cr21Mn3Ni3Mo2N S22193, GB/T 4237 022Cr22Mn3Ni2MoN S22253, GB/T 4237 022Cr24Ni4Mn3Mo2CuN S22493, GB/T 4237 022Cr23Ni5Mo3N S22053, GB/T 4237 022Cr22Ni5Mo3N S22293.
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 | 3 – 60 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 (7.8 g/cm³). A 10 mm 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN plate weighs about 78.0 kg/m²; a 1 500 × 6 000 × 10 mm plate about 702 kg.
Quality documents supplied
- Heat chemical analysis on every heat; product analysis by agreement
- Tensile test (Rp0.2, Rm, A) per batch
- Hardness test
- Ferrite content measurement
- ASTM A923 Method A/B/C for intermetallic phases when specified
- Charpy V-notch impact at −40 °C or −46 °C when specified
- 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.
Supply chain and lead time
03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN 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.
What to put on a 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN purchase order
- Standard and edition: GB/T 4237-2015
- Grade and code: 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN (S22294); 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.
FAQ
- Is 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN the same as LDX 2101?
- It corresponds to UNS S32101 / EN 1.4162, commercially known as LDX 2101 type. GB/T 4237-2015 code is S22294 (recoded S21014 in GB/T 20878-2024); minimum proof strength 450 MPa, tensile 650 MPa, elongation 30%.
- What is the chemical composition of 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN?
- Under GB/T 4237-2015 Table 16, 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN (S22294) has C ≤ 0.04, Cr 21.00 – 22.00, Ni 1.35 – 1.70, Mo 0.10 – 0.80, N 0.20 – 0.25, Mn 4.00 – 6.00. Phosphorus is limited to ≤0.040% and sulfur to ≤0.030%.
- What are the mechanical properties of 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN plate?
- GB/T 4237-2015 Table 21 requires for 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN: proof strength Rp0.2 ≥450 MPa, tensile strength ≥650 MPa and elongation ≥30%, hardness ≤290 HBW. Values apply to plate in the delivery heat-treated condition.
- Is 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN stainless steel magnetic?
- Yes, partly. Duplex plate contains about 50% ferrite, so it attracts a magnet, though less strongly than ferritic steel.
- What thickness of 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN plate can you supply?
- Under GB/T 4237 we supply 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN hot-rolled plate in 3 – 60 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.
- What is the PREN of 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN?
- Using PREN = Cr + 3.3Mo + 16N and the GB/T 4237-2015 limits, 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN has a PREN of about 24.5 at minimum chemistry and 26.6 at mid-range.
Conclusion
GB/T 4237 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN (S22294) is a lean duplex plate grade, known internationally as 2101 / LDX 2101-type. It is defined by Table 16 chemistry (C ≤ 0.04, Cr 21.00 – 22.00, Ni 1.35 – 1.70, Mo 0.10 – 0.80, N 0.20 – 0.25, Mn 4.00 – 6.00) and Table 21 properties of at least 450 MPa proof strength and 650 MPa tensile strength. Typical uses include storage tanks and silos, bridges and structural members and water treatment equipment. Low nickel and high nitrogen make welds sensitive to heat input; use ER2209 or 2307 filler and keep inside a qualified window.
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 03Cr22Mn5Ni2MoCuN 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 022Cr23Ni2N S22353 and GB/T 4237 022Cr23Ni4MoCuN S23043, our GB/T 4237 category and the ASTM A240 Type 2304 page. Send your sizes and quantities for a quotation.
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