EN 10088-2 X2CrNi12 1.4003 Stainless Steel Plate Supplier | 1.4003 Ferritic Plate

X2CrNi12, steel number 1.4003, is a low-carbon ferritic stainless steel supplied as sheet, plate and strip to EN 10088-2, the European standard for corrosion resisting flat products for general purposes. The steel behind every 1.4003 stainless steel plate contains 10.5 – 12.5 % chromium and only 0.30 – 1.00 % nickel, so it is magnetic, it can be welded with ordinary shop procedures, and it costs noticeably less than 304. It is often grouped with the 3Cr12-type utility ferritics, a useful comparison as long as it is understood as a similarity rather than an exact match. Typical uses are structural frames, wear-and-corrosion parts, hoppers, chutes and transport equipment where carbon steel would rust quickly and an austenitic grade would be more than the job needs.

SHH STEEL works as a steel sourcing partner with long-term relationships with Chinese stainless mills. For large tonnages we help connect the buyer more directly with a mill that rolls the grade and size required, for a modest service fee. For small orders we consolidate demand, so that 1 – 5 t lots are placed against genuine mill production rather than unknown stock. Each shipment can be released after third-party inspection by TUV, ABS, BV, DNV, CCS or an agency the buyer nominates, and we accept payment by TT or LC. The rest of this page covers the technical side of EN 10088-2 1.4003, and the practical steps SHH STEEL takes so that the plate that arrives is the plate that was ordered.

The table below sets out the concerns buyers most often raise when sourcing EN 10088-2 X2CrNi12 plate from China, and how SHH STEEL handles each one.

The same steel, X2CrNi12 1.4003, appears in two European standards, and the difference between them matters more than the chemistry. EN 10088-2 is the technical delivery condition for sheet, plate and strip of corrosion resisting steels for general purposes. EN 10028-7 covers flat products of stainless steel for pressure purposes, and its plate is the one used for vessels and other equipment under the Pressure Equipment Directive and design codes such as EN 13445. When an enquiry does not say what the part does, SHH STEEL asks before quoting, so the plate is certified to the right standard from the start.

If your part does not hold pressure, EN 10088-2 is usually the correct and more economical standard to order against. If it does, use our EN 10028-7 X2CrNi12 1.4003 pressure vessel plate page instead, because a plate certified only to EN 10088-2 is not intended for pressure purposes. For a broader view of how European, American, Japanese and Chinese plate standards relate to each other, see our comparison of ASTM, EN, JIS and GB standards.

Edition note: the values on this page are taken from EN 10088-2:2014. A revised edition (EN 10088-2:2024) has since been published. If your contract names the newer edition, SHH STEEL checks the order against that text before production, and any difference is raised with you at the quotation stage rather than after rolling.

The 1.4003 chemical composition below is the cast (heat) analysis from EN 10088-2:2014 Table 3. Values are percentages by mass; a single figure is a maximum.

The low carbon and nitrogen limits keep the weld zone tougher than in older 12 % chromium steels, and the small nickel addition helps to control the structure that forms in the heat-affected zone. Chromium near the 10.5 % threshold gives the steel its stainless character; it is enough for mild atmospheres and wet abrasion, but not for chloride service.

Product analysis tolerances (EN 10088-2 Table 5)

A product analysis is a check made on the delivered plate. It is not mandatory under EN 10088-2; it is carried out when agreed at the time of enquiry and order. On request, SHH STEEL arranges a product analysis on delivered plate through an independent laboratory and reports the result against these tolerances. The permissible tolerances on the cast limits are:

Note: the standard lists the nickel tolerance for limits up to 1.00 % against the maximum; how it applies to the 0.30 % minimum should be confirmed in the contract if a product analysis is ordered. EN 10088-2 also states that, where several product analyses are made on one cast, individual results may exceed the maximum or fall below the minimum, but not both for the same element.

The 1.4003 mechanical properties are set in EN 10088-2:2014 Table 9 for the annealed condition. The standard gives a separate row for each product form, and the proof strength depends on the test direction, so it is worth stating both the form and the thickness on the order.

Elongation is measured on an 80 mm gauge length below 3 mm thickness and on a proportional gauge length (5.65√S0) from 3 mm upwards. For sizes beyond the tabulated thickness, EN 10088-2 says the mechanical values are to be agreed at the time of enquiry and order. Table 9 also records resistance to intergranular corrosion (tested to EN ISO 3651-2) as “no” both in the delivery condition and in the welded condition for this grade, which simply means that intergranular resistance is not a property the standard guarantees for 1.4003.

Impact toughness

EN 10088-2 does not set a Charpy impact value for X2CrNi12. If toughness matters for a structural or low-temperature application, a test temperature and acceptance value can be agreed with the mill before rolling; SHH STEEL writes that requirement into the mill order and checks it on the certificate. Where impact values must be guaranteed by the standard itself, plate to EN 10028-7 is the usual route.

Proof strength at elevated temperature (Table 14)

These values are given in EN 10088-2 for information; they are useful when checking a structural part that runs warm, such as ducting or a dryer frame. They are verified by an elevated-temperature tensile test only if this is agreed in the order.

X2CrNi12 plate is delivered in the annealed condition (+A). EN 10088-2 Table A.3 gives the guideline temperatures:

Annealing recrystallises the rolled structure and produces the soft ferritic condition on which the tensile values above are based. The annealing range is relatively low and narrow compared with austenitic grades, and over-heating should be avoided because ferritic steels coarsen their grain quickly at high temperature, with a loss of toughness.

Ferritic plate of this type is not hardened by heat treatment, and parts fabricated from it are normally not heat treated after welding. If a fabricated part has to be re-annealed, for instance after severe cold forming, the Table A.3 range is the reference, and the procedure should be agreed with the fabricator. The temperatures in Annex A are guidelines; the actual furnace settings are chosen by the mill. SHH STEEL checks that the annealed condition (+A) is stated on each mill certificate before plates are released.

The values below are approximate reference figures for X2CrNi12 at room temperature, consistent with the data commonly quoted from EN 10088-1. They are suitable for design estimates and weight calculation; where a figure is critical, use the values in EN 10088-1 itself.

Two of these figures matter in practice. Thermal expansion is much lower than that of 304, so 1.4003 frames and liners move less with temperature and match carbon steel more closely, which helps where the two are joined. The density of about 7.7 g/cm³ means a 10 mm plate weighs roughly 77 kg per square metre, slightly less than an austenitic plate of the same size. SHH STEEL uses this figure for weight and freight estimates in every quotation.

With chromium close to the stainless threshold and no molybdenum, X2CrNi12 1.4003 sits at the economy end of the stainless range. It is chosen to replace painted or galvanised carbon steel where coatings are worn away, not to compete with 304 or 316 in aggressive media.

Like other ferritic grades, 1.4003 is practically insensitive to chloride stress-corrosion cracking, which is an advantage over austenitic steels in warm, mildly contaminated conditions. Surface appearance is not its strength: where a bright finish must be kept outdoors, a higher-chromium grade is the better choice. The table is general guidance only, and material selection for a specific medium should be based on experience or testing. If the medium is uncertain, SHH STEEL can suggest a higher-chromium or austenitic alternative from the same mill partners rather than supplying 1.4003 where it would not last.

Weldability is one of the reasons the grade exists. The low carbon and nitrogen levels, together with the nickel addition, give a heat-affected zone that is far less brittle than that of older 12 % chromium steels. 1.4003 can be joined by MMA, MIG/MAG, TIG and submerged-arc welding.

• Filler metal: austenitic consumables of the 309L type are widely used, especially when joining 1.4003 to carbon steel; 308L-type fillers are also used for 1.4003 to 1.4003 joints. Final choice should follow the welding procedure specification.
• Heat input: keep it low to moderate and avoid wide weaving, because ferritic steels coarsen their grain in the heat-affected zone when heat input is high.
• Preheat: normally not required for the thicknesses covered here; interpass temperature is usually kept low (commonly around 100 – 150 °C, as industry practice).
• Post-weld heat treatment: normally not required.
• Cleaning: remove heat tint by pickling or brushing to restore corrosion resistance at the weld.

These points reflect common industry practice for this grade family rather than requirements of EN 10088-2, which does not specify welding procedures. For structural work, the procedure should be qualified to the code that applies to your project. In the SHH STEEL workshop, weld bevels are cut to the angle and root face shown on your drawing, so plates arrive ready for the qualified procedure.

X2CrNi12 plate behaves in the workshop much like a mild carbon steel with a little more spring-back. It can be cut by plasma, laser or waterjet, sheared in thinner gauges, and bent on a press brake. Because it is a ferritic steel, bending is best done at room temperature or slightly warm in cold weather, with an inside radius of at least one to two times the thickness for heavier plate, and with the bend line at right angles to the rolling direction where possible. These are workshop guidelines, not standard requirements.

Machining is comparable to other ferritic stainless grades: sharp tools, steady feeds and good coolant give clean results without the work-hardening problems of austenitic steels. Drilling and tapping of mounting holes in frames is routine.

SHH STEEL runs its own workshop next to the warehouse, so plates can be delivered ready for assembly instead of as raw mill sizes. The workshop handles cutting, beveling for weld preparation, profiling to drawing and surface preparation such as brushing or protective film. Details of the equipment are on our steel cutting services page. Pre-cut parts reduce freight weight, cut scrap at your end and shorten the time from delivery to fabrication.

EN 10088-2 limits each product form to a maximum thickness, and the tolerance standard depends on the form:

Widths and lengths in the table are typical mill offerings, not values from the standard. Lengths are usually 2 000 – 6 000 mm for coil-cut plate and up to about 12 000 mm for quarto plate, depending on the mill. EN 10088-2 says EN ISO 18286 normally applies only to individually rolled quarto plate (form P), while continuously rolled material (form H) follows EN ISO 9444-2. Under EN ISO 18286, width and length tolerances are class A unless another class is agreed, so state the class on the order if you need tighter limits. Surface imperfections on quarto plate are judged to EN 10163-2 class A2 unless otherwise agreed.

Most structural users of 1.4003 work in the 3 – 20 mm range. Thicker requirements, odd widths or very short lengths are where consolidation and in-house cutting usually make the most sense. SHH STEEL confirms available widths and lengths with the mill at quotation and cuts plate to finished size in its own workshop when a mill size does not fit.

Surface finish is ordered by the process route symbols of EN 10088-2 Table 6. Not every route is available for every grade, and the mill confirms which ones it can supply.

Unless otherwise agreed, only one surface is inspected to the ordered finish (the prime surface), and the mill marks it, normally as the top surface. For 1D plate the standard permits grinding marks, and the finish is not as smooth as 2D or 2B. For most structural and wear applications 1D is entirely adequate; 2B sheet is chosen for visible panels and enclosures.

Buyers often search for 3Cr12 stainless steel when they really need 1.4003, or the other way round. When buyers ask for the 1.4003 equivalent in another standard, the honest answer is that there are close relatives rather than exact twins. The table lists the nearest grades; chemistry and property limits differ in detail, so substitution should be checked against the governing specification.

On our site you can compare related plate grades such as ASTM A240 Type 409, ASME SA240 409L, JIS G4305 SUS410L, GB/T 4237 022Cr12Ni S11213 and GB/T 4237 022Cr12 S11203. Where a drawing calls for UNS S41003 but the project is European, ordering X2CrNi12 to EN 10088-2 is often acceptable, but the designer should confirm it. SHH STEEL can prepare a side-by-side comparison of the limits to support that decision.

1.4003 vs 304

The 1.4003 vs 304 question usually comes down to cost against corrosion margin. ASTM A240 Type 304 contains about 18 % chromium and 8 % nickel, so it resists a far wider range of environments, but its price follows the nickel market. 1.4003 carries at most 1 % nickel, is magnetic, has higher proof strength in the annealed state and lower thermal expansion, and is markedly cheaper per tonne. For hoppers, chutes, frames and wagon bodies in mild or abrasive service, 1.4003 is often the better-value choice; for food contact, chlorides or visible architectural surfaces, 304 remains the safer one. SHH STEEL can quote both grades on one enquiry so the cost difference is clear.

The typical 1.4003 ferritic plate application is a structure or wear part that would rust through in carbon steel, does not hold pressure, and does not justify an austenitic grade. Common uses include:

• Coal, ore and ash handling: hoppers, chutes, bins, conveyor skirts and liners
• Rail freight wagons and truck bodies for bulk materials
• Bus and coach frames and underbody structures
• Sugar mill, mining and mineral processing equipment exposed to wet abrasion
• Walkways, platforms, gratings and support frames in the construction industry and in industrial plants
• Ducting, dryer frames and enclosures operating moderately warm
• Agricultural equipment and silos

In each case the reasoning is the same: a modest stainless content that removes the need for coatings and maintenance, without paying for nickel that the environment does not require. For these uses SHH STEEL can supply plate cut to part size, which reduces scrap and freight. When the part is part of a pressure system instead, the EN 10028-7 version of the steel is used, and for heat-affected-zone toughness in thicker welded sections some designers prefer the titanium-stabilised EN 10028-7 X6CrNiTi12 1.4516 grade family.

Most problems in buying 1.4003 plate from China are not technical. They come from how the order is placed and followed. The table summarises what buyers tell us they worry about, and the specific steps we take for each.

None of these steps is complicated, but they need to be agreed at the start. When you send an enquiry, tell SHH STEEL which of these points matters most to you and we will build the order around it.

EN 10088-2 Table 21 sets out the tests. The cast analysis is always reported by the manufacturer, and a tensile test at room temperature is mandatory when specific testing is ordered. For quarto plate (form P), plates processed under identical conditions may be grouped into a batch of up to 30 000 kg and no more than 40 plates, with one test sample per batch for plates up to 15 m long. Other tests are optional and are carried out only when agreed at the time of order:

• Product analysis (extent to be agreed)
• Tensile test at elevated temperature, verifying Table 14 values
• Charpy impact test, at a temperature and acceptance level to be agreed
• Intergranular corrosion test to EN ISO 3651-2, normally not carried out
• Additional checks through our third-party testing service: PMI, dimensional and surface inspection

If the order does not name an inspection document, EN 10088-2 requires only a test report 2.2. Because this is rarely enough for export work, SHH STEEL supplies an EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate as standard and a 3.2 certificate when an independent inspector (TUV, ABS, BV, DNV, CCS or an agency you nominate) witnesses testing and countersigns the document.

Ordering example and lead time

Following the pattern of the example in EN 10088-2, a typical order line would read: 10 plates EN ISO 18286, 8 × 2000 × 5000 mm, tolerance class B; steel EN 10088-2 – X2CrNi12+1D (or 1.4003+1D); inspection certificate EN 10204 – 3.1. Mill production lead time is generally 30 – 40 days from order confirmation, depending on the rolling schedule, the size and the tests requested. Consolidated small lots follow the same mill schedule, and SHH STEEL sends progress updates at rolling, testing and packing.

• Mill relationships: long-term cooperation with Chinese stainless mills helps SHH STEEL secure competitive pricing and steadier delivery for 1.4003 and related ferritic grades.
• Direct mill assistance: for larger tonnages we help you connect more directly with a suitable mill, for a modest service fee, while we handle follow-up and documents.
• Order consolidation: 1 – 5 t lots are combined so they can be placed against genuine mill production.
• Own workshop: cutting, beveling, profiling and surface preparation before shipment.
• Inspection and certificates: third-party inspection by TUV, ABS, BV, DNV, CCS or your nominated agency, with EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 certificates.
• Flexible payment: TT or LC accepted.
• Port logistics: plates are packed on seaworthy pallets with heat-number labels and shipped through our worldwide shipping service, together with other grades if needed.

As a 1.4003 plate supplier SHH STEEL also stocks and sources the wider range of stainless steel sheets and plates, so mixed orders of ferritic and austenitic plate can travel in one container with one set of paperwork.

EN 10088-2 X2CrNi12 1.4003 is a practical, economical ferritic stainless steel for structures and wear parts that do not hold pressure: magnetic, weldable, stronger than 304 in the annealed state and much less sensitive to nickel prices. Choosing it is the easy part. Getting plate that matches its certificate, in the quantity you need, on a predictable schedule and ready for fabrication is where a sourcing partner earns its place, and that is the work SHH STEEL does every day through long-term mill cooperation, consolidation and our own workshop.

The next step is simple. Send SHH STEEL your drawing, or an enquiry with the quantity, grade, thickness and delivery destination, and we will judge whether direct mill supply or consolidation with processing fits your order better, and quote accordingly. Send your sizes and quantities for a quotation.