GB/T 06Cr19Ni10 Stainless Steel: Chinese Standard 304 Equivalent for Food-Grade & Industrial Applications
GB/T 06Cr19Ni10 stainless steel, the Chinese national standard equivalent to ASTM 304/AISI 304, is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel grade in China’s industrial and commercial sectors. With a balanced composition of 18-19% chromium and 8-10% nickel, this grade delivers exceptional corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability while meeting GB/T 20878-2007 and GB/T 3280-2015 standards. This technical guide covers its chemical properties, mechanical characteristics, production methods, and optimal application scenarios for global buyers sourcing from Chinese mills.
1. Chemical Composition (GB/T 20878-2007 Standard)
| Element | Content Range | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08% | Minimized to prevent intergranular corrosion while maintaining strength |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.00 – 19.00% | Forms protective Cr₂O₃ passive layer for corrosion resistance |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.00 – 10.00% | Stabilizes austenitic microstructure; enhances ductility and low-temperature performance |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00% | Improves hot workability; partial nickel substitute for cost reduction |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00% | Enhances oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045% | Controlled impurity affecting toughness and weldability |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030% | Minimized to prevent hot cracking during welding operations |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10% | Optional addition to stabilize austenite and improve strength |
2. Mechanical Properties (Room Temperature)
- Tensile Strength (σb): ≥ 520 MPa (GB/T 3280-2015 standard)
- Yield Strength (σ0.2): ≥ 205 MPa (minimum guaranteed structural integrity)
- Elongation (δ): ≥ 40% (superior formability for deep drawing and bending)
- Hardness (HB): ≤ 201 (optimal for machining and polishing operations)
- Impact Toughness (AKV): ≥ 78 J at -196°C (excellent cryogenic performance)
- Density: 7.93 g/cm³ (standard for austenitic stainless steels)
3. Manufacturing Process Overview
- Melting: Electric arc furnace (EAF) + AOD (argon oxygen decarburization) refining to achieve ultra-low carbon content and precise alloy composition control.
- Hot Rolling: Temperature-controlled rolling at 1100-1250°C followed by rapid water quenching to maintain single-phase austenitic structure.
- Cold Rolling: Multi-stage cold reduction (30-80% reduction ratio) with intermediate annealing at 1050-1100°C to achieve desired thickness and surface finishes (2B, BA, No.4).
- Heat Treatment: Solution annealing at 1010-1120°C with rapid cooling to dissolve chromium carbides and restore corrosion resistance.
- Surface Finishing: Pickling in nitric-hydrofluoric acid bath followed by passivation treatment to enhance the protective oxide layer.
- Quality Control: 100% eddy current testing for surface defects, ultrasonic testing for internal flaws, and spectral analysis for chemical verification.
4. Key Application Sectors
Food Processing & Beverage
Complies with GB 4806.9-2016 food safety standards for processing equipment, storage tanks, and conveyor systems. Resists organic acids (acetic, citric) and maintains hygiene in dairy, brewing, and meat processing facilities.
Architectural & Construction
Used for exterior cladding, structural components, and decorative elements in high-rise buildings. Excellent resistance to urban pollution and atmospheric corrosion (C1-C3 environments per ISO 9223).
Chemical & Pharmaceutical
Suitable for storage tanks, reaction vessels, and piping systems handling mild corrosive chemicals. Meets GMP requirements for pharmaceutical equipment and cleanroom applications.
Transportation & Automotive
Applied in railway vehicle components, automotive trim, and exhaust systems. Maintains structural integrity in temperature fluctuations from -196°C to 400°C.
Household & Consumer Products
Manufactured into kitchen appliances, cookware, and sanitary ware. The 2B and BA finishes provide aesthetic appeal while maintaining corrosion resistance in daily use.
Energy & Environmental
Utilized in flue gas desulfurization systems, water treatment equipment, and renewable energy components. Resists pitting in freshwater environments (PREN ≥ 19).
5. Comparison with International Equivalents
| Standard | Grade | Key Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB/T (China) | 06Cr19Ni10 | Balanced Cr-Ni ratio; cost-effective for general purposes | Food processing, architectural, consumer goods |
| ASTM (USA) | 304 | Slightly wider Ni range (8-10.5%); global recognition | International projects, export markets |
| EN (Europe) | 1.4301 | Stricter sulfur control (≤0.015%); enhanced polishability | Precision components, decorative applications |
| JIS (Japan) | SUS304 | Tighter Cr range (18-19%); consistent quality | Automotive, electronics manufacturing |
6. Selection Guidelines & Technical Considerations
- Corrosion Resistance Limits: Avoid continuous exposure to chloride concentrations >200ppm or temperatures >60°C in wet environments. For marine applications, consider 06Cr17Ni12Mo2 (316 equivalent).
- Welding Procedures: Use ER308/ER308L filler metal; maintain interpass temperature 6mm) to restore corrosion resistance.
- Surface Finish Selection:
- 2B: General-purpose cold-rolled finish (Ra 0.3-0.5μm)
- BA: Bright annealed for decorative applications (Ra 0.1-0.2μm)
- No.4: Brushed finish for architectural panels (Ra 0.5-1.0μm)
- HL: Hairline finish for elevator interiors (Ra 0.3-0.5μm)
- Forming Recommendations: Maximum cold forming reduction of 50% for complex shapes; use intermediate annealing for severe deformations. Springback allowance of 2-5° for bending operations.
- Certification Requirements: Request GB/T 20878-2007 compliance certificates, mill test reports (MTR), and PMI testing results for critical applications.
- Storage Handling: Store in dry, ventilated areas with protective coatings. Avoid contact with carbon steel to prevent galvanic corrosion during storage.
7. Request a Stainless Steel Quote
For customized GB/T 06Cr19Ni10 stainless steel products including coils, sheets, plates, pipes, and bars with specific dimensions or surface finishes, contact our technical sales team. We provide competitive pricing from China’s leading mills with full certification packages and export documentation.