Versatile 329 Stainless Steel Plate Long-Lasting, High Performance for Heavy Duty Use

1. Introduction

The grade 329 (UNS S32900) stainless steel plate (also known by designations such as EN 1.4460) is a duplex stainless steel combining both austenitic and ferritic micro-structures. This unique metallurgical structure gives the 329 plate an exceptional combination of high mechanical strength and strong corrosion resistance, especially suited for demanding heavy-duty applications in chemical, food processing, marine and industrial environments.

In this data sheet-style presentation, we will cover the key parameters, performance features, standards, typical applications, related products, packaging & transport, and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to help you fully understand this material and its suitability.

2. Key Parameters

Below is a summary of typical chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties for 329 stainless steel plate.

2.1 Chemical Composition (typical / maximum values)

2.2 Mechanical Properties (solution annealed / typical values)

2.3 Typical Plate / Sheet Formats & Dimensions

• Thickness: depending on hot-rolled plate production, typical ranges may be from ~3 mm up to ~100 mm (or higher) for plates. 

• Width & Length: Standard widths (1000-2000 mm or more) and lengths up to 6000 mm or per customer requirement.  

• Surface finishes: Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled, with finishes such as No.1, 2B, BA, HL, etc.

• Forms: Plate, sheet, coil, cut-to-size pieces.

3. Performance Features

The 329 stainless steel plate is engineered for high-performance uses; some of its key performance features include:

• High mechanical strength: Due to the duplex microstructure (ferrite + austenite), the 329 plate provides yield and tensile strengths significantly above conventional austenitic stainless grades (such as 304 or 316).  

• Excellent corrosion resistance: Particularly good in environments containing chlorides, acid media, and also resistant to pitting and crevice corrosion. For example, a Pitting Resistance Equivalent (PRE) value of ≥ 31 is indicated for 329.  

• Good resistance to stress corrosion cracking and corrosion fatigue: The duplex structure improves resistance to these phenomena which are critical in heavy duty or harsh chemical environments.  

• Good weldability and formability: While strength is high, 329 can still be welded and formed (with appropriate procedures) without undue difficulty.  

• Versatility in harsh service conditions: Suitable for elevated temperature service and aggressive media.  

Because of these features, the 329 stainless steel plate offers a cost-effective alternative to more exotic super-duplex or high-nickel alloys when medium-to-high corrosion resistance plus high strength are required.

4. Standards & Specifications

Key standards and designations for 329 stainless steel plate include:

• UNS: S32900 

• W. Nr.: 1.4460 (DIN/EN)  

• EN designation: X3CrNiMoN27-5-2 in some cases  

• ASTM / ASME: For plate, sheet forms: ASTM A240 / A240M  

• Additional standards for bars, forgings: ASTM A276 / A479 (when applicable)  

When specifying 329 stainless steel plate, typical order designation might read: “Plate, Type 329, UNS S32900, ASTM A240, thickness X mm, finish Y”.

5. Applications

Because of its combined strength and corrosion resistance, 329 plate is regularly used in heavy duty industrial environments. Typical applications include:

• Chemical processing equipment: Pressure vessels, heat exchangers, storage tanks, reactors where both strength and chemical corrosion resistance are needed.

• Food & beverage industry: When hygienic and corrosion-resistant surfaces are required alongside mechanical robustness (though note that food-grade may impose additional sanitary or surface finish requirements).

• Marine & offshore equipment: Components in seawater, brackish water, cooling systems, shipbuilding where chloride corrosion resistance and mechanical strength are key.  

• Oil & gas / petrochemical industry: Piping, flanges, structural parts, platforms subject to mechanical load and corrosive environment.

• Pulp & paper industry: Chemical digesters, bleaching equipment, alkali and chloride bearing environments.  

• Heavy industrial structures: Where long-term performance, high load capability and moderate corrosion exposure exist.

This makes 329 plate a versatile choice for “heavy duty” uses where cost-efficient high performance is desirable.

6. Related Products

If you are looking for alternative or complementary materials, relevant products include:

• 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel Plates (higher corrosion performance, slightly higher cost)

• 2507 Super Duplex Stainless Steel Plates (even higher corrosion resistance - for aggressive service)

• 316L Stainless Steel Plate (widely used austenitic grade, lower strength than duplex)

• 904L Austenitic Stainless Steel Plate (high alloy austenitic, for strong corrosion resistance)

• Coils and strips in similar or differing grades (304, 310S, 410, etc) for sheet/coil production

• Bars, tubes, forgings in grade 329 for complementary components in a system

When selecting the best material, consider the balance of cost, corrosion resistance, mechanical strength and service environment.

7. Packaging & Transport

Proper packaging and transport ensure the 329 stainless steel plate arrives in the required condition and avoids damage, corrosion or surface defects:

• Packaging: Typically wrapped in protective film or cloth, the plates may be stacked on wooden pallets or cradles. Edges may be covered or capped. For export, water-resistant packaging (tarpaulin, plastic wrap) is used.

• Marking: Each bundle or plate should be clearly marked with grade (329 / UNS S32900), thickness, width, length, heat number, batch/trace number, standard (ASTM A240) and supplier information.

• Handling and transport: Use slings or lift methods appropriate for heavy plates; avoid dragging or scratching surfaces. For overseas transport, crates or steel strapped bundles may be loaded into shipping containers.

• Storage: Store in a dry, covered environment. If stored outdoors, add rust-inhibitor film or protective covering. Maintain separation from carbon steel or other reactive metals to avoid galvanic corrosion.

• Inspection on receipt: Upon arrival, inspect for surface damage, dents, coating defects, dimensional accuracy and check marking corresponds with order specification.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is 329 stainless steel plate weldable?
A1. Yes — Grade 329 is weldable using conventional stainless steel welding consumables and processes. Some caution is required due to the duplex structure: controlling heat input, avoiding excessive Ferrite/Austenite imbalance and performing proper post-weld treatments (if required) will ensure performance.  

Q2. Can the 329 plate be hot or cold formed?
A2. Yes — 329 can be formed, both hot and cold, although forming forces may be higher than for conventional austenitic stainless steels due to its higher strength. Pre-heating and using appropriate tools may help in some heavy forming operations.  

Q3. What are the temperature limits for use?
A3. While exact limits depend on the environment, 329 exhibits good stability up to moderate elevated temperatures. Its melting range is around ~1390-1440 °C, and mechanical performance is reliable up to ~1100 °C for mechanical strength in some data sources.   For corrosion resistance, higher temperatures in corrosive media need careful evaluation.

Q4. How does 329 compare to more common stainless grades like 304 or 316?
A4. Compared to 304/316, 329 offers significantly higher strength (yield and tensile) and better resistance to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking and pitting/crevice corrosion. This enables use of thinner sections or longer life in harsher conditions; however, the cost may be higher and fabrication may require tighter control.

Q5. Are there any limitations or precautions?
A5. Yes — As with any duplex material:

• Correct heat treatment (solution annealing) is required to achieve optimal duplex microstructure.

• Fabrication must consider the higher strength (i.e., higher forming forces, potential spring-back).

• Welding must control heat input and avoid undesirable phases.

• In extremely high chloride or highly oxidizing environments, super-duplex or highly alloyed materials may offer superior performance.

• Surface finish may be more critical for sanitary applications (food industry) than just the base material.

Q6. What sizes and finishes are commonly available for plate?
A6. Typical plate thicknesses range from ~3 mm up to ~100 mm (or more) depending on producer and customer requirement. Widths up to ~2000 mm or more, lengths up to ~6000 mm or customized. Surface finishes may include No.1 (hot-rolled annealed), 2B (cold-rolled annealed), BA, HL, etc. 不锈钢带+1

Q7. What industries commonly use 329 stainless steel plate?
A7. Industries include chemical processing, oil & gas, petrochemical, food & beverage (where heavy duty/industrial conditions exist), marine/offshore, pulp & paper, water treatment, desalination, structural heavy industrial works.

9. Summary

In summary, the 329 stainless steel plate offers a very attractive balance of high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and heavy-duty durability. Its duplex structure means that it can outperform many conventional austenitic stainless steels in demanding service conditions. When specified under recognized standards (such as ASTM A240 / UNS S32900 / EN 1.4460) and properly fabricated, it becomes a reliable material for critical applications in chemical, marine, industrial and food-processing sectors.

If you are specifying a heavy-duty stainless steel plate where both strength and corrosion resistance matter, 329 stainless steel plate is a strong candidate. Consideration of finish, form, fabrication, and service environment will help optimize its performance and lifetime.

Should you like, I can prepare a formatted technical brochure PDF or comparison sheet between 329 and other duplex grades (e.g., 2205, 2507) to help selection. Would you prefer that?