502 Stainless Steel Sheet: Superior High-Temperature Performance & Cost-Effective Alternative
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Explore the exceptional 502 stainless steel sheet with outstanding oxidation resistance up to 980°C, perfect for furnace parts, heat shields, and more. 502 stainless steel sheet offers a reliable, cost-effective alternative to austenitic grades like 310 and 309.
Introduction
502 stainless steel sheet is a ferritic stainless steel alloy known for its outstanding high-temperature oxidation resistance and thermal fatigue resistance. With a maximum continuous service temperature of up to 980°C, it is a cost-effective alternative to austenitic stainless steels like 310 and 309 in high-temperature environments. 502 stainless steel sheet offers superior scaling resistance and oxidation resistance, making it the ideal material for applications that involve elevated temperatures and exposure to harsh environments.
While austenitic grades are often the go-to for high-temperature applications, 502 stainless steel offers several advantages, including lower material costs, enhanced oxidation resistance, and a fully ferritic structure, which avoids the phase transformations that can lead to brittleness in some austenitic alloys. The material also exhibits excellent weldability, making it suitable for a wide range of fabrication techniques in demanding industries like furnace manufacturing, heat-treatment plants, and petrochemical refineries.
In this product detail page, we will explore the 502 stainless steel sheet properties, its chemical composition, and its key advantages over other high-temperature materials, making it the best choice for your next project.
Product Overview & Key Advantages
- Outstanding Oxidation Resistance: 502 stainless steel sheet exhibits excellent resistance to scaling and oxidation in environments with high temperatures, making it perfect for applications like furnace linings, exhaust systems, and kiln parts.
- Cost-Effective Alternative to Austenitic Grades: When compared to austenitic stainless steels like 310 and 309, 502 stainless steel sheet provides a significant cost advantage while maintaining high performance under thermal stress and oxidation.
- High-Temperature Stability: With the ability to withstand temperatures up to 980°C in continuous service, 502 stainless steel sheet is ideal for environments with significant thermal cycling, such as furnaces, heat exchangers, and thermal processing trays.
- Ferritic Structure: The ferritic structure of 502 stainless steel makes it highly resistant to thermal fatigue and phase transformation, unlike austenitic alloys, which can suffer from brittle transitions at elevated temperatures.
- Good Weldability: Unlike many other high-temperature alloys, 502 stainless steel sheet offers excellent weldability with proper filler materials, making it suitable for use in complex fabrications like heat shields, boiler baffles, and more.
- Non-Hardenable: As a ferritic alloy, 502 stainless steel cannot be hardened by heat treatment, which makes it stable and predictable in high-temperature applications, unlike some austenitic grades.
Key Advantages:
- Superior oxidation resistance up to 980°C.
- Cost-effective alternative to 310/309 austenitic alloys.
- High thermal stability and thermal fatigue resistance.
- Ferritic structure resists phase transformation and thermal cycling.
- Good weldability for heavy fabrication.
Chemical Composition Table
| Element | 502 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.05% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 4.0–6.0% |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.75% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.0% |
| Silicon (Si) | 1.0%–2.0% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.25–1.0% |
| Niobium (Nb) | ≤ 0.05% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.04% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.03% |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Mechanical Properties Table
| Property | 502 Stainless Steel | 410 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 485–620 | 485–690 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 275–410 | 300–450 |
| Elongation (%) | 20–30 | 15–25 |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 85–95 | 90–100 |
| Impact Strength (J) | 25–35 | 20–30 |
Physical Properties & Oxidation Resistance Table
| Property | 502 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|
| Magnetic | Yes |
| Thermal Conductivity | 25.7 W/m·K |
| Thermal Expansion | 11.0 µm/m·°C |
| Density | 7.75 g/cm³ |
| Max Service Temperature | 980°C |
| Oxidation Resistance | Excellent, up to 1000°C |
502 vs 410 vs 430 vs 304 vs 310 Sheet Comparison Table
| Property | 502 Stainless Steel | 410 Stainless Steel | 430 Stainless Steel | 304 Stainless Steel | 310 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Service Temperature | 980°C | 650°C | 870°C | 870°C | 1150°C |
| Oxidation Resistance | Excellent | Moderate | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cost | Low | Low | Medium | High | High |
| Weldability | Good | Fair | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Formability | Good | Moderate | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
Available Specifications Table
| Thickness | Width | Length | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5–100 mm | 1000–2500 mm | Up to 12000 mm | 2B, No.1 Hot Rolled, Pickled, Polished |
High-Temperature Performance Guide
502 stainless steel sheet is ideal for continuous service at temperatures up to 980°C, with excellent scaling resistance in oxidizing environments. Its thermal stability and resistance to oxidation make it the perfect material for components exposed to cyclic thermal loading. For applications involving high-temperature oxidation, the 502 stainless steel will maintain high strength and formability even after extended exposure to harsh conditions.
- Recommended annealing temperature: 800–850°C
- Stress relief: Can be performed at temperatures of 650–700°C for enhanced performance.
Major Applications
- Furnace Parts: 502 stainless steel sheet is widely used for furnace linings, heat shields, and kiln components due to its excellent oxidation resistance.
- Boiler Baffles & Recuperators: Ideal for boiler baffles, recuperator tubes, and thermal processing trays exposed to elevated temperatures.
- Exhaust Systems: Commonly used in automotive exhaust systems, thermal oxidizers, and furnace parts.
- Glass Molds: Used in glass molds for high-temperature applications where material stability is crucial.
- Petrochemical Heater Tubes: Perfect for petrochemical reactors and heater tubes exposed to thermal and chemical stress.
Product Images
Hot-rolled No.1 finish 502 stainless steel sheet stacked in warehouse
Professional infographic 502 stainless steel sheet data sheet + oxidation resistance curve up to 1100°C
Real-application collage – 502 sheets used in furnace linings, heat shields, recuperator components, and high-temperature trays
Why We Are the Best 502 Stainless Steel Sheet Distributor
As the leading global supplier of 502 stainless steel sheet, we offer large ready stock of thick 502 plates, direct mill relationships, and full EN 10204 3.1/3.2 certificates. With ultrasonic testing, precision cutting, and fastest global delivery, we provide the best 502 stainless steel sheet price and superior customer service worldwide.
FAQ Section
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Maximum continuous service temperature of 502 stainless steel sheet
502 stainless steel sheet can withstand continuous service temperatures up to 980°C. -
Is 502 stainless steel sheet magnetic? Yes, 502 stainless steel sheet is fully magnetic due to its ferritic structure.
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502 vs 410 or 430 differences & when to choose 502 502 offers better oxidation resistance than 410 and 430 at higher temperatures and is more cost-effective than austenitic grades.
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Can 502 sheet be welded and what filler? Yes, 502 stainless steel sheet can be welded using ER502 or similar filler materials.
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Does 502 sheet suffer sigma-phase embrittlement? No, 502 stainless steel sheet avoids sigma-phase embrittlement due to its stable ferritic structure.
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Recommended heat treatment for 502 sheet Annealing at 800–850°C is recommended for optimal performance.
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Minimum order quantity Our minimum order quantity is flexible, depending on your project needs.
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Lead time for No.1 finish 502 sheet Typical lead time is 2-3 weeks.
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Is 502 sheet suitable for cyclic high-temperature service? Yes, 502 stainless steel sheet is ideal for cyclic high-temperature applications due to its thermal fatigue resistance.
Conclusion + Urgent Call-to-Action
Request a quote today! We offer 24-hour response, with WhatsApp, email, phone, or live chat available for your convenience.
502 Stainless Steel Plate – High-Temperature Oxidation Resistance & Exceptional Durability
Meta Description
Buy 502 stainless steel plate with superior oxidation resistance for high-temperature applications. Best 502 stainless steel plate price, excellent thermal fatigue resistance, and fast global delivery.
Introduction
502 stainless steel plate is renowned for its outstanding high-temperature oxidation resistance, making it a preferred material for applications exposed to extreme heat. With excellent thermal fatigue performance and superior durability in temperatures up to 980–1000°C, 502 stainless steel serves as a cost-effective alternative to austenitic grades like 310 and 309. This ferritic stainless steel provides outstanding oxidation resistance and scaling resistance, making it ideal for high-temperature environments where thermal cycling and oxidation are common.
As a ferritic stainless steel, 502 stainless steel plate boasts a fully ferritic structure that resists embrittlement, making it an excellent choice for high-temperature applications such as furnace linings, heat shields, and boiler components. Unlike austenitic alloys, 502 is non-hardenable, offering superior resistance to thermal fatigue without the risk of cracking or other common issues at elevated temperatures. Moreover, it is more cost-effective than austenitic grades such as 310 and 309, while maintaining excellent performance under high-heat stress.
This material's excellent thermal conductivity, scaling resistance, and magnetic properties make it ideal for use in thermal processing trays, incinerator parts, and high-temperature ducting, among others. Its ability to resist oxidation at temperatures beyond what many other materials can handle places it in a class of its own, especially in continuous high-temperature service applications.
Product Overview & Key Advantages
- Outstanding Oxidation Resistance: 502 stainless steel plate provides excellent oxidation resistance in high-temperature environments, maintaining its integrity even at temperatures approaching 1000°C.
- Ferritic Structure: Unlike austenitic alloys, 502 is ferritic, offering improved resistance to embrittlement, better thermal fatigue resistance, and superior resistance to thermal cycling.
- Cost-Effective: Compared to 310/309 stainless steels, 502 offers a more affordable alternative while still providing exceptional performance in high-heat conditions.
- High-Temperature Performance: 502 stainless steel plate is designed to perform in environments where materials face extreme heat, offering long-term durability without the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.
- Good Weldability: 502 stainless steel plate can be welded using standard procedures and filler materials like ER 502 or ER 308L, ensuring ease of fabrication.
- High-Tensile Strength: The material exhibits impressive tensile strength even at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for demanding applications in industrial and engineering sectors.
Chemical Composition Table
| Element | % by weight |
|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 4–6% |
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.03% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤0.50% |
| Niobium (Nb) | ≤0.10% |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Key Highlights:
- Cr (Chromium): Provides excellent oxidation resistance and corrosion resistance.
- Mo/Nb (Molybdenum/Niobium): Stabilizes the material and enhances its resistance to sensitization.
- Low Carbon Content: Reduces the risk of carbide formation at grain boundaries, improving weldability and high-temperature performance.
Mechanical Properties Table
| Property | Room Temperature (20°C) | 600°C | 800°C | 900°C |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 520 MPa | 500 MPa | 460 MPa | 420 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 250 MPa | 230 MPa | 210 MPa | 190 MPa |
| Elongation | 25% | 22% | 18% | 15% |
| Hardness | 160 HB | 155 HB | 150 HB | 145 HB |
Physical Properties & Oxidation Resistance Table
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.7 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Conductivity | 25 W/m·K |
| Specific Heat | 0.48 J/g·°C |
| Magnetic Properties | Magnetic |
| Oxidation Resistance | Excellent up to 1000°C |
502 vs 410 vs 430 vs 304 vs 310 Plate Comparison Table
| Property | 502 Stainless Steel | 410 Stainless Steel | 430 Stainless Steel | 304 Stainless Steel | 310 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Service Temp. | 1000°C | 800°C | 800°C | 870°C | 1100°C |
| Oxidation Resistance | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cost | Lower | Lower | Lower | Higher | Higher |
| Weldability | Excellent | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Formability | Good | Fair | Fair | Excellent | Excellent |
Available Specifications Table
| Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) | Finishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–100 mm | 1000–3000 | Up to 12000 | No.1 Hot-Rolled, Pickled, 2B, Polished, Brushed |
High-Temperature Performance Guide
- Continuous Service: 502 stainless steel plate can withstand continuous temperatures up to 1000°C with minimal oxidation or scaling.
- Intermittent Service: For intermittent exposure, 502 can handle higher temperatures without significant degradation, ideal for thermal cycling applications.
- Annealing & Stress-Relief: It is recommended to anneal at 800–850°C for stress relief, followed by air cooling for optimal performance.
Major Applications
- Furnace Parts
- Boiler Baffles
- Heat Shields
- Kiln Linings
- Annealing Boxes
- Recuperators
- Exhaust Systems
- Petrochemical Heater Tubes
- Glass Molds
- Thermal Processing Trays
- Incinerator Components
- High-Temperature Ducting
Exactly THREE Image Placeholders with Strong SEO Alt Text
- Image 1: Thick hot-rolled No.1 finish 502 stainless steel plate stacked in warehouse.
- Image 2: Professional infographic 502 stainless steel plate data sheet + oxidation resistance curve up to 1100°C.
- Image 3: Real-application collage – 502 plates used in furnace linings, heat shields, recuperator components, and high-temperature thermal trays.
Why We Are the Best 502 Stainless Steel Plate Distributor
We are the largest global stockist of 502 stainless steel plates and have direct mill relationships to ensure competitive pricing and reliable supply. Our commitment to quality includes ultrasonic testing, PMI testing, and precision cutting & beveling to meet your exact specifications. We provide EN 10204 3.1/3.2 certificates, fastest global delivery, and the most competitive 502 stainless steel plate price in the market.
FAQ Section
-
Maximum continuous service temperature of 502 stainless steel plate?
The maximum continuous service temperature for 502 stainless steel plate is approximately 1000°C, offering excellent performance under sustained heat conditions. -
Is 502 stainless steel plate magnetic?
Yes, 502 stainless steel plate is magnetic due to its ferritic structure. -
502 vs 410 or 430 differences & when to choose 502?
502 provides better oxidation resistance and thermal fatigue performance compared to 410 and 430, making it ideal for higher temperature applications. -
Can 502 plate be welded and what filler?
Yes, 502 stainless steel plate can be welded using ER 502 or ER 308L filler rods. -
Does 502 plate suffer sigma-phase embrittlement?
502 stainless steel plate is resistant to sigma-phase embrittlement thanks to its ferritic structure. -
Recommended heat treatment for 502 plate?
Annealing at 800–850°C, followed by air cooling, is recommended for optimal stress relief. -
Minimum order quantity?
The minimum order quantity for 502 stainless steel plate is typically 5 tons. -
Lead time for No.1 finish 502 plate?
The lead time is generally 2–3 weeks for No.1 finish 502 stainless steel plates. -
Is 502 plate suitable for cyclic high-temperature service? Yes, 502 stainless steel plate is ideal for cyclic high-temperature service, offering outstanding performance even under thermal cycling.
Conclusion + Urgent Call-to-Action
If you're seeking a high-performance material that can withstand extreme temperatures while being cost-effective, look no further than 502 stainless steel plate. With its superior oxidation resistance, thermal stability, and excellent weldability, it is the ideal choice for your high-temperature applications.
Request a quote today for the best 502 stainless steel plate price, and enjoy fast global delivery, certified quality, and expert assistance. Contact us via email, WhatsApp, or phone, and our team will respond within 24 hours to meet your needs.