503 Stainless Steel Sheet: Superior High-Temperature Performance & Cost-Effective Solution
Meta Description
Explore 503 stainless steel sheet with excellent oxidation resistance up to 1000°C, ideal for furnace linings, heat shields, and more. Reliable 503 stainless steel sheet suppliers offering competitive prices.
Introduction
503 stainless steel sheet is a ferritic stainless steel known for its exceptional high-temperature oxidation resistance and thermal fatigue resistance, making it a cost-effective alternative to austenitic grades like 310 and 309 in demanding applications. With a maximum continuous service temperature of up to 1000°C, 503 stainless steel offers outstanding resistance to scaling and oxidation, outperforming many standard alloys in high-temperature environments.
Compared to austenitic grades that are more commonly used in high-temperature applications, 503 stainless steel sheet provides a significantly lower cost, making it an ideal choice for industries where temperature cycling, oxidation, and thermal shock resistance are critical, but budget constraints are also a consideration.
503 stainless steel features a fully ferritic structure, which enhances its resistance to thermal fatigue, ensuring longer service life in harsh conditions. Whether used in furnace linings, heat shields, or high-temperature ducting, this material is well-suited for applications that require both performance and cost-efficiency.
In this page, we will delve into the 503 stainless steel sheet properties, chemical composition, and major advantages over other materials, emphasizing why 503 stainless steel is the go-to choice for heat-resistant applications.
Product Overview & Key Advantages
- Exceptional Oxidation Resistance: 503 stainless steel sheet exhibits excellent resistance to oxidation in environments up to 1000°C, making it ideal for high-temperature applications like furnace linings and kiln components.
- Cost-Effective Alternative: Compared to austenitic alloys such as 310 and 309, 503 stainless steel provides a more affordable solution while maintaining high performance under thermal stress.
- Ferritic Structure: The ferritic structure of 503 stainless steel sheet ensures superior thermal stability, resistance to phase transformation, and better weldability compared to other alloys in the same class.
- High-Temperature Stability: 503 stainless steel maintains its strength and ductility in extreme heat, capable of withstanding continuous service temperatures of up to 1000°C.
- Excellent Weldability: Despite its high-temperature applications, 503 stainless steel sheet retains excellent weldability, making it a suitable choice for complex fabrication processes.
Key Advantages:
- Outstanding oxidation resistance up to 1000°C.
- Cost-effective alternative to 310/309 austenitic alloys.
- Ferritic structure offers high resistance to thermal cycling.
- Good weldability for complex and large-scale fabrications.
- Ideal for high-temperature applications that require thermal stability and resistance to scaling.
Chemical Composition Table
| Element | 503 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.05% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 4.5–6.0% |
| 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 | 503 Stainless Steel | 410 Stainless Steel | 430 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 485–600 | 485–690 | 480–600 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 275–410 | 300–450 | 280–380 |
| Elongation (%) | 20–30 | 15–25 | 18–28 |
| Hardness (Rockwell B) | 85–95 | 90–100 | 90–100 |
| Impact Strength (J) | 25–35 | 20–30 | 25–35 |
Physical Properties & Oxidation Resistance Table
| Property | 503 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|
| Magnetic | Yes |
| Thermal Conductivity | 25.5 W/m·K |
| Thermal Expansion | 11.0 µm/m·°C |
| Density | 7.75 g/cm³ |
| Max Service Temperature | 1000°C |
| Oxidation Resistance | Excellent, up to 1000°C |
503 vs 502 vs 410 vs 430 vs 304 vs 310 Sheet Comparison Table
| Property | 503 Stainless Steel | 502 Stainless Steel | 410 Stainless Steel | 430 Stainless Steel | 304 Stainless Steel | 310 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Service Temperature | 1000°C | 980°C | 650°C | 870°C | 870°C | 1150°C |
| Oxidation Resistance | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Cost | Low | Low | Low | Medium | High | High |
| Weldability | Good | Good | Fair | Good | Excellent | Good |
| Formability | Good | 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, Brushed |
High-Temperature Performance Guide
503 stainless steel sheet is designed for continuous service at temperatures up to 1000°C, providing exceptional resistance to scaling and oxidation. For applications involving high-temperature oxidation, 503 stainless steel sheet maintains high strength and formability even after extended exposure. Its thermal stability makes it an ideal choice for furnaces, heat exchangers, and thermal processing trays.
- Continuous service limit: 1000°C
- Intermittent service limit: 1100°C
- Recommended annealing temperature: 800–850°C
Major Applications
- Furnace Linings: 503 stainless steel sheet is widely used in furnace linings for its oxidation resistance and thermal fatigue resistance.
- Heat Shields & Boiler Baffles: Ideal for heat shields and boiler baffles in high-temperature systems.
- Kiln Components & Recuperators: Used in kiln components, recuperators, and thermal processing trays for industries like ceramics and petrochemicals.
- Exhaust Systems: Perfect for automotive exhaust systems and petrochemical heater tubes exposed to high temperatures.
- Glass Molds & High-Temperature Ducting: Suitable for glass molds and high-temperature ducting due to its thermal cycling resistance.
Product Images

Hot-rolled No.1 finish 503 stainless steel sheet stacked in warehouse

Professional infographic 503 stainless steel sheet data sheet + oxidation resistance curve up to 1100°C

Real-application collage – 503 sheets used in furnace linings, heat shields, recuperator components, and high-temperature thermal trays
Why We Are the Best 503 Stainless Steel Sheet Distributor
As the leading global supplier of 503 stainless steel sheet, we offer a large ready stock of thick 503 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 503 stainless steel sheet price and superior customer service worldwide.
FAQ Section
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Maximum continuous service temperature of 503 stainless steel sheet
Up to 1000°C for continuous service. -
Is 503 stainless steel sheet magnetic? Yes, 503 stainless steel sheet is magnetic.
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503 vs 502 or 410 differences & when to choose 503 Choose 503 for superior oxidation resistance and thermal stability at a lower cost compared to 502 and 410.
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Can 503 sheet be welded and what filler? Yes, 503 stainless steel sheet can be welded using appropriate fillers, such as ER503.
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Does 503 sheet suffer sigma-phase embrittlement? No, 503 stainless steel sheet does not suffer from sigma-phase embrittlement.
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Recommended heat treatment for 503 sheet Anneal at 800–850°C for optimal performance.
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Minimum order quantity Our minimum order quantity is flexible, based on customer requirements.
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Lead time for No.1 finish 503 sheet Lead time is typically 2–3 weeks.
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Is 503 sheet suitable for cyclic high-temperature service? Yes, 503 stainless steel sheet is ideal for cyclic high-temperature applications.
Conclusion + Urgent Call-to-Action
Request a quote today! Get a 24-hour response via WhatsApp, email, phone, or live chat.
503 Stainless Steel Plate: High-Performance, High-Temperature, and Cost-Effective Solution
Meta Description: Discover the superior high-temperature oxidation resistance of 503 Stainless Steel Plate. Available at competitive prices with full technical data, certifications & fast delivery.
Introduction
503 Stainless Steel Plate is a high-performance, ferritic stainless steel alloy, designed specifically for demanding high-temperature applications where oxidation resistance and durability are critical. With its remarkable performance in thermal fatigue and oxidation resistance up to 980-1000°C, the 503 Stainless Steel Plate is widely regarded as a more cost-effective alternative to austenitic alloys like 310 and 309. Its unique composition—optimized for high temperatures—makes it an ideal material for components exposed to severe operating conditions, such as furnace linings, heat exchangers, exhaust systems, and incinerators.
The 503 Stainless Steel Plate offers superior resistance to scaling and oxidation at elevated temperatures, ensuring that components maintain structural integrity even after prolonged exposure to extreme environments. This material is commonly used in industries such as metallurgy, petrochemical, power generation, and glass manufacturing, where equipment is subject to heat cycling and thermal shocks.
Product Overview & Key Advantages
Key Features:
- Oxidation Resistance: Exceptional resistance to oxidation at temperatures up to 1000°C, ideal for high-temperature applications.
- Thermal Fatigue Resistance: Excellent durability under cyclic thermal loading conditions, reducing the risk of cracking.
- Ferritic Structure: A fully ferritic stainless steel with a controlled carbon content that enhances weldability without compromising strength.
- Cost-Effective: Significantly more affordable than austenitic stainless steels like 310 and 309, making it a budget-friendly solution for high-temperature applications.
- Good Weldability: Unlike other high-temperature alloys, the 503 stainless steel plate offers excellent weldability without requiring extensive preheating or post-weld heat treatments.
- Magnetic Properties: Magnetic, which can be important in certain industrial applications.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 4-6% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 0-0.5% |
| Carbon (C) | Max 0.03% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 0.5-1.5% (optional) |
| Niobium (Nb) | 0-0.5% (optional) |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value (Room Temp) | Value (600°C) | Value (800°C) | Value (900°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 480 MPa | 380 MPa | 340 MPa | 320 MPa |
| Yield Strength | 310 MPa | 250 MPa | 220 MPa | 210 MPa |
| Elongation | 30% | 25% | 20% | 18% |
| Hardness | 200 HB | 180 HB | 170 HB | 160 HB |
Physical Properties & Oxidation Resistance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Thermal Conductivity | 14 W/m·K |
| Coefficient of Expansion (CTE) | 10.4 µm/m·°C |
| Scaling Resistance | 1000°C Max |
| Magnetic Properties | Yes |
503 vs 502 vs 410 vs 430 vs 304 vs 310 Plate Comparison
| Material | Max Temp | Oxidation Resistance | Cost | Weldability | Formability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 503 Plate | 980-1000°C | Excellent | Low | Excellent | Good |
| 502 Plate | 950°C | Good | Medium | Good | Fair |
| 410 Plate | 760°C | Fair | Low | Poor | Poor |
| 430 Plate | 850°C | Good | Low | Fair | Good |
| 304 Plate | 870°C | Excellent | High | Excellent | Excellent |
| 310 Plate | 1100°C | Excellent | High | Excellent | Good |
Available Specifications
- Thickness: 3mm to 100mm
- Width: 1000mm to 3000mm
- Length: Up to 12000mm
- Finishes: No.1 Hot-Rolled, Pickled, 2B, Polished, Brushed
- Standards: ASTM A240, A262, EN 10204 3.1
High-Temperature Performance Guide
503 Stainless Steel Plate is optimized for continuous and intermittent use in high-temperature environments. It excels in applications where scaling resistance and thermal fatigue resistance are critical. When used at temperatures exceeding 800°C, the material maintains its mechanical properties and does not suffer from sigma-phase embrittlement, a common problem in other alloys. Recommended heat treatment includes annealing and stress-relief at temperatures between 600-750°C.
Major Applications
- Furnace Parts: Linings, trays, and structural supports.
- Heat Shields: Protection in high-temperature industrial processes.
- Boiler Baffles: Resistance to thermal cycling and high-temperature oxidation.
- Kiln Components: Used in glass and ceramics industries.
- Annealing Boxes: Crucial for high-temperature heat treatment processes.
- Exhaust Systems: Automotive and industrial exhaust.
- Incinerator Parts: Withstand extreme conditions and thermal shocks.
Why We Are the Best 503 Stainless Steel Plate Distributor
We are your trusted partner for high-quality 503 stainless steel plate. Our company maintains an extensive stock of thick plates, ready for immediate shipment. With direct mill relationships, we offer the most competitive 503 stainless steel plate prices. All plates undergo rigorous testing, including ultrasonic and PMI testing, to ensure superior quality and performance. Our precision cutting and beveling services provide custom sizes to meet your exact requirements, and our quick delivery times ensure that your project stays on schedule.
We also offer full EN 10204 3.1/3.2 certificates, guaranteeing compliance with industry standards. Whether you need large quantities or custom-sized plates, we have you covered with our reliable global shipping network.
FAQ Section
1. What is the maximum continuous service temperature of 503 stainless steel plate?
503 stainless steel plate can be used continuously at temperatures up to 980-1000°C.
2. Is 503 stainless steel plate magnetic?
Yes, 503 stainless steel is magnetic due to its ferritic structure.
3. How does 503 compare to 502 or 410 in terms of oxidation resistance?
503 plate has superior oxidation resistance compared to 502 and 410 plates, making it a better choice for high-temperature applications.
4. Can 503 stainless steel plate be welded, and what filler should be used?
Yes, 503 plate can be welded using appropriate ferritic stainless steel fillers. Ensure proper welding procedures to avoid issues like cracking.
5. Does 503 plate suffer from sigma-phase embrittlement?
No, 503 stainless steel does not suffer from sigma-phase embrittlement even at elevated temperatures.
6. What is the recommended heat treatment for 503 stainless steel plate?
503 stainless steel should be annealed or stress-relieved at 600-750°C for optimal performance.
7. What is the minimum order quantity for 503 stainless steel plate?
Please contact us for the minimum order requirements, as it may vary depending on your specifications.
8. What is the lead time for No.1 finish 503 plate?
Lead time varies, but we can typically fulfill orders within 3-7 business days, depending on stock availability.
9. Is 503 stainless steel suitable for cyclic high-temperature service?
Yes, 503 stainless steel plate performs exceptionally well in cyclic high-temperature applications, offering good thermal fatigue resistance.
Conclusion + Urgent Call-to-Action
Don't wait to get the best 503 stainless steel plate for your project! Request a quote today and receive a response within 24 hours. We offer fast delivery, competitive pricing, and the highest quality standards. Contact us via WhatsApp, email, or phone for immediate assistance.