C13 · Food Processing
Stainless Steel Plates for Food Processing Industry: 304/316L Selection and 16 Part List
In the food processing industry, we have compiled 16 parts using stainless steel: commonly used 304 / 316L / 420, with thickness ranging from 1-12 mm.
List of Parts and Selections
| Part / Component | Recommended Grade | Specifications / Thickness | Surface | Failure Modes | Reference Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disassembly Surface | 304/316L | 1.5–3.0mm | 2B,Ra≤0.8μm | Cleaning + Scraping | GB/T 3280;GB 16798 |
| Conveyor Plates | 304 | 1.0–2.0mm | 2B / Polished | Wear + Adhesion Corrosion | GB/T 3280 |
| Scalding Pool/Tank | 304/316L | 2.0–4.0mm | 2B | Hot Water + Oil + Blood Water | GB/T 3280;NB/T 47014 |
| Halving Saw Contacts | 304/420 | 3.0–6.0mm | For Business / Finish | BoneTrash Wear, Blood Water Corrosion | GB/T 3280;GB/T 1220 |
| Chopper Bowl Body | 304 | 3.0–6.0mm | 2B,Ra≤0.8μm | Salt + Oil + Blade Scrubbing | GB/T 3280 |
| Chopper Blades | 420/440C | 5–12mm | Quenched + Polished | High hardness wear + corrosion fatigue | GB/T 1220 |
| Rota-macer inner wall | 304/316L | 2.0–4.0mm | 2B,Ra≤0.8μm | Salt water + vacuum + kneading wear | GB/T 3280 |
| Slicer blade/passage holes | 304/420 | 3–12mm | 2B / machined surface | Meat fiber wear + salt corrosion | GB/T 3280;GB/T 1220 |
| Smoker interior/airways | 304/316L | 1.5–3.0mm | 2B | Acidic high-temperature smoke condensate + fat | GB/T 3280 |
| Fish sorting platform/skid | 304/316L | 1.5–3.0mm | 2B | Seawater + fish blood + Cl⁻ pitting | GB/T 3280 |
| Fish paste washing tank | 316L | 2.0–4.0mm | 2B,Ra≤0.8μm | Salt water + repeated rinsing + low temperature | GB/T 3280 |
| Shrimp cooking line mesh belt | 304/316 | Diameter 1.0–3.0mm | Lustrous / 2B | High-temperature steam + salt + thermal circulation | GB/T 17492;GB/T 3280 |
| Clean Rotor for Shellfish | 316L | 2.0–5.0mm | 2B | Soak in Sea Water + Sand | GB/T 3280 |
| Fishmeal Dryer Interior / Cyclone Separator | 316L | 2.0–6.0mm | 2B | High Salt + High Temperature + Wear | GB/T 3280 |
| Vegetable Washing Tank / Bubble Tube | 304 | 1.5–3.0mm | 2B | Water + Silt Wear | GB/T 3280 |
| Juicer Screen / Screw | 304/316L | 1.0–3.0mm | 2B/Holes | Organic acid corrosion+wear | GB/T 3280 |
Table below isStandard Configuration. Same part may switch from 304 to 316L or 2205 based on usage conditions— explain clearly, not just specify the grade.
Material Points
- Most common grades in this industry are 304 (12), 316L (9), and 420 (3)— parentheses indicate affected areas. Use as a starting point for quoting and material procurement.
- Wear parts (edges, liners, conveyors) consider hardness, not just corrosion resistance (11/16 hits).
- Chloride ions and salts are the most common sources of corrosion (pitting, crevice corrosion) (8/16 hits).
- Thickness range 1–12 mm: Thin plates are mostly formed parts (considering bend back-arc and deep drawing cracks), thick plates are mostly welded structures (considering heat input and sensitization).
Common questions
What type of stainless steel is used most in the food processing industry?
How many parts are included in this total?
What is the most common grade?
Which part type has the highest failure rate?
For which thickness should I choose?
Thickness range in the list is 1–12 mm. For thin plates, consider bending and surface finish; for thick plates, welding and structural strength. Values may vary by equipment manufacturer for the same location, review your drawing or operating conditions.
Related materials and adjacent industries
Applications16
Thickness1–12mm
