C23 · Printing

Stainless Steel Plates for Printing and Media Replication Industry: Selection of 304/316L and List of 3 Parts

In the Printing and Media Replication Industry, we have organized three parts using stainless steel: commonly used 304 / 316L / 420, with thickness ranging from 0.5–20 mm.

Stainless rollers and cylinders for light industry production lines
Selection and specifications for light industrial production line equipment (schematic diagram; actual material selection based on medium, temperature, and drawings)

Three parts and selection list

Part / ComponentRecommended designationSpecification / ThicknessSurfaceFailure modesStandards
Grinding/Polished Cylinder Surfaces304/316LCylinder Surface 3–15mmMirror/Delicated/GlazedSolvent corrosion of ink + blade wear + cylinder scoringGB/T 3280; Printing Industry Standards
Wetting/Painting Roll Surfaces304Chrome CoatingRoll Surface 5–20mmNet Wear Reduces Net Hole Size + Solvent CorrosionBlade Maintenance RequiredGB/T 3280
Nozzle/Skimmer420/3040.5–3mmHardening/LappingInk Erosion + Skimmer Blade WearGB/T 1220;GB/T 3280
Inside GaugeConfiguratieSelecteer materialen

Material essentials

  • Common grades used: 304 (1), 316L (2), 420 (3)
  • What to consider for worn parts (edges, liners, conveyors): hardness, not just corrosion resistance.
  • Thickness range 0.5–20 mm: thin plates are mostly formed pieces (consider bending rebound and deep drawing cracking), thick plates are mostly welded structures (consider heat input and sensitization).

Common issues

Which stainless steel is used most in the printing and recording media reproduction industry?
How many are there in total for these 3 parts?
What is the most common grade?
Which part is prone to problems?
What thickness should I choose?
Thickness range in the list is 0.5–20 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

Applications3
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