We cover the entire procurement process-ranging from material certification, surface protection, and lead times to third-party inspection and precision machining-aiming to ensure a transparent and risk-free global procurement experience for you.
1. Stock Availability, Lead Time & Shipment
Q1: Which stainless steel grades are available for immediate shipment?
A: We maintain a large inventory of cold-rolled and hot-rolled products in grades 304/304L, 316/316L, 321, 310S, 430, 410, and Duplex 2205. Stock items usually ship within 1–3 working days. Custom sizes, special finishes (like PVD color), or seamless tubes typically require 15–45 days production time.
Q2: What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?
A: For standard stock sizes, there is no mandatory MOQ. We support small-batch prototyping and sample orders. For custom mill production (specific widths or chemical compositions), the MOQ varies by grade and form.
Q3: How do you protect the surface finish during transit?
A: Surface integrity is vital for stainless steel.
2B/BA/No.4/Mirror finishes: Protected with single or double-layer PVC/Laser PE films.
Packaging: We use seaworthy wooden pallets, reinforced steel crates, or waterproof paper wrapping to prevent scratches, moisture, and "white rust" during sea freight.
2. Documents & Mill Test Certificates
Q1: Will material certificates be provided for my stainless steel order?
A: Yes. All shipments are accompanied by an original Mill Test Certificate (MTC) according to EN10204-3.1. The MTC includes the heat number, precise chemical analysis (Cr, Ni, Mo, C, etc.), mechanical properties (tensile, yield, elongation, hardness), and heat treatment status. For high-standard projects, EN10204-3.2 third-party witnessed certificates can be provided upon prior agreement.
Q2: Can you provide PMI (Spectrometry) or salt spray test reports?
A: Absolutely. We perform in-house PMI (Positive Material Identification) rechecks for every batch of stock. Additional specialized tests such as salt spray (for corrosion resistance), intergranular corrosion tests, or NDT (Ultrasonic/X-ray for pipes and thick plates) can be arranged via authorized labs like SGS, BV, or TUV.
Q3: Is the material fully traceable?
A: Yes. Every plate, pipe, or bar is marked with a unique Heat Number and batch code that matches the MTC, ensuring 100% traceability from the raw material melt to the finished product.
3. Return, Exchange & Quality Claims
Q1: What is your policy for material returns?
A: As stainless steel is a commodity, processed materials (cut-to-length, laser-cut, polished, or machined) are non-returnable unless there is a confirmed quality defect. Standard, unprocessed stock items may be returned if the grade or size deviates from the contract, with GNEE STEEL covering all logistics costs.
Q2: How do I file a quality claim for surface scratches or internal defects?
A:1.Visual/Quantity Issues: Notify us within 3 working days of receipt with photos of the packaging and labels.
2.Material Performance: If the material fails chemical or mechanical tests, submit a formal report within 15 working days.
3.Resolution: We respond within 2 hours. If a defect is confirmed, we offer replacement, discount, or full refund based on the official third-party re-test results.
4. Processing & Surface Services
Q1: What processing services do you offer for stainless steel?
A: We offer a full range of value-added services:
Cutting: Precision laser cutting (up to 30mm), waterjet cutting, plasma cutting, and high-speed sawing.
Surface Finishing: Polishing (No.4, Satin, Hairline, 8K Mirror), Sandblasting, Embossing, and PVD Color Coating.
Forming: Bending, hole punching, and decoiling.
Q2: What are the tolerances for cut-to-size plates?
A: Laser cutting usually achieves a tolerance of ±0.2mm to ±0.5mm. Standard saw cutting for bars and thick plates is within ±1mm to ±3mm. Specific tolerance requirements should be confirmed at the quoting stage.
5. Technical Support & Storage
Q1: Can GNEE help me choose between 304 and 316L?
A: Yes. Our technical team can advise based on your application. Generally, 304 is for standard corrosion resistance, while 316L (with Molybdenum) is required for marine or high-chloride environments. For high-temperature oxidation, we recommend 310S or 321.
Q2: How should I store stainless steel to avoid "Tea Staining" or rust?
A: Store materials in a dry, ventilated indoor area. Crucially, keep stainless steel separate from carbon steel to prevent iron particle contamination, which can lead to localized pitting corrosion. Do not remove the protective film until final installation.
6. Order Modifications & After-sales
Q1: Can I change my order after payment?
A: For stock items, modifications are possible if the truck has not been loaded. For custom-cut or factory-ordered items, changes cannot be made once the production or cutting process has started.
Q2: How do I contact GNEE for after-sales support?
A: You can reach your dedicated account manager via email or WhatsApp. We provide 7x24h response for urgent logistics tracking and technical troubleshooting to ensure your project stays on schedule.
7. Weight & Measurement
Q1: Why is there a slight difference between the theoretical weight and the scale weight?
A: Stainless steel is sold by either Theoretical Weight (based on density, e.g., 7.93g/cm³ for 304) or Actual Scale Weight. We follow international standards for thickness and width tolerances (e.g., ASTM A480). Any discrepancy exceeding the allowable tolerance will be compensated following a verified weighing bridge report.