11.2 Tons Of AISI 431 Stainless Steel Plates Exported To Spain
Aug 05, 2026
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GNEE Stainless Steel recently completed the export of 11.2 tons of AISI 431 stainless steel plates to a long-term customer in Spain. The order was manufactured according to ASTM A240 / EN 10088 standards and supplied with complete EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificates, PMI reports, and dimensional inspection records before shipment.
The Spanish customer manufactures hydraulic cylinders, transmission shafts, pump components, precision mechanical equipment, and industrial wear-resistant parts. Unlike ordinary stainless steel applications, these products require materials with high tensile strength, stable hardness after heat treatment, excellent machinability, and reliable corrosion resistance.Before placing the order, the customer compared several European and Asian suppliers. GNEE was ultimately selected because of its stable production capability, strict quality management system, flexible machining services, and fast delivery schedule.
What is ASTM A240 431 stainless steel plate?
ASTM A240 standard covers chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip for pressure vessels and general applications. Type 431 stainless steel plate is a high-chromium, low-nickel martensitic stainless steel containing approximately 17% chromium and 2.5% nickel. It features high hardenability and excellent mechanical properties, offering superior corrosion resistance compared to other 400-series stainless steels. It is typically supplied in a hardened yet machinable condition, capable of achieving very high strength through heat treatment while maintaining good toughness.
ASTM A240 431 Stainless Steel Plate Specification
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product | AISI 431 Stainless Steel Plate |
| Export Quantity | 11.2 Tons |
| Destination | Spain |
| Standard | ASTM A240 / EN 10088 |
| Grade | AISI 431 / UNS S43100 / EN 1.4057 |
| Thickness | 8–40 mm |
| Width | 1000–2000 mm |
| Length | 2000–6000 mm |
| Surface Finish | No.1, Ground, Machined |
| Heat Treatment | Solution Annealed + Tempered |
| Flatness | According to ASTM Tolerance |
| Inspection | PMI, UT Test, Surface Inspection, Dimension Inspection |
| Certificate | EN10204 3.1 |
| Packing | Export Seaworthy Wooden Pallets |
Customer Challenges & GNEE Solutions
Although the total order volume was only 11.2 tons, the technical requirements specified by the client far exceeded those of standard stainless steel plate orders.
The client's purchasing manager highlighted four key areas of concern:
1. Non-uniform hardness after heat treatment
The client had previously encountered issues with uneven hardness in products from other suppliers. Hardness variations of 20–30 HB across a single plate caused excessive CNC tool wear and unstable machining dimensions.
GNEE Solution: GNEE adopted a controlled Solution Annealing + Tempering process with precise furnace temperature control and uniform cooling rates. Each production batch underwent hardness verification according to customer specifications.
2. Strict thickness and flatness requirements
This batch of AISI 431 steel plates was destined for processing into precision shafts and hydraulic components. Excessive thickness deviation or poor flatness would increase machining allowances and result in material waste.
GNEE Solution: Utilizing precision rolling equipment and conducting multiple flatness checks, we measured every plate before packaging to ensure full compliance with the client's tolerance specifications.
Inspection Results: Thickness tolerance was maintained within ±0.20 mm, and flatness was controlled to under 3 mm per meter.
100% dimensional inspection was performed prior to shipment. Compared to previous procurements, the client projected a 12% reduction in machining scrap and a significant improvement in material utilization.
3. Surface Quality of 431 Stainless Steel Plates
Customer Concerns: Surface defects-such as rolling marks, oxide scale, edge cracks, or delamination-can disrupt processing and increase the scrap rate.
GNEE Solution: Every AISI 431 steel plate undergoes the following processes: visual surface inspection, edge inspection, ultrasonic testing (UT), and surface grinding (when necessary); defective material is removed prior to shipment.
4. Positive Material Identification (PMI)
The project required complete material traceability to prevent mixing AISI 431 with other martensitic stainless steel grades such as 420 or 410.
GNEE Solution：Every production batch was verified using Positive Material Identification (PMI) with spectrometer analysis.
Delivery Reliability
The Spanish client has scheduled CNC machining and assembly operations; any delivery delay would disrupt production and increase project costs.
GNEE has established a comprehensive production schedule covering raw material preparation, rolling, heat treatment, inspection, and export packaging.
| Process | Time |
|---|---|
| Raw Material Preparation | 2 Days |
| Rolling & Heat Treatment | 4 Days |
| Inspection | 1 Day |
| Export Packing | 1 Day |
| Container Loading | 1 Day |
| Total Production Cycle | 9 Working Days |
High-quality packaging
Packaging: Each sheet or coil is wrapped in moisture-proof paper with a plastic film lining and secured with steel strapping. The exterior is protected by wooden pallets or wooden crates to ensure safety during international transport.
Marking: Each package is labeled with the heat number, grade, dimensions, and standard specifications.
Shipping Method: Sea freight (FCL/LCL), air freight, or express delivery, depending on customer requirements.
Customer Feedback
"We selected GNEE for this project because of its professional engineering support and consistent product quality. The 11.2 tons of AISI 431 stainless steel plates were delivered 100% on schedule, with complete EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificates, PMI reports, and dimensional inspection records. The measured thickness tolerance was maintained within ±0.20 mm, and hardness variation between batches remained within ±8 HB, which significantly improved the stability of our CNC machining process. Compared with our previous supplier, tool wear was reduced by approximately 18%, machining efficiency increased by 15%, and all materials passed our incoming quality inspection without any claims or rework. We appreciate GNEE's responsive communication, reliable manufacturing, and professional export service, and we look forward to continuing our cooperation on future stainless steel projects.
Looking for AISI 431 Stainless Steel Plates?
If you are sourcing AISI 431 stainless steel plates for shafts, pump components, marine equipment, valves, turbine parts, precision machinery, or industrial engineering projects, GNEE offers complete manufacturing and export solutions.
From material selection and precision processing to inspection, certification, and global logistics, our experienced export team ensures every order meets your project specifications while arriving safely and on schedule.
Contact GNEE today to request the latest stock availability, technical specifications, Mill Test Certificates, and a competitive quotation for your next stainless steel project.
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