EN 10088-2 1.4016/X6Cr17 Cold Rolled Stainless Steel coils

EN 10088-2 1.4016 / X6Cr17 Cold Rolled Stainless Steel Coils

Gangsteel, a prominent Chinese exporter specializing in premium cold-rolled stainless steel products, proudly introduces our EN 10088-2 1.4016 / X6Cr17 cold-rolled stainless steel coils. This ferritic stainless steel grade, compliant with the European standard EN 10088-2 for stainless steels in flat products, offers an outstanding blend of corrosion resistance, mechanical robustness, and affordability. Designated as 1.4016 or X6Cr17, this material features a chromium content of 16-18%, making it a nickel-free option that excels in mildly corrosive environments while providing excellent formability and heat resistance. As an economical alternative to austenitic steels like 1.4301 (304), it is widely adopted in industries requiring durable, magnetic stainless solutions without the premium cost associated with nickel alloys.

Produced in state-of-the-art facilities in China, our 1.4016 / X6Cr17 coils are engineered for global export, meeting or exceeding EN standards as well as cross-referenced international norms. With a focus on cold-rolled formats, these coils are available in various surface finishes, including the highly sought-after BA (Bright Annealed) for superior reflectivity and cleanliness.

Gangsteel's commitment to quality ensures that our products undergo rigorous testing, including chemical analysis, mechanical evaluation, and surface inspection, to deliver consistent performance. Exported to regions such as Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East, these coils support diverse applications from household appliances to architectural cladding. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the material's properties, specifications, equivalents, pricing, and more, providing valuable insights for engineers, manufacturers, and procurement specialists.

Introduction to EN 10088-2 1.4016 / X6Cr17

EN 10088-2 is the European standard specifying technical delivery conditions for stainless steel sheet/plate and strip for general purposes. Within this framework, grade 1.4016 (also known as X6Cr17) is a ferritic stainless steel characterized by its body-centered cubic structure, which imparts magnetic properties and high thermal conductivity—approximately 26 W/m·K, outperforming austenitic grades by up to 50%. This grade resists oxidation and scaling effectively, with service temperatures reaching 815°C in intermittent conditions and 760°C continuously, making it suitable for moderate heat exposure without embrittlement.

The "X6Cr17" designation breaks down as follows: "X" indicates high-alloy steel, "6" represents the average carbon content multiplied by 100 (though actual carbon is low at ≤0.08%), "Cr17" denotes about 17% chromium. This composition forms a protective passive layer of chromium oxide, enhancing resistance to atmospheric corrosion, nitric acid, and organic acids. Unlike martensitic steels, 1.4016 remains soft and ductile after annealing, avoiding the need for complex heat treatments. Gangsteel's production process incorporates advanced cold rolling on multi-stand mills, followed by bright annealing in controlled atmospheres to achieve defect-free surfaces.

Key Benefits of 1.4016 / X6Cr17 Coils

• Economic Advantage: As a nickel-free ferritic, it costs 30-50% less than nickel-bearing austenitics, ideal for cost-sensitive projects.
• Enhanced Formability: Excellent ductility (elongation ≥30%) allows for deep drawing, stamping, and bending without cracking or work-hardening issues.
• Thermal Superiority: Low coefficient of thermal expansion (10.5 × 10⁻⁶/°C) minimizes distortion in welding or heating applications, and high conductivity aids in heat dissipation.
• Corrosion Resistance: Performs well in rural, urban, and industrial atmospheres; resistant to stress corrosion cracking in chloride-free settings.
• Sustainability: Fully recyclable with a low environmental footprint, aligning with modern green manufacturing standards.
• Versatility: Magnetic nature facilitates handling in automated processes, while weldability supports fabrication with standard methods like TIG or MIG.

Gangsteel's 1.4016 coils are customizable, with options for edge conditioning, protective films, and certification to EN 10204 3.1/3.2.

Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties

The precise control of chemical elements in 1.4016 ensures optimal performance, as per EN 10088-2.

Chemical Composition

The standard specifies the following weight percentages, with Gangsteel's products often at the tighter end for enhanced quality:

Chromium is the key alloying element, providing the passive film for corrosion protection. Low carbon and sulfur levels prevent carbide precipitation and improve weldability, reducing risks of intergranular attack. Nitrogen is controlled to avoid brittleness, while silicon enhances oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures.

Mechanical Properties

In the cold-rolled and annealed state, 1.4016 exhibits reliable mechanical characteristics, tested per EN ISO 6892-1.

These properties ensure the material's suitability for forming operations. At sub-zero temperatures, it retains toughness, and its fatigue strength is comparable to carbon steels in non-corrosive environments. Compared to austenitic grades, 1.4016 has lower work-hardening rates, facilitating easier machining and reducing tool wear.

Available Specifications and Finishes

Gangsteel's EN 10088-2 1.4016 / X6Cr17 cold-rolled stainless steel coils are produced to precise tolerances, accommodating a wide range of customer requirements.

Gangsteel's Type 430 BA coils are available in thicknesses from 0.25 mm to 3.0 mm, widths up to 1500 mm, and coil weights tailored to customer needs. Standard coil inner diameters are 508 mm or 610 mm, with outer diameters up to 2000 mm for efficient handling. Thickness tolerances comply with EN ISO 9445 (±0.02-0.05 mm depending on gauge), width tolerances ±0.3-0.5 mm, and flatness ≤5 mm/m. Custom slitting to narrower widths (down to 20 mm) and cut-to-length sheets are available, with options for mill edge, slit edge, or deburred finishes.

Surface Finishes

We offer multiple finishes to meet aesthetic and functional demands:

• 2D/2B: Cold-rolled, annealed, and pickled for a matte, uniform surface (Ra 0.2-0.5 μm), ideal for industrial applications.
• BA (Bright Annealed): Annealed in a protective atmosphere for a mirror-like shine (Ra <0.1 μm, gloss 70-90%), perfect for decorative uses.
• No.3/No.4: Polished with abrasives for a satin or brushed look, enhancing fingerprint resistance.
• HL (Hairline): Fine directional polish for architectural elegance.
• Custom: Embossed or colored finishes on request.

All surfaces are inspected using automated systems to ensure zero defects, with protective PVC/PE films for transit.

Manufacturing Process at Gangsteel

Our production begins with high-purity raw materials melted in electric arc furnaces (EAF) or argon-oxygen decarburization (AOD) units to achieve exact chemistry. Hot rolling produces initial coils, which are then annealed and pickled to remove scale. Cold rolling on 4-high or 20-high Sendzimir mills reduces thickness while improving flatness and surface quality. Bright annealing in continuous furnaces under hydrogen-nitrogen mixtures prevents oxidation, followed by skin-passing for final calibration.

Quality control includes ultrasonic testing for internal defects, eddy current for surface flaws, and spectrometer analysis for composition. Third-party inspections by SGS, BV, or TUV ensure compliance. Gangsteel's ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certifications underscore our commitment to excellence, with full traceability from melt to delivery.

Equivalent Materials

1.4016 / X6Cr17 is interchangeable with several global grades, facilitating international sourcing and substitution. These equivalents share similar chemical compositions (16-18% Cr, low C), mechanical properties, and applications, though minor differences in standards may affect tolerances or testing.

These cross-references allow seamless integration into multinational projects. For instance, replacing SUS430 with 1.4016 in European designs requires no major adjustments, as both offer ≥220 MPa yield strength and similar weldability. Always verify specific requirements, as EN emphasizes environmental compliance (e.g., RoHS/REACH), while ASTM focuses on pressure vessel suitability. Gangsteel provides dual-certified materials to bridge standards.

Current Market Pricing (as of February 24, 2026)

Market prices for EN 10088-2 1.4016 coils remain stable amid balanced supply from China. Quotes are FOB China Port, CFR basis, influenced by chromium prices and demand.

Pricing for BA+PI Finish Coils (Thinner Gauges)

Total: 100 tons; Average: ~1249 USD/MT.

Pricing for BA+PI Finish Coils (Standard Gauges)

Total: 80 tons; Average: ~1237 USD/MT.

Pricing for BA Finish with Tolerances (Ultra-Thin)

Total: 80 tons; Value: 107,505 USD; Average: ~1344 USD/MT.

Bulk discounts apply for orders over 100 tons.

Applications of 1.4016 / X6Cr17 Coils

This grade's versatility spans multiple sectors.

Household Appliances

Used in washing machines, refrigerators, and ovens for panels and liners, leveraging BA finish for aesthetics and heat resistance.

Automotive Industry

Trim, fuel tanks, and exhaust systems benefit from formability and corrosion resistance in non-extreme conditions.

Architecture and Construction

Cladding, roofing, and facades utilize the material's weather resistance and low maintenance.

Food and Beverage

Hygienic surfaces for equipment like sinks and counters, compliant with food-contact regulations.

Industrial and Energy

Heat exchangers, conveyor belts, and solar frames exploit thermal properties.

In each application, 1.4016 offers longevity, reducing replacement costs.

FAQ

What is the main difference between 1.4016 and austenitic grades like 1.4301?

1.4016 is ferritic and magnetic, with better thermal conductivity but lower chloride resistance; it's cheaper due to no nickel.

Can 1.4016 be welded easily?

Yes, with preheating recommended for thick sections; use austenitic fillers to avoid brittleness.

What surface finish is best for decorative uses?

BA for its high reflectivity and smoothness.

Does Gangsteel offer samples?

Yes, small samples are available for testing, with lead times of 7-10 days.

How does pricing compare to global averages?

Chinese production keeps prices 10-20% lower than European mills, with quality on par.

Is 1.4016 suitable for outdoor use?

Yes, in mild atmospheres; for coastal areas, consider stabilized ferritics.

Gangsteel invites inquiries for EN 10088-2 1.4016 coils. With our expertise, we ensure tailored solutions for your needs.