C17 · Textile
Features and Selection of Stainless Steel for the Textile Industry: 316L/304 and a List of 7 Positions
In the textile industry, we have compiled 7 positions where stainless steel is used: commonly 316L / 304 / 321, thickness from 1–400 mm.
List of Components and Selected Materials
| Component / Part | Recommended Grade | Size / Thickness | Surface | Main Test | Reference Test Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J-Glass for High-Pressure and High-Speed Dyeing Machines | 316L/304/321 | Shell thickness approx. 4 mm | 2B / Pickled and Intermediate | Cl⁻ in the solution far exceeds the SCC threshold of austenitic steel at approx. 60°C; cracking initiates from weld seams / Flanges / HAZ | GB/T 3280; GB/T 150; GB/T 4334 |
| Dye liquor vessel heat path and weld seams | 316L | Guide bar dimensions 1.0–2.0 mm | Pickled and Bright | Cl⁻ concentrated in cold water condensed from welding + tensile stress from welding → SCC at weld points | GB/T 151; GB/T 4334 |
| Textile guide path (core / surface) | 304/316L | Guide diameter 100–400 mm; shell thickness 2–6 mm | Mirror / HL | Dyes, additives and acid-base corrosion; no rust after 120 hours of salt spray testing is the standard inspection criterion | GB/T 3280; FZ/T 90001 series |
| Stenter and Mercerizing machines, Chemical Login | 316L | 2.0–6.0 mm | Select Material Select Language | Standard Conditions | GB/T 3280 |
| Caustic wash + hydrochloric acid + high alkali | 316L/904L | 2.0–6.0 mm | Drying drum / Guide tube | Select Material Type | GB/T 3280; ASTM A240 |
| Sulfuric acid/succinic acid + high temperature + Cl⁻ | 316L | Box Navigation, Flow Meter Light | Casting/Forging 5–30 mm | Surface finish / mirror side | GB/T 3280; GB/T 1220 |
| High-temperature polymer degradation + abrasion | 304/316L | 1.0–3.0 mm | Water permeation cable / filament forming | Select Material Type | GB/T 3280 |
Caustic wash + pressure regulation + dyeingIn the table areStandard Conditions
Specifying operating conditions more clearly, rather than just designating the steel grade, will save time.
- The most common machines are
- Chloride ion and mu corrosion conditions commonly encountered (rust, crevice corrosion) (5/7 items affected).
- Elements to watch when working with precious metal components (increased pigmentation and corrosion from chloride ion stress) (3/7 items affected).
- Thickness from 1–400 mm: thin sheets are typically formed parts (check deformation during bending), thick plates are typically precious metal structures (check heat transfer and pigmentation).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which precious steel grade is most used in the garment industry?
According to the overall statistics of 7 components, the most frequent are Grade 316L (7), Grade 304 (3), Grade 321 (1). For specifics, each component's conditions and temperature must be checked; for example, the precious surface of stainless steel may switch from 304 to 316L due to contact with salt water.
Which elements are most prone to problems?
According to service life: Cl⁻ coloration, far exceeding the SCC threshold of austenitic steel at approx. 60°C;
What thickness is typically required?
The list covers a thickness range of 1–400 mm. For thin steel, consider shape and surface; for thick steel, consider structural weld strength; the same position will also differ between manufacturers, so check against your drawings or operating conditions.
Related Materials and Similar Industries
Applications7
Thickness1–400mm
Grades400/316L