Clad Steel Plate

Clad steel plate is a composite material produced by metallurgically bonding a base steel (carbon or low-alloy steel) with a corrosion-resistant cladding layer (such as stainless steel, nickel alloy, or copper alloy). It combines the mechanical strength and cost efficiency of the base metal with the corrosion, wear, or heat resistance of the cladding.

 

A clad steel plate is a composite material consisting of a carbon or low-alloy steel base plate metallurgically bonded with a corrosion-resistant metal layer on one or both sides.

The base steel provides strength and load-bearing capability, while the cladding layer offers corrosion resistance, heat resistance, or wear resistance.

 

If you want to learn about the specific grades of shipbuilding steel plates, you can click on the Clad steel plates Product Page.

 

 

Thickness	Heavy plate(5-400mm), Hot rolled coil(1.5-25.4mm), Cold rolled coil(0.17-4.5mm)
Width	Heavy plate(900-4500mm), Hot rolled coil(600-1600mm), Cold rolled coil(700-1500mm)
Cladding layer quantity	Single side cladded / Double side cladded
Base plate material	Q235A, Q235B, Q235C, Q345A, Q345B, Q345C, SS400, Q245R, Q345R, Q390, Q420, Q460, Q550, Q690, S355M, S420M, S460M,X52, X65, X70, 12CrMo, 12CrMoR., 14CrMo.14CrMoR, 15CrMo, 15CrMoR, SA516Gr.70, SA387Gr.11, SA387Gr.12, SA387Gr.22, SA533CL1, A/B/D/E DH32, DH36, EH36, EH40, FH36, FH40
Transition layer material	304, 304L, 305, 308, 309S, 310S, 312, 316, 316L, 317, 317L, 321, 347, 2506, 2507, 405, 429, 430, 434, 443, 403, 410, 420, 431, 630, 631, 632
Cladding plate material	304, 304L, 305, 308, 312, 347, 405, 429, 430, 403, 410, 410S, 420, 431, 434, 443, 632

 

 

If you want to learn about the specific grades of shipbuilding steel plates, you can click on the Clad steel plates Product Page.

 

 

1. Cost-Effective Combination of High Performance

Clad steel plate is composed of two layers: a base metal (e.g., carbon steel, low-alloy steel such as Q235, P275) and a cladding metal (e.g., stainless steel, nickel-based alloy, titanium). The base metal provides structural strength and cost efficiency, while the cladding layer delivers specialized performance (e.g., corrosion resistance, wear resistance). This design avoids the high cost of using solid alloy steel, reducing material costs by 30-60% compared to monolithic corrosion-resistant alloys-ideal for large-scale projects requiring both performance and budget control.

 

2. Superior Corrosion Resistance

The cladding layer is typically made of corrosion-resistant materials such as 304/316 stainless steel, Hastelloy, or Inconel. It forms a dense protective film that resists corrosion from acids, alkalis, salts, and harsh environments (e.g., seawater, chemical media). For example, in marine or chemical processing applications, clad steel plate outperforms carbon steel by eliminating rust and degradation, extending the service life of equipment by 2-3 times. Unlike painted or coated steel, the cladding layer is metallurgically bonded to the base metal, ensuring long-term durability without peeling or cracking.

 

3. Excellent Mechanical Properties

Through advanced manufacturing processes (e.g., hot rolling, explosive cladding, laser cladding), the base and cladding metals form a strong metallurgical bond. This ensures the clad steel plate retains the base metal's high tensile strength, ductility, and impact resistance, while leveraging the cladding layer's hardness or wear resistance. For instance, clad steel with a carbon steel base (e.g., DC01) and stainless steel cladding (e.g., 304) offers a tensile strength of 370-500 MPa and elongation ≥25%, meeting the structural requirements of pressure vessels, bridges, and machinery.

 

4. Customization for Diverse Requirements

Clad steel plate can be tailored to specific industry needs by selecting different base and cladding materials, thicknesses, and sizes. Common combinations include:

Carbon steel + stainless steel (for general corrosion resistance in chemical, food, and water treatment industries);

Low-alloy steel (e.g., SA612) + nickel-based alloy (for high-temperature and high-pressure corrosion in oil and gas refining);

Carbon steel + titanium (for extreme corrosion resistance in desalination plants or pharmaceutical equipment).GNEE Steel offers custom clad steel solutions with cladding thicknesses ranging from 2mm to 20mm and base metal thicknesses up to 300mm, adapting to diverse project specifications.

 

5. Environmental Sustainability

By reducing the consumption of scarce and expensive alloy materials, clad steel plate promotes resource efficiency. Its long service life minimizes the need for frequent replacement, lowering carbon emissions associated with material production and waste disposal. Additionally, the recyclability of both base and cladding metals aligns with global sustainability goals, making it a preferred choice for green projects.

 

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Cost-effective: Uses expensive alloy only where needed (surface).

High performance: Excellent corrosion resistance + structural strength.

Long service life: Reduced maintenance in aggressive environments.

Design flexibility: Multiple material combinations for specific media.

 

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If you want to learn about the specific grades of shipbuilding steel plates, you can click on the Clad steel plates Product Page.

 

 

We mainly use

» Structural steels

» Pressure vessel steels

» Linepipe steels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depending on the requirements of the respective standards and customer specifications as well as on the required corrosion resistance of the cladding materials, we provide the following delivery conditions:

» As rolled with simulated testing

» Normalizing rolled

» Normalized (furnace)

» Normalized and tempered

» Quenched and tempered

» Thermomechanically rolled and accelerated cooled (TMCP)

 

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If you want to learn about the specific grades of shipbuilding steel plates, you can click on the Clad steel plates Product Page.

 

 

1. Oil and Gas Industry

Offshore platforms: Clad steel plate (e.g., API 5L X65 base + 316L cladding) resists seawater corrosion and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) attack, used in hull structures, pipelines, and risers.

Refineries and petrochemical plants: Employed in pressure vessels, reactors, and storage tanks handling corrosive media (e.g., sulfuric acid, crude oil), where the cladding layer prevents chemical degradation.

 

2. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry

Chemical reactors and pipelines: Clad steel with Hastelloy or Inconel cladding withstands aggressive chemicals (e.g., hydrochloric acid, nitric acid) at high temperatures and pressures.

Pharmaceutical equipment: Stainless steel-clad carbon steel ensures hygiene and corrosion resistance for drug production equipment (e.g., mixing tanks, sterilizers), complying with GMP standards.

 

3. Marine and Shipbuilding Industry

Ship hulls and decks: Clad steel plate (e.g., DH36 base + 316 cladding) resists saltwater corrosion and marine biofouling, reducing maintenance costs for ships, offshore wind turbines, and coastal structures.

Desalination plants: Titanium or stainless steel-clad steel is used in heat exchangers and reverse osmosis systems, enduring the corrosive effects of seawater during desalination.

 

4. Construction and Infrastructure

Bridges and tunnels: Clad steel with corrosion-resistant cladding extends the service life of infrastructure in harsh environments (e.g., coastal areas, industrial zones) without frequent painting or maintenance.

Architectural facades: Stainless steel-clad carbon steel combines aesthetic appeal with durability, used in high-rise buildings, airports, and stadiums for decorative and structural purposes.

 

5. Food Processing and Water Treatment

Food processing equipment: Stainless steel-clad steel ensures food safety by resisting corrosion from acidic or salty food products, used in tanks, conveyors, and processing lines.

Water treatment plants: Clad steel plate is used in pipelines, filters, and storage tanks for drinking water or wastewater treatment, preventing contamination and corrosion.

 

6. Machinery and Manufacturing

Heavy machinery components: Wear-resistant cladding (e.g., chromium carbide) on carbon steel base enhances the durability of excavator buckets, crusher liners, and industrial gears.

Automotive and aerospace: Lightweight clad steel (e.g., aluminum-clad steel) is used in vehicle bodies and aircraft components to reduce weight while maintaining strength and corrosion resistance.

 

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According To ASTM

		Chemical composotion(heat analysis)%								Mechanical properties
Standard	Steel grade	C max.	Si max.	Mn max.	P max.	S max.	Cr max.	Ni max.	Mo max.	Yield strength min.[MPa]	Tensile strength [MPa]	Comparable steel grade of EN10028
ASTM	A285 GradeC	0.28		0.9	0.025	0.025				205	380-515	P235GH
	A516 Grade60	0.21	0.15-0.40	0.60-0.90	0.025	0.025			-	220	415-550	P275
	A516 Grade65	0.24	0.15-0.40	0.85-1.20	0.025	0.025			-	240	450-585	P355
	A516 Grade70	0.27	0.15-0.40	0.85-1.20	0.025	0.025			-	260	485-620	P355
	A572Grade65 Type1	0.23	0.4	1.65	0.04	0.05				450	≥550	P460
	A204 Grade A	0.18	0.15-0.40	0.9	0.025	0.025			0.45-0.60	255	450-585	16Mo3
	A204 Grade B	0.2	0.15-0.40	0.9	0.025	0.025			0.45-0.60	275	485-620	16Mo3
	A302 Grade B	0.2	0.15-0.40	1.15-1.50	0.025	0.025		-	0.45-0.60	345	550-690	18MnMo4-5
	A533 Type B Class1	0.25	0.15-0.40	1.15-1.50	0.025	0.025		0.40-0.70	0.45-0.60	345	550-690	20MnMoNi4-5
	A533 Type B Class2	0.25	0.15-0.40	1.15-1.50	0.025	0.025	-	0.40-0.70	0.45-0.60	485	620-795	20MnMoNi4-5
	A387Grade11 Class2	0.05-0.17	0.50-0.80	0.40-0.65	0.025	0.025	1.00-1.50	-	0.45-0.65	310	515-690	13CrMoSi5-5
	A387 Grade12 Class2	0.05-0.17	0.15-0.40	0.40-0.65	0.025	0.025	0.80-1.15	-	0.45-0.60	275	450-585	13CrMo4-5
	A387 Grade22 Class2	0.05-0.15	0.5	0.30-0.60	0.025	0.025	2.00-2.50	-	0.90-1.10	310	515-690	12CrMo9-10
	A542 Type D Class4	0.11-0.15	0.1	0.30-0.60	0.015	0.01	2.00-2.50	0.25	0.90-1.10	380	585-760	13CrMoV9-10
	A841 Grade A Class1	0.2	0.15-0.50	0.70-1.60	0.03	0.03	0.25	0.25	0.08	345	485-620	P355

 

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If you want to learn about the specific grades of shipbuilding steel plates, you can click on the Clad steel plates Product Page.

 

			Chemical composition(heat analysis)%									Mean pitting resistance equivalent number(PREN) Cr+3.3Mo+16n[%]	Comparable grade of EN 10088
Standard	EN material number	Steel grade	C max	Si max	Mn max	P max	S max	Cr	Ni	Mo	Others
‌ASTM A240 and ASME SA240‌	S41008	410S	0.08	1	1	0.4	0.03	11.5-13.5	max 0.60	-	-	-	1.4
	S30400	304	0.07	0.75	2	0.045	0.03	17.5-19.5	8.0-10.5	-	N ≤0.10	-	1.4301
	S30403	304L	0.03	0.75	2	0.045	0.03	17.5-19.5	8.0-12.0	-	N ≤0.10	-	1.4306
	S32100	321	0.08	0.75	2	0.045	0.03	17.0-19.0	9.0-12.0	-	5×(C+N) ≤Ti ≤0.70	-	1.4541
	S34700	347	0.08	0.75	2	0.045	0.03	17.0-19.0	9.0-13.0	-	10×C ≤Nb ≥1.00	-	1.455
	S31600	316	0.08	0.75	2	0.045	0.03	16.0-18.0	10.0-14.0	2.0-3.0	N ≤0.10	25	1.4401
	S31603	316L	0.03	0.75	2	0.045	0.03	16.0-18.0	10.0-14.0	2.0-3.0	N ≤0.10	25	1.4404
	-	316L Mod Mo ≥2.5	0.03	0.75	2	0.045	0.03	16.0-18.0	10.0-14.0	2.5-3.0	N ≤0.10	27	1.4432/1.4435
	S31635	316Ti	0.08	0.75	2	0.045	0.03	16.0-18.0	10.0-14.0	2.0-3.0	5×(C+N) ≤Ti ≤0.70	25	1.4571
	S31653	316LN	0.03	0.75	2	0.045	0.03	16.0-18.0	10.0-14.0	2.0-3.0	N=0.10-0.16	27	-
	-	316LN Mod Mo ≥2.5	0.03	0.75	2	0.045	0.03	16.0-18.0	10.0-14.0	2.5-3.0	N=0.10-0.16	29	1.4429
	S31703	317L	0.03	0.75	2	0.045	0.03	18.0-20.0	11.0-15.0	3.0-4.0	N ≤0.10	31	1.4438
	S31726	317LMN	0.03	0.75	2	0.045	0.03	17.0-19.0	13.5-17.5	4.0-5.0	N=0.10-0.20	35	1.4439

 

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If you want to learn about the specific grades of shipbuilding steel plates, you can click on the Clad steel plates Product Page.

 

 

How is clad steel plate manufactured?

Common manufacturing methods include:

Explosion Bonding (EXW) – High bond strength, suitable for thick plates and dissimilar metals

Hot Roll Bonding (HRB) – Economical for large-scale production

Roll Bonding + Heat Treatment – Improves interface diffusion

Overlay Welding (less common for plates)

Among these, explosion-bonded clad plates are widely used in pressure vessels due to their excellent bonding integrity.

 

What materials are used for cladding layers?

Typical cladding materials include:

Stainless Steel (304, 316L, 321, 347)

Duplex & Super Duplex Stainless Steel

Nickel Alloys (Inconel, Monel, Hastelloy)

Titanium

Copper & Copper Alloys

Aluminum Alloys

The choice depends on corrosion type, temperature, pressure, and process media.

 

What base materials are used in clad steel plates?

Common base plates include:

Carbon steel: SA516 Gr.60/70, Q345R

Pressure vessel steel: SA387, SA204

Structural steel: A516, A36, S355

Low-temperature steel: SA203, SA333

The base plate ensures mechanical strength and cost efficiency.

 

What standards apply to clad steel plates?

International standards include:

ASME SA-263 – Stainless steel clad plates

ASME SA-264 – Nickel alloy clad plates

ASME SA-265 – General clad steel plates

ASTM A263 / A264 / A265

EN 13445 / EN 10222 (project-specific)

GB/T 8165 (China)

Pressure vessel applications often require ASME code compliance.

 

What are the main advantages of clad steel plates?

Key benefits include:

Excellent corrosion resistance

Lower cost compared to solid alloy plates

High mechanical strength

Long service life

Reduced maintenance

Design flexibility

Clad plates combine performance with economic efficiency.

 

Where are clad steel plates commonly used?

Clad steel plates are widely applied in:

Pressure vessels and reactors

Heat exchangers

Chemical processing equipment

Petrochemical and refinery units

Desalination plants

Offshore platforms

Storage tanks

They are especially suitable for corrosive and high-pressure environments.

 

Are clad steel plates suitable for pressure vessels?

Yes.
Clad steel plates are widely approved for pressure vessel construction, provided they meet relevant standards (ASME, EN) and undergo required inspections such as:

Ultrasonic testing (UT)

Shear and bend tests

Bond integrity testing

They are commonly used in ASME-coded pressure vessels.

 

Can clad steel plates be welded?

Yes, but special procedures are required:

Use compatible filler materials for the cladding layer

Control heat input to prevent dilution

Apply buttering layers when necessary

Follow qualified WPS and PQR

Proper welding ensures corrosion resistance at joints.

 

What thickness ranges are available?

Typical thickness ranges include:

Base plate: 10 – 200 mm

Cladding layer: 2 – 10 mm (single side)

Total thickness: up to 220 mm or more

Custom thickness combinations are available based on project requirements.

 

How is the bond quality of clad steel plates tested?

Bond integrity is verified through:

Ultrasonic testing (UT)

Shear strength tests

Bend tests

Macro & microstructure examination

High-quality clad plates must meet minimum bond strength requirements per standards.

 

What is the difference between clad steel plate and solid alloy plate?

Item	Clad Steel Plate	Solid Alloy Plate
Cost	Lower	Very high
Strength	High (base steel)	Lower for same cost
Corrosion resistance	Excellent (clad side)	Excellent
Fabrication	More complex	Easier
Weight	Optimized	Heavy

Clad plates offer the best balance of performance and cost.

 

Can clad steel plates be cut and formed?

Yes.
Clad plates support:

Flame cutting

Plasma cutting

Water jet cutting

Cold and hot forming

Care must be taken to protect the cladding layer during processing.

 

What inspections and certifications are provided?

Typical documentation includes:

Mill Test Certificate (EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2)

UT reports

Chemical & mechanical test reports

Explosion bonding qualification

Third-party inspection (SGS, BV, TUV)

 

How to choose a reliable clad steel plate supplier?

A qualified supplier should offer:

Full ASME / ASTM compliance

Proven explosion bonding or roll bonding capability

Experience in pressure vessel projects

Custom material combinations

Export packaging and logistics support

 

Clad Steel Plate Typical Products From GNEE

Product	Steel grade	Thickness(mm)
Pipeline for Strongly acidic gas	S31254+Q345B	8-20
Nickel Based Alloy Clad Steel	825+X65	3+22
Cold-Rolled Steel Sheet for Elevator	304L+BDT01+304L
Special Ferritic Stainless Steel Clad Plate for the Application of Precast Concrete Mold	Special ferritic stainless stee+Q345	10
Duplex Stainless Steel Clad Plate	S32205 +Q345C	4+20
Clad Plate for Wear-Resisting Pipe 30Cr13+Q235B	30Cr13+Q235B	6+8
Clad plate for corrosion resistant pipeline	316L+Q345B	3+10

ASTM B898 Clad steel plate
P265GH+410 Clad steel plate	A537CL1+304L Clad steel plate
A516Gr70(NACE)+410 Clad steel plate	A516Gr70+304L Clad steel plate
A516Gr70+410 Clad steel plate	S355JR+304L Clad steel plate
A537CL1+410 Clad steel plate	Q345B+304L Clad steel plate
S355JR+410 Clad steel plate	Q235B+304L Clad steel plate
A537CL1+904L Clad steel plate	A537CL1+304 Clad steel plate
A516Gr70+904L Clad steel plate	A516Gr70+304 Clad steel plate
P265GH+904L Clad steel plate	S355JR+304 Clad steel plate
A516Gr70+316 Clad steel plate	Q345B+304 Clad steel plate
A537CL1+316L Clad steel plate	Q235B + 304 Clad steel plate
A516Gr70+316L Clad steel plate	Q345R+304 Clad steel plate
S355JR+316L Clad steel plate	S32205+Q345C Clad steel plate

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