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.
What is a clad steel plate?
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.
Size and Grade
| 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.
Why Use Clad Steel Plate?
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.
If you want to learn about the specific grades of shipbuilding steel plates, you can click on the Clad steel plates Product Page.
Clad Steel Base Materials
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)
If you want to learn about the specific grades of shipbuilding steel plates, you can click on the Clad steel plates Product Page.
Base Materials:structural Steels And Pressure Vessel Steels
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 | |
If you want to learn about the specific grades of shipbuilding steel plates, you can click on the Clad steel plates Product Page.
Base Materials: Fitting Steels And Linepipe Steels
According To ASTM,API5L And DNVGL-ST-F101
| Chemical composition(heat analysis) % | Mechanical properties | |||||||||||||
| Standard | Steel grade | C max. |
Si max. |
Mn max. |
P max. |
S max. |
Cr max. |
Ni max. |
Cu max. |
M0 max. |
v max. |
Yield strength min.[MPa] |
Tensile strength [MPa] |
Comparable steel grade of ASTM/DNVGL/API |
| ASTM | A106 GradeB | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.29-1.06 | 0.035 | 0.035 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.15 | 0.08 | 240 | 415 | ASTM A516 Grade65 |
| A672 GradeC60 | 0.21 | 0.15-0.40 | 0.60-0.90 | 0.025 | 0.025 | - | - | - | - | - | 220 | 415-550 | ASTM A516 Grade60 | |
| A672GradeC70 | 0.27 | 0.15-0.40 | 0.85-1.20 | 0.025 | 0.025 | - | - | - | - | - | 260 | 485-620 | ASTM A516Grade70 | |
| ASTM A860 | WPHY42 | 0.2 | 0.15-0.40 | 1.00-1.45 | 0.03 | 0.01 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.35 | 0.25 | 0.1 | 290 | 415-585 | - |
| WPHY52 | 360 | 455-625 | ||||||||||||
| WPHY60 | 415 | 515-690 | ||||||||||||
| WPHY 65 | 450 | 530-705 | ||||||||||||
| API 5L | GradeB-PSL2 | 0.22 | 0.45 | 1.2 | 0.025 | 0.015 | - | - | - | - | - | 245-450 | 415-655 | DNVGL SAWL245 |
| X52-PSL2 | 0.22 | 0.45 | 1.4 | 0.025 | 0.015 | - | - | - | - | - | 360-530 | 460-760 | DNVGL SAWL 360 | |
| X60-PSL2 | 0.12 | 0.45 | 1.6 | 0.025 | 0.015 | - | - | - | - | - | 415-565 | 520-760 | DNVGL SAWL415 | |
| X65-PSL2 | 0.12 | 0.45 | 1.6 | 0.025 | 0.015 | - | - | - | - | - | 450-600 | 535-760 | DNVGL SAWL450 | |
| DNVGL-ST-F101 | SAWL245 | 0.12 | 0.4 | 1.25 | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.35 | 0.1 | 0.04 | 245-450 | 415-760 | API 5L GradeB |
| SAWL 360 | 0.12 | 0.45 | 1.65 | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.05 | 360-525 | 460-760 | API 5L X52 | |
| SAWL415 | 0.12 | 0.45 | 1.65 | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.08 | 415-565 | 520-760 | APL 5L X60 | |
| SAWL450 | 0.12 | 0.45 | 1.65 | 0.02 | 0.01 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 450-570 | 535-760 | API 5L X65 | |
If you want to learn about the specific grades of shipbuilding steel plates, you can click on the Clad steel plates Product Page.
Clad Materials For The Roll-bonded Clad Plates
We mainly use Ferritic and austenitic stainless steels and heat-resistant steels.
| Standard | EN material number | Steel grade | Chemical composition(heat analysis)% | Mean pitting resistance equivalent number(PREN) Cr+3.3Mo+16n[%] |
Comparable ASTM A240/ASME SA240 type | ||||||||
| C max | Si max | Mn max | P max | S max | Cr | Ni | Mo | Others | |||||
| EN 10088 | 1.4000 | X6Cr13 | 0.08 | 1.0 | 1 | 0.4 | 0.03 | 12.0-14.0 | - | - | - | - | 410S |
| 1.4301 | X5CrNi18-10 | 0.07 | 1.0 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 17.5-19.5 | 8.0-10.5 | - | N ≤0.10 | - | 304 | |
| 1.4306 | X2CrNi19-11 | 0.03 | 1.0 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 18.0-20.0 | 10.0-12.0 | - | N ≤0.10 | - | 304L | |
| 1.4541 | X6CrNiTi18-10 | 0.08 | 1.0 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 17.0-19.0 | 9.0-12.0 | - | 5×C ≤Ti ≤0.70 | - | 321 | |
| 1.4550 | X6CrNiNb18-10 | 0.08 | 1.0 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.015 | 17.0-19.0 | 9.0-12.0 | - | 10×C ≤Nb ≥1.00 | - | 347 | |
| 1.4401 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | 0.07 | 1.0 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 16.5-18.5 | 10.0-13.0 | 2.0-2.5 | N ≤0.10 | 25 | 316 | |
| 1.4404 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | 0.03 | 1.0 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 16.5-18.5 | 10.5-13.5 | 2.0-2.5 | N ≤0.10 | 25 | 316L | |
| 1.4571 | X6CrNiMoTi17-12-2 | 0.08 | 1.0 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 16.5-18.5 | 10.0-13.0 | 2.0-2.5 | 5×C ≤Ti ≤0.70 | 25 | 316Ti | |
| 1.4432 | X2CrNiMo17-12-3 | 0.03 | 1.0 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 16.5-18.5 | 10.5-13.0 | 2.5-3.0 | N ≤0.10 | 27 | 316L Mod Mo ≥2.5 | |
| 1.4435 | X2CrNiMo18-14-3 | 0.03 | 1.0 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 17.0-19.0 | 12.5-14.5 | 2.5-3.0 | N ≤0.10 | 28 | 316L Mod Mo ≥2.5 | |
| 1.4429 | X2CrNiMo17-13-3 | 0.03 | 1.0 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.015 | 16.5-18.5 | 11.0-13.0 | 2.5-3.0 | N=0.12-0.22 | 29 | 316LN Mod Mo ≥2.5 | |
| 1.4438 | X2CrNiMo18-15-4 | 0.03 | 1.0 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.03 | 17.5-19.5 | 13.0-16.0 | 3.0-4.0 | N ≤0.10 | 31 | 317L | |
| 1.4439 | X2CrNiMoN17-13-5 | 0.03 | 1.0 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.015 | 16.5-18.5 | 12.5-14.5 | 4.0-5.0 | N=0.12-0.22 | 35 | 317LMN | |
| SEW 470 | 1.4828 | X15CrNiSi20-12 | 0.20 | 1.5-2.5 | 2 | 0.045 | 0.015 | 19.0-21.0 | 11.0-13.0 | - | N ≤0.10 | - | - |
| 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 | |
If you want to learn about the specific grades of shipbuilding steel plates, you can click on the Clad steel plates Product Page.
FAQ
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 |
