Astm Stainless Steel Sheet
ASTM, AISI, JIS, and SUS are different stainless steel classification systems used in different regions and industries:
- ASTM focuses on engineering standards and performance testing
- AISI provides simple grade naming (304, 316, etc.)
- JIS is the Japanese industrial standard system
- SUS is the stainless steel designation under JIS
- Description
ASTM stainless steel sheet refers to stainless steel materials produced and tested under the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standard system. In global trade and engineering, stainless steel sheets are commonly identified using different standards such as ASTM, AISI, JIS, and SUS, which describe similar materials but follow different classification systems.
Understanding these standards is important for material selection, international procurement, and technical communication.
1. ASTM Standard (USA)
ASTM is one of the most widely used international material standards, especially in engineering and export markets.
Features of ASTM Standard
- Defines chemical composition, mechanical properties, and testing methods
- Widely used in construction, petrochemical, and industrial applications
- Often paired with ASME specifications in pressure equipment
Common ASTM Stainless Steel Grades
| ASTM Grade | Equivalent Type |
|---|---|
| ASTM 304 | General austenitic stainless steel |
| ASTM 316 | Marine-grade stainless steel |
| ASTM 430 | Ferritic stainless steel |
| ASTM 201 | Low-nickel stainless steel |
ASTM focuses more on performance requirements and testing methods.
2. AISI Standard (USA Steel Institute System)
AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute) is an older naming system that mainly defines stainless steel by grade numbers.
Features of AISI System
- Simple grade identification system (e.g., 304, 316, 430)
- Does not always specify detailed testing requirements
- Often aligned with ASTM materials
Common AISI Grades
| AISI Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| AISI 304 | Standard corrosion-resistant stainless steel |
| AISI 316 | Molybdenum-enhanced corrosion resistance |
| AISI 430 | Ferritic stainless steel |
| AISI 201 | Cost-effective alternative |
👉 AISI is mainly a naming system, not a full technical standard.
3. JIS Standard (Japan Industrial Standard)
JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) is widely used in Japan and Asia for stainless steel classification.
Features of JIS System
- Uses different codes compared to ASTM/AISI
- Includes detailed material specifications and processing requirements
- Common in machinery, automotive, and precision industries
Common JIS Stainless Steel Grades
| JIS Grade | Equivalent |
|---|---|
| SUS304 | Equivalent to 304 |
| SUS316 | Equivalent to 316 |
| SUS430 | Equivalent to 430 |
| SUS201 | Equivalent to 201 |
4. SUS Standard (Japan Stainless Steel Designation)
SUS is part of the JIS system and specifically refers to stainless steel grades.
Features of SUS System
- “SUS” stands for Steel Use Stainless
- Directly used in material naming (e.g., SUS304)
- Very common in Asian markets and manufacturing drawings
Common SUS Grades
| SUS Grade | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| SUS304 | General-purpose stainless steel |
| SUS316 | High corrosion resistance |
| SUS430 | Ferritic stainless steel |
| SUS301 | High-strength stainless steel |
5. Comparison of ASTM, AISI, JIS, SUS
| System | Region | Type | Main Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM | USA / Global | Engineering standard | Detailed performance & testing |
| AISI | USA | Naming system | Simple grade identification |
| JIS | Japan | National standard | Full technical specification |
| SUS | Japan | Material code | Stainless steel designation |
6. Equivalent Relationship Example (304 Stainless Steel)
| Standard | Name |
|---|---|
| ASTM | ASTM 304 |
| AISI | 304 |
| JIS | SUS304 |
| EN (EU reference) | 1.4301 |
All refer to similar stainless steel chemistry but follow different standard systems.
7. Key Differences in Practice
ASTM vs AISI
- ASTM = technical standard (properties + testing)
- AISI = grade naming system
JIS vs SUS
- JIS = full industrial standard system
- SUS = stainless steel grade code within JIS
Global Usage Trend
- ASTM dominates international engineering projects
- SUS/JIS widely used in Asia
- AISI still used in trade naming conventions
