Comprehensive Classification of Patterned Steel Plates: Differences and Selection Guide for Hot-Rolled, Cold-Rolled, and Stainless Steel Patterned Plates

1. Hot-Rolled Patterned Plates: Cost-Effective Choice for General Scenarios

Production Process

• Manufactured by rolling high-temperature (approximately 1,100°C) steel billets through hot-rolling mills to form plates with diamond, lentil, or round bean-shaped patterns.
• Characteristics: Rough surface, strong three-dimensional patterns, high strength, but lower precision and surface flatness.

Material

• Primarily made of carbon structural steel (e.g., Q235B), offering low cost.

Advantages

• Affordable: Simple production process, suitable for large-scale industrial applications.
• Excellent Anti-Slip Performance: Deep concave-convex patterns effectively increase friction, ideal for workshop floors, stair treads, and other scenarios.

Disadvantages

• Prone to surface oxidation and rust, requiring post-coating for corrosion protection (e.g., painting, galvanizing).
• Larger thickness tolerance (±0.3mm), unsuitable for precision equipment.

Typical Applications

• Industrial platforms, warehouse pallets, truck floors, mine anti-slip passages.

2. Cold-Rolled Patterned Plates: High Precision and Aesthetics

Production Process

• Further rolled at room temperature using cold-rolling mills on hot-rolled base plates, resulting in finer patterns and smoother surfaces.
• Characteristics: High dimensional accuracy (thickness tolerance ±0.1mm), shallow pattern depth (0.5–1.5mm), and smooth surface.

Material

• Mainly low-carbon steel (e.g., SPCC) or high-quality carbon steel, with some products annealed to improve plasticity.

Advantages

• High Precision: Suitable for scenarios requiring strict dimensional control (e.g., equipment panels, precision mechanical parts).
• Superior Surface Quality: Can be directly used as decorative surfaces (e.g., after spraying or electroplating).

Disadvantages

• 10%–20% higher cost than hot-rolled patterned plates.
• Lower anti-slip performance due to shallower patterns.

Typical Applications

• Elevator car floors, automotive interior panels, furniture decorative panels, instrument casings.

3. Stainless Steel Patterned Plates: Corrosion Resistance and High-End Positioning

Production Process

• Made from stainless steel coils (e.g., 304, 201, 316L) through cold-rolling or hot-rolling, with some products requiring surface polishing or brushing.

Material

• Popular materials include 304 stainless steel (excellent corrosion resistance, comprehensive performance) and 201 stainless steel (low cost, inferior corrosion resistance).

Advantages

• Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: No additional anti-corrosion treatment needed, suitable for humid and acidic/alkaline environments (e.g., marine engineering, chemical equipment).
• Elegant Appearance: Three-dimensional patterns after mirror polishing, widely used in high-end decoration (e.g., commercial plaza floors, hotel walls).

Disadvantages

• High cost (3–5 times that of ordinary steel patterned plates).
• Difficult to process, requiring professional equipment for cutting and welding.

Typical Applications

• Ship decks, food processing workshops, commercial complex curtain walls, high-end kitchen and bathroom equipment.

4. Selection Guide: Three Steps to Choose the Right Patterned Plate

1. Select Material Based on Environment

• Ordinary Dry Environment: Prioritize hot-rolled or cold-rolled carbon steel patterned plates (low cost).
• Humid/Corrosive Environment: Must use stainless steel patterned plates (e.g., 304 material).
• Acidic/Alkaline/Salt Spray Environment: Recommend 316L stainless steel or hot-rolled plates with galvanized surfaces.

2. Choose Process Based on Performance Requirements

• High Anti-Slip Needs: Opt for hot-rolled patterned plates (pattern depth ≥2mm).
• High-Precision Assembly: Select cold-rolled patterned plates (thickness tolerance ≤±0.15mm).
• Decorative Purposes: Choose cold-rolled stainless steel patterned plates (customizable mirror or brushing finishes).

3. Balance Cost with Budget

• Economical Option: Hot-rolled carbon steel patterned plates (unit price: ~USD 560–840/ton).
• Mid-Range Option: Cold-rolled galvanized patterned plates or 201 stainless steel patterned plates (unit price: ~USD 1,120–1,680/ton).
• High-End Option: 304/316L stainless steel patterned plates (unit price: ~USD 2,100–4,200/ton).

5. Notes

• Surface Treatment: Hot-rolled patterned plates require rust prevention (e.g., anti-rust paint), while stainless steel plates can be passivated or coated as needed.
• Specification Matching: Confirm thickness (common: 2–8mm), width (1–1.5m), and length (6–12m) to meet processing requirements.
• Quality Inspection: Focus on pattern clarity, surface flatness, and material certification (e.g., spectral analysis reports for stainless steel).