Cold Rolled 347 Stainless Steel Sheet

The fundamental difference is the stabilizing element: 347 uses niobium (Nb), while 321 uses titanium (Ti). Both elements do the same job — they bind carbon to prevent chromium carbide formation (sensitization) at high temperatures.

Practical differences:

• 347 has better creep and stress-rupture strength at temperatures above 650°C (1200°F), making it preferred for long-duration high-temperature service like power plant boiler tubes

• 321 is slightly easier to weld in some conditions because titanium has a lower melting point than niobium, though both weld excellently

• Price is virtually the same — both are specialized stabilized grades commanding similar premiums over 304

• Availability: 347 is more commonly stocked internationally; 321 is sometimes specified in older designs or where Ti stabilization is contractually mandated

For new designs involving high-temperature welding applications, we recommend choosing 347 by default. For more data comparisons, please see our article → 321 vs 347 Stainless Steel

Short answer: Use 304/316 for room-temperature to moderately warm applications. Use 347 when your application involves welded joints exposed to temperatures between 425°C – 870°C (800° – 1600°F).

Here’s why: When standard austenitic grades like 304 or 316 are heated to 425-870°C (during welding or in service), carbon atoms migrate to grain boundaries and combine with chromium, forming chromium carbides. This depletes the areas near grain boundaries of chromium — making them susceptible to rust and intergranular corrosion. This phenomenon is called “sensitization.”

347 avoids this completely because its niobium content grabs the carbon first, leaving the chromium in place to maintain corrosion resistance. This makes 347 the safe choice for:

• Exhaust systems (automotive, aircraft, industrial)
• Heat exchangers and boiler components
• Any welded fabrication operating continuously above 425°C

If your application stays below ~425°C and doesn’t involve welding in corrosive conditions, save money with 304 or 316 — they’ll perform equally well and cost less.

As of mid-2026, here’s a realistic price reference for cold rolled 347 stainless steel sheet ex-works / FOB Shanghai:

• Per kilogram: approximately USD $3.20 – $4.80/kg (depending on thickness, finish, quantity)

• Per metric ton: approximately USD $3,200 – $4,800/ton

• vs. 304: 347 costs roughly 5-8% more than 304 stainless steel

• vs. 316L: 347 is typically 5-10% cheaper than 316L (because 316L contains expensive molybdenum)

• vs. 310S: 347 is significantly cheaper (310S has very high chromium/nickel content)

Factors affecting YOUR specific price: exact thickness, total quantity, surface finish (2B cheapest, mirror/polished most expensive), mill preference (TISCO/Baosteel = competitive; European/American mills = premium), whether you need processing services (cutting, bending), delivery urgency, and current nickel/LME commodity prices.

For an accurate quote tailored to your requirements, request a free quote — we respond within 2 hours with a detailed price breakdown.

At Huaxiao Metal, we try to accommodate orders of all sizes. Here’s how MOQ works in practice:

• From stock: MOQ can be as low as 100-500 kg for standard thicknesses (1-3mm, 2B finish) that we keep in regular inventory. Ideal for prototyping, sample testing, or small repair jobs.

• Custom / special sizes: MOQ typically 500 kg – 1 ton when we need to arrange special cutting or source from a specific mill.

• Mill-custom production: For non-standard specs (special finish, very thin <0.1mm, very wide >1500mm), MOQ may be 3-5 tons as the mill sets minimum melt/run quantities.

Our recommendation: Start with a small trial order (even 50-100kg) to verify quality meets your needs. Once satisfied, consolidate into larger orders for better unit pricing. We support phased delivery — produce and ship in batches as your project requires.

Contact us with your requirements and we’ll advise on the most economical approach for your situation.

It depends on your application’s pressure, temperature, and structural requirements:

• 0.05–0.3mm: Foil-grade — gasket material, shim stock, thin-walled bellows, flexible connectors.
• 0.3–1.0mm: Thin gauge — heat exchanger fins, filtration screens, instrument panels, decorative cladding.
• 1.0–3.0mm: Medium gauge — general fabrication, welded assemblies, pressure vessel shells, boiler baffles.
• 3.0–8.0mm: Heavy sheet — structural components, thick-walled tanks, heavy-duty heat shields.

If unsure, share your design drawings or application description with us — we can recommend the optimal thickness based on your operating conditions.

2B (default): Choose this for 90% of industrial applications — chemical equipment, welded assemblies, general fabrication. Best value.

BA: If the sheet will be visible (decorative), or used in food/pharmaceutical equipment requiring easy cleaning and non-porous surface.

No.4: For architectural panels, kitchen equipment, elevator interiors where a brushed/satin look is desired.

8K/Mirror: Only for premium decorative applications (luxury interior, signage). Most expensive option.

We can send you physical samples of each surface finish to help you decide. Request free samples below ↓

Yes! We provide free A4-size samples (approximately 210 × 297mm) of our standard products:

• Cost: Sample is free of charge.
• Shipping: You pay courier cost (~$30–60 via DHL/FedEx depending on destination).
• Delivery: Within 2–3 working days from stock.
• What you get: One sample piece each of 2B, BA, and/or No.4 surface (as requested) with mill test report copy.

To request a sample, fill out the inquiry form on the right sidebar or contact us directly via WhatsApp.

Generally, cold-rolled sheet costs 8–15% more than hot-rolled plate of equivalent weight because:

• Additional cold-rolling passes increase processing time
• Better surface finish (2B vs No.1/black pickled)
• Tighter dimensional tolerances
• Better flatness (leveling process)

However, for thin gauges (<3mm), there is no hot-rolled alternative — cold-rolled is the only option. Contact us for current pricing comparison between forms.