ASTM A240 is the core US standard for chromium-nickel stainless plate and sheet. Reading the key clauses reduces acceptance disputes:

1) Scope: hot-rolled and cold-rolled stainless plate, sheet and strip, covering grades such as 304/304L/316L/321/2205. 2) Chemistry: each grade has ranges for C, Mn, P, S, Si, Cr, Ni, Mo and N. Distinguish the specified range from permitted product-analysis tolerances — retests are judged against the tolerances. 3) Mechanicals: tensile strength, yield strength, elongation and, for some grades, maximum hardness; cold-worked tempers have separate requirements. 4) Dimensions and flatness: A240 does not specify detailed dimensional tolerances; it references A480 (general requirements) or another dimensional standard. State the dimensional standard in the contract. 5) Tests and retests: tensile specimen orientation, test methods, retest rules; add intergranular corrosion or NDT requirements when needed. 6) Certification: require EN 10204 3.1 or as agreed; the certificate must list heat numbers and measured values.

Purchasing advice: order with a clear description such as "grade 316L, ASTM A240 + A480, 2B finish", and agree thickness tolerance class and surface acceptance criteria.