EN 10088-2 · standard clauses · surface codes · tolerances
Reading EN 10088-2: grades, delivery condition, surface and tolerances
EN 10088-2 is the core European standard for stainless flat products. Focus on grade designations (1.4301 etc.), delivery condition, surface codes and referenced tolerance standards (EN 10131/EN 10051).
EN 10088-2 is the core European standard for stainless flat products. Key clauses:
1) Grade system: numeric designations (1.4301/1.4404/1.4462) and symbolic designations (X5CrNi18-10 etc.); note chemistry range differences when cross-referencing GB or ASTM grades.
2) Delivery condition: solution annealed, annealed, cold-worked, etc. directly affect mechanical properties; state the condition code and whether skin-passed or tension-levelled.
3) Surface codes: 2B, 2D, 2H, 2R, BA etc., which do not map one-to-one to GB 2B/BA — agree a physical sample for appearance acceptance.
4) Dimensional tolerances: EN 10088-2 references EN 10131 (cold rolled) or EN 10051 (hot rolled); specify thickness tolerance class, width and length tolerances in the contract.
5) Testing: chemistry and mechanical properties per the standard; optional intergranular corrosion and surface quality requirements.
6) Certification: EN 10204 3.1 is common; export projects often require 3.2.
Purchasing tip: European projects often combine "grade 1.4301 with 2B + EN 10131 acceptance" — writing standard, surface and tolerance together in the contract is essential.
