Why is type 304 the most versatile and widely used stainless steel? What are the characteristics of 304 stainless steel?
304 stainless steel coil is a low carbon, molybdenum bearing, austenitic stainless steel coil. Its chemistry features a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
These grade stainless steel coils are used for its corrosion resistance to many chemical corrodents, in addition to having good mechanical properties. The corrosion resistance of grade 304 stainless steel makes it ideal for food processing equipment and surgical instruments. It has superior formability and weld ability when compared to other grades of stainless steel.
Name | 304 stainless steel | |||
Grade | 201,202,304,316,316L,410S,430 etc. | |||
Standard | JIS, AISI, ASTM, DIN, TUV,BV,SUS,etc | |||
Thickness | 0.1mm-4mm Or As Required | |||
Width range | 1000mm,1219mm,1250mm,3000mm | |||
Length | Customized | |||
Size | 1000*2000mm, 1219*2438mm, 1219*3048mm, customized Max.width 1500mm | |||
Finish | 2B, BA, No.4, 8k, Brushed,Hairline,PVD Coating,Sandblasted | |||
Color | Golden, Black , Sapphire Blue, Brown, Rose gold, Bronze, Purple, gray, silver, Champagne, violet, blue diamond, etc | |||
Application | Interior/exterior/architectural/bathroom decoration, elevator decoration, hotel decoration, kitchen equipment, ceiling, cabinet, | |||
Delivery time | within 7 working days | |||
Payment terms | 30%TT for deposit, 70% balance before shipment or LC at sight | |||
Packing | Wooden pallet or according to customer's request |
Corrosion Resistance
304 has excellent corrosion resistance in may environments and when in contact with different corrosive media. Pitting and crevice corrosion can occur in environments containing chlorides. Stress corrosion cracking can occur above 60°C.
Heat Resistance.
Heat Resistance
304 has good resistance to oxidation in intermittent service up to 870°C and in continuous service to 925°C. However, continuous use at 425- 860°C is not recommended. In this instance 304L is recommended due to its resistance to carbide precipitation. Where high strength is required at temperatures above 500°C and up to 800°C grade 304H is recommended. This material will retain aqueous corrosion resistance.
Fabrication
Fabrication of all stainless steels should be done only with tools dedicated to stainless steel materials. Tooling and work surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before use. These precautions are necessary to avoid cross contamination of stainless steel by easily corroded metals that may discolour the surface of the fabricated product.
Cold Working
304 stainless steel readily work hardens. Fabrication methods involving cold working may require an intermediate annealing stage to alleviate work hardening and avoid tearing or cracking. At the completion of fabrication a full annealing operation should be employed to reduce internal stresses and optimise corrosion resistance.
Hot Working
Fabrication methods like forging, that involving hot working should occur after uniform heating to 1149-1260°C. The fabricated components should then be rapidly cooled to ensure maximum corrosion resistance.
Machinability
304 has good machinability. Machining can be enhanced by using the following rules: Cutting edges must be kept sharp. Dull edges cause excess work hardening. Cuts should be light but deep enough to prevent work hardening by riding on the surface of the material. Chip breakers should be employed to assist in ensuring swarf remains clear of the work. Low thermal conductivity of austenitic alloys results in heat concentrating at the cutting edges. This means coolants and lubricants are necessary and must be used in large quantities.
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