Discover Our Great Grade 304 Stainless Steel

DESCRIPTION:

Grade 304/304L (EN1.4301/1.4307,UNS S30400/S30403) is the most widely used Austenitic stainless steel. It accounts for more than 50% of all stainless steel produced, represents between 50%~60% of consumption of stainless materials and fins applications in almost every industry.

304/grade 304L is a versatile stainless steel that is widely used to make equipment and parts that require good overall performance (corrosion resistance and formability). In order to maintain the corrosion resistance inherent in stainless steel, the steel must contain more than 18% chromium and more than 8% nickel. 304 stainless steel is a grade of stainless steel produced in accordance with American ASTM standards.

PRODUCT FORMS:

Sheet,  Strip, Tube

SPECIFICATIONS:

EN1.4301/1.4307,UNS S30400/S30403

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS:

Typical applications for Types 304 & 304L  are Kitchen benches, sinks, troughs, equipment, and appliances. Chemical containers, including for transport. Food processing equipment, particularly in beer  brewing, milk processing, and wine making. Woven or welded screens for mining, quarrying & water filtration.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION:

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES:

PROCESSING:

Types 304 and 304L cannot be hardened by thermal treatment. Annealing: Heat to 1850o F to 2050 o F and cool at sufficiently high rates through 1500oF to 800oF to avoid precipitation of chromium carbides. Stress Relief Annealing: Cold worked parts should be stress relieved at 750oF for ½ to 2 hours.

FORMING:

Annealed Types 304 and 304L can be fabricated by roll forming, deep drawing, bending and most other fabrication techniques. Due to the high work hardening rate of these materials, intermediate anneals maybe required to successfully fabricate the part.

WELDING:

Types 304 and 304L are weldable by most fusion or resistance welding techniques. If filler metal is required, Type 308 is normally used. Type 304L should be used in heavier sections to reduce the occurrence of carbide precipitation in the heat affected region adjacent to the weld pool.

CORROSION:

Types 304 and 304L provides corrosion resistance in a wide range of moderately oxidizing and reducing conditions, fresh water and non-marine applications.