Hangbo Alloy Group supplies a variety of 304 stainless steel products, including round bars, plates, strips, seamless tubes, forgings, and wires. Below is a comprehensive description of 304 stainless steel.
1.Introduction to 304 Stainless Steel
Description: 304 (UNS S30400) is a widely used austenitic stainless steel containing chromium and nickel. It is renowned for excellent corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties, and outstanding formability. It maintains stability in moderate temperature environments (up to 870°C) and is cost-effective, making it ideal for general-purpose industrial and civilian applications.
International Equivalents:
USA: UNS S30400, ASTM 304
CHINA: 06Cr19Ni10 (per GB/T 20878 standard)
Europe: EN 1.4301, DIN X5CrNi18-10
2.Standards for 304
Plates: ASTM A240/A240M, GB/T 4237, EN 10088-2
Round Bars: ASTM A276, GB/T 1220, EN 10088-3
Seamless Tubes: ASTM A312/A312M, GB/T 14976, EN 10216-5
Forgings: ASTM A182/A182M, GB/T 1221, EN 10222-5
3.Chemical Composition of 304
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.0-20.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.0-12.0 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
| Nitrogen(N) | ≤ 0.10 |
4.Physical Properties of 304
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.93 g/cm³ |
| Melting Range | 1398-1454 °C |
5.Material Characteristics of 304
Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, fresh water, neutral salts, weak acids, and organic acids; suitable for most general corrosive environments.
Oxidation Resistance: Good oxidation resistance at temperatures up to 870°C; forms a protective chromium oxide film on the surface to prevent further oxidation.
Mechanical Strength: Balanced tensile strength and yield strength at room and moderate temperatures; good toughness and ductility, avoiding brittle fracture.
Superior Formability: Easy to process via cold working (rolling, stamping, bending) and hot working (forging, extrusion); can be fabricated into complex shapes for diverse applications.
Excellent Weldability: Compatible with standard welding methods (TIG, MIG, arc welding); welded joints retain good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, ensuring structural integrity.
6.Applications of 304
Food Processing Industry: Used in food production equipment, kitchen utensils, beverage pipelines, and stainless steel tableware due to its hygiene and corrosion resistance.
Chemical & Pharmaceutical Industry: Applied to chemical storage tanks, pipeline systems, pharmaceutical reaction vessels, and sterile equipment for handling mild corrosive media.
Architecture & Decoration: Widely used in building facades, handrails, elevators, and interior decoration for its aesthetic appearance and weather resistance.
Mechanical Manufacturing: Used in machine parts, fasteners, pumps, and valves requiring corrosion resistance and mechanical stability.
Medical Equipment: Employed in medical instruments, surgical tools, and hospital furniture due to its non-toxicity, corrosion resistance, and easy sterilization.
