What is 304 Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel 304 is an austenitic stainless steel, whose main characteristic is its resistance to corrosion. It cannot be hardened by transformation to martensite with a thermal process. The chemical composition of this stainless steel 304 is with a maximum of 0.08% carbon. , chromium 18.0-20.0% and nickel8.0-10.5%.
Properties of 304 Stainless Steel
Supplied in annealed condition with a maximum hardness of 262 HB (~26 HRC), 304 stainless steel exhibits remarkable mechanical properties at room temperature, featuring a tensile strength of 515 MPa (75,000 Lb/in²), a yield strength of 205 MPa (30,000 Lb/in²), an elongation of 30%, and an area reduction of 40%.
Stainless 304 is distinguished by its resistance to corrosion, being non-magnetic in annealed condition, although it can acquire a certain degree of magnetism during the cold forming process, it offers good forgeability and weldability characteristics, being less sensitive to carbide precipitation. during the hot process, as long as it is cooled quickly.
With lower thermal conductivity than carbon, low alloy or tool grade steels (approximately 50%), 304 stainless steel is used for diverse applications, widely used in the construction of equipment for chemical, petrochemical, food, biotechnology, medical, pharmaceutical and textile, as well as in architectural applications exposed to high humidity environments, in addition, it is used in the manufacture of fastening and transmission elements, and can be replaced by AISI 303 or AISI 416 depending on specific hardness and Corrosion resistance, machinability and magnetism, 304 stainless is a reliable and durable choice for various applications.
