304 stainless steel features

1.Chemical composition and organizational structure

High chromium nickel content: 18% chromium (Cr), 8% nickel (Ni), forming a stable austenite structure, giving the material basic corrosion resistance and mechanical properties ;
Low-carbon design: carbon content ≤ 0.08%, effectively reducing the risk of intergranular corrosion, especially suitable for welding scenarios.

2.Core Performance Benefits

Corrosion resistance

It has strong corrosion resistance to oxidizing acid (such as nitric acid, acetic acid) and weak alkali environment, and remains stable in boiling nitric acid with concentration ≤ 65%;
Excellent intergranular corrosion resistance, and the corrosion resistance can be maintained without heat treatment after welding.
Heat and low temperature resistance

The use temperature covers -196°C to 800°C, strong oxidation resistance at high temperature, and stable mechanical properties in low temperature environment;
High temperature oxidation resistance makes it suitable for high temperature equipment such as boilers and heat exchangers.

Machining and formability

Excellent cold/hot working performance, support stamping, bending and other processes, no heat treatment hardening phenomenon ;
Good welding performance, suitable for a variety of welding technology, welding parts are not easy to embrittlement.

3.Physical and mechanical properties

High mechanical strength: high tensile strength at room temperature, wide application of thin plate, can reduce the amount of material ;
Surface finish: through polishing or cold rolling treatment can achieve high smooth surface, to meet the decorative and hygienic requirements (such as kitchen utensils, medical equipment) ;
Non-magnetic: The austenitic structure makes it non-magnetic at room temperature, suitable for scenarios such as electronic equipment.

4.Application areas

Industrial equipment: chemical reactors, food processing equipment, pharmaceutical machinery;
Construction and home: door and window accessories, kitchen utensils, bathroom hardware, decorative panels;
Energy and transportation: solar mounts, car exhaust pipes, ship parts.

5.Limitations

-Chloride ion sensitive: in chloride-containing environment (such as seawater) prone to pitting or stress corrosion, need to use higher grade materials (such as 316 stainless steel) to replace
High cost: Compared with ordinary carbon steel or 200 stainless steel, nickel content leads to an increase of 25% in raw material costs.
304 stainless steel has become one of the most widely used stainless steel materials in industrial and civil fields by virtue of its balanced performance combination.