Stainless steel (SS) is a very versatile material. There are more than 150 stainless steel grades, of which 15 are used most commonly. Despite the availability of a wide range of alternatives, Grade 304 stainless steel is the most versatile, with excellent forming and welding qualities. This blog offers insight into the properties of 304 steel, the most common stainless steel.
COMPOSITION – The chemical composition for SS 304 Sheet is as follows;
Chromium (18%-20%) – Increases tensile strength, hardness, wear and abrasion resistance, corrosion resistance, and scaling at high temperatures.
Nickel (8%-10%) – Improves strength and hardness without compromising toughness and ductility.
The addition of the following alloy elements results in small but significant differences.
Manganese (up to 2%) – It aids in mild deoxidation of steel, prevents the formation of iron sulfide and inclusions, and increases it’s hardenability.
Silicon (up to 1%) – It allows for improved cleaning and deoxidation when welding on contaminated surfaces.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Mechanical properties of SS 304 Sheet are as follows;
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 540 – 750 |
| Proof Stress (MPa) | 230 Min |
| Elongation A50 mm | 45 Min % |
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Physical properties of SS 304 Sheet are as follows;
| Density | 8.00 g/cm3 |
| Melting Point | 1400 °C |
GENERAL PROPERTIES
• Austenitic – 304 is the most common austenitic stainless steel. It renders steels unhardenable by heat treatment and renders them basically nonmagnetic.
• Corrosion Resistant – Grade 304 stainless steel sheets perform impressively in a wide variety of ambient environments and corrosive media. Pitting and crevice corrosion may develop in chloride-containing environments.
• Heat Resistant – Stainless steel 304 sheets provide better oxidation resistance during intermittent use up to 870°C and constant use up to 925°C.
• Forging – Stainless Steel 304 sheets are one of the easier austenitic stainless steels to forge, at temperatures above 925°C.
• Welding – Stainless steel sheet 304 has excellent welding properties and does not require preheating, but it does necessitate a similar filler material composition but high alloy content.
• Cleanability – SS 304 sheets are frequently used in food equipment, where bacteria removal is critically important, Stainless Steel 304 sheets are easier to clean than most other metals.
• Cold working – Cold working processes such as cold heading, cold drawing, cold extrusion, and cold riveting are possible with SS 304 sheets, but are more difficult than cold working with carbon steel sheets.
• Formability – The ability of sheet metal to be shaped into the desired form without necking or cracking is referred to as formability. SS 304 sheet can be easily drawn and formed.
• Aesthetic appeal – SS 304 sheets have a high luster which is ideal for exposed surfaces.
APPLICATIONS
• Home Applications – SS 304 sheets are used to make a variety of household items viz. sinks, stoves, etc. due to it’s anti-corrosive properties. Numerous cooking appliances and utensils are also made with this material.
• Industrial Applications – SS 304 sheets are used in a variety of industries such as the Food Industry, Chemical Industry, Automotive Industry, Aerospace industry, etc.
• Architecture – This material due to it’s various beneficial properties is used for Architectural paneling, railings & trim.
• Medical Applications – It is used in the medical device industry where high corrosion resistance, good formability, strength, reliability, and hygiene are critical.
• It is also a common coil material for vaporizers, Indoor electrical enclosures, Storage tanks, etc.
