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304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel, often referred to as 18/8 stainless steel, is the most versatile and widely used austenitic chromium-nickel alloy. Known for its excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and ease of fabrication, it is an ideal choice for both industrial and domestic applications. The composition, featuring approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, ensures robustness across a range of temperatures, making it suitable for food processing, chemical equipment, and architectural applications. Solitaire Steel & Engineering LLP, based in Khetwadi, Mumbai, India, specializes in providing high-quality 304 stainless steel in various forms such as sheets, plates, tubes, pipes, bars, angles, channels, beams, and fittings.

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Chemical Composition of 304 Stainless Steel

Element Content (%)
Iron (Fe) Balance
Chromium (Cr) 18.0 – 20.0
Nickel (Ni) 8.0 – 10.5
Manganese (Mn) ≤ 2.0
Silicon (Si) ≤ 1.0
Carbon (C) ≤ 0.08
Phosphorus (P) ≤ 0.045
Sulfur (S) ≤ 0.03

Technical Specifications of 304 Stainless Steel

Physical Properties

Property Metric Imperial
Density 8.0 g/cm³ 0.29 lb/in³
Modulus of Elasticity 193 GPa 28,000 ksi
Thermal Expansion 16.2 µm/m°C 9.0 µin/in°F
Melting Range 1399 – 1454 °C 2550 – 2650 °F

Mechanical Properties

Property Metric Imperial
Tensile Strength 515 – 750 MPa 75,000 – 108,750 psi
Yield Strength 205 MPa 30,000 psi
Elongation at Break 55% 55%
Hardness (Rockwell B) 70 – 80 HRB 70 – 80 HRB

Electrical Properties

Property Metric Imperial
Electrical Resistivity 0.72 µΩ·m 28.3 µΩ·in

Thermal Properties

Property Metric Imperial
Thermal Conductivity (100°C) 16.2 W/m·K 9.4 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Specific Heat Capacity 0.5 J/g·K 0.12 BTU/lb·°F
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 16.2 µm/m°C 9 µin/in·°F

304 Stainless Steel Product Specifications by Solitaire Steel & Engineering LLP

Product Type Standards Sizes Types Applications
Sheets & Plates ASTM A240, ASME SA240 Thickness: 0.3mm – 150mm, Width: up to 2000mm Hot Rolled, Cold Rolled Food processing equipment, chemical storage tanks
Pipes & Tubes ASTM A312, ASTM A269 Diameter: 6mm – 1200mm Seamless, Welded Plumbing, heat exchangers, structural applications
Bars ASTM A276, ASTM A479 Diameter: up to 100mm Round, Square, Hex Fasteners, mechanical components
Angles, Channels, Beams ASTM A484, EN 10088-3 Custom sizes available L-Angles, U-Channels, I-Beams Architectural frameworks, supports
Fittings ASTM A403 Size: 1/2″ – 72″ Buttweld, Socket Weld Chemical, petrochemical industries

Processing and Fabrication Properties of 304 Stainless Steel

  • Forming: High formability, suitable for complex shapes and deep draws.
  • Welding: Excellent weldability; recommended filler material is 308 stainless steel.
  • Cold Working: Work hardening is notable, enhancing strength.
  • Heat Treatment: Annealing is achieved by heating to 1010-1120°C and rapid cooling.
  • Machining: Good machinability with sharp tools to prevent work hardening.

Applications of 304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel is widely applied in various industries due to its high corrosion resistance, ease of fabrication, and durability:

  • Food Processing: Used in food storage, preparation equipment, and containers.
  • Architecture: Used in facades, railing systems, and trims.
  • Chemical & Petrochemical: Ideal for storage and transportation of chemicals.
  • Automotive: Components like exhaust systems, structural supports, and aesthetic trims.

304 Stainless Steel vs. 316 Stainless Steel

Compared to 316, 304 stainless steel is more affordable but slightly less resistant to chlorides. While 304 offers excellent corrosion resistance in normal environments, 316 is preferred in marine or chemical environments due to its molybdenum content, which enhances pitting resistance. However, for most general applications, 304 stainless steel provides ample durability and resistance.