Stainless Steel Type 304
| |
This is the most versatile and one of the most widely applied
of the 300 series stainless steels. It has excellent forming and
welding characteristics. The carefully controlled analysis of
Type 304 enables it to be deep drawn more severely than Types
301 and 302 without intermediate heat softening. A characteristic
that has made this grade dominant in the manufacture of drawn
stainless parts such as sinks and sauce pans. It is easily brake
or roll formed into a variety of parts for application in the
industrial, architectural and transportation industries.
Type 304 also has outstanding welding characteristics. Post-weld
annealing is not required to restore the excellent performance
of this grade in a wide range of mildly corrosive conditions.
Type 304L does not require post-weld annealing and finds extensive
use in heavy gauge components, where freedom from carbide weld
precipitation is often required.
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Typical
Chemistry (% Maximum unless shown as a range)
|
| |
C
|
Mn
|
P
|
S
|
Si
|
Cr
|
Ni
|
| 304 |
0.08 |
2.0 |
.045 |
.030 |
1.0 |
18.0 to 20.0 |
8.0 to 10.5 |
| 304L |
.03 |
2.0 |
.045 |
.030 |
1.0 |
18.0 to 20.0 |
8.0 to 12.0 |
Typical Applications
| The list of applications for this general purpose grade
is extensive and includes: |
- Beer barrels
- Bulk milk coolers
- Food processing equipment
- Fire extinguisher parts
- Wine storage tanks
|
- Tube skelp
- Chemical containers
- Heat exchangers
- Winding Wire
|
Corrosion Resistance
The corrosion resistance of Type 304 is excellent, exceeding that of
Type 302 in a wide variety of corrosive media including hot petroleum
products, steam combustion gases.
Heat Resistance
Good oxidation resistance in intermittent service to 1600° F. Continuing
use of 304 in 800 - 1575° F range is not recommended, but often performs
well in temperatures that fluctuate above and below this range. Type 304L
is more resistant to carbide precipitation and can be used in the above
temperature range.
Heat Treatment
Annealing-heat to 800 - 2050° F and cool rapidly. These grades cannot
be hardened by thermal treatment.
Welding
Weldability is excellent, by all standard methods. Use Type 308 rods
or electrodes. Heavy welded sections in Type 304 may require post-weld
annealing for maximum corrosion resistance. This is not required if Type
304L is used.
Typical Mechanical Properties
Annealed
Yield
Strength .2% Offset
(PSI) |
Ultimate Strength
(PSI) |
Elongation (% in 2")
|
Hardness
(RB) |
Hardness
(BHN) |
Impact IZOD
(ft/lbs) |
Modulus of Elasticity
in Tension
(PSI) |
| 35000 |
84000 |
55 |
80 |
149 |
110 |
28.0
x 106 |
