SUS 304

Specifications

• SUS304
• SUS304L

Summary

• Stainless Steel has a beautiful surface appearance and strong resistance to corrosion and heat. It is very workable and shows excellent performance even at low temperatures.
• A highly popular material known for its strength and ornamental values, it is widely used to achieve architectural aesthetics.
• Excellent in a wide range of atmospheric environments and many corrosive media
• Subject to pitting and crevice corrosion in warm chloride environments, and to stress corrosion cracking above 60^oC
• Good oxidation resistance
• Grade 304L stainless steel is more resistant to carbide precipitation
• Applied in food processing equipment, particularly in beer brewing, milk processing and wine making
• Kitchen benches, sinks, troughs, equipment and appliances
• Architectural panelling, railings and trim
• Chemical containers, including for transport
• Heat exchangers
• Woven or welded screens for mining, quarrying and water filtration
• Threaded fasteners
• Springs

Introduction:

Composition:

• Chromium (Cr): 18-20%
• Nickel (Ni): 8-10.5%
• Iron (Fe): Balance
• Carbon (C): ≤0.08%
• Manganese (Mn): ≤2%
• Silicon (Si): ≤1%
• Phosphorus (P): ≤0.045%
• Sulfur (S): ≤0.03%

Properties:

1. Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel 304 offers excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of environments, including atmospheric, chemical, and marine environments. The chromium content forms a passive oxide layer on the surface, which protects the underlying material from corrosion and oxidation.
2. High Temperature Resistance: Stainless steel 304 exhibits good resistance to high temperatures and retains its mechanical properties at elevated temperatures. It is suitable for applications involving exposure to heat, such as heat exchangers, exhaust systems, and industrial furnaces.
3. Formability: Stainless steel 304 is highly formable and ductile, allowing it to be easily formed, stamped, drawn, and fabricated into various shapes and configurations. It is suitable for complex forming operations and intricate designs in manufacturing processes.
4. Weldability: Stainless steel 304 is readily weldable using standard welding techniques, such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). It forms strong and durable welds with minimal risk of sensitization and subsequent corrosion.
5. Hygiene and Cleanability: Stainless steel 304 is non-porous and resistant to bacterial growth, making it ideal for applications requiring hygiene and cleanability, such as food processing equipment, kitchen appliances, and sanitary fittings.
6. Aesthetic Appeal: Stainless steel 304 has a smooth and shiny surface finish, often referred to as a "brushed" or "satin" finish, which enhances its aesthetic appeal. It is commonly used in architectural, decorative, and interior design applications.
7. Low Maintenance: Stainless steel 304 requires minimal maintenance and upkeep due to its inherent corrosion resistance and durability. It is easy to clean and maintain, making it suitable for long-term use in various applications.
   

Applications:

1. Food and Beverage Industry: Stainless steel 304 is extensively used in the food and beverage industry for manufacturing processing equipment, storage tanks, piping systems, and utensils. Its corrosion resistance, hygiene, and cleanability make it ideal for food handling and processing applications.
2. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industry: Stainless steel 304 finds applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry for manufacturing reactors, vessels, tanks, and piping systems requiring corrosion resistance and durability in harsh chemical environments.
3. Architectural and Construction: Stainless steel 304 is used in architectural and construction applications for facades, cladding, roofing, handrails, and decorative elements. Its aesthetic appeal, corrosion resistance, and durability make it popular in modern architectural designs.
4. Automotive and Transportation: Stainless steel 304 is utilized in the automotive and transportation industry for manufacturing exhaust systems, trim components, fuel tanks, and structural elements. Its corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance make it suitable for demanding automotive applications.
5. Medical and Healthcare: Stainless steel 304 is used in medical and healthcare applications for manufacturing surgical instruments, medical devices, implants, and equipment requiring biocompatibility, sterilizability, and corrosion resistance.
6. Oil and Gas Industry: Stainless steel 304 finds applications in the oil and gas industry for manufacturing pipelines, storage tanks, valves, and fittings requiring corrosion resistance and durability in aggressive environments.
   

Conclusion: