Ss 304 Material Properties Pdf (2023)

FAQs

What are the properties of 304 stainless steel? ›

304 and 304L ASTM A240 stainless steel plate is a standard 18-8 material – meaning it contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. 304 Stainless steel plate is one of the most versatile stainless steel materials available. It has excellent forming and welding characteristics.

For example, 18/8 stainless steel is comprised of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. 304 grade stainless steel is also comprised of no more than 0.8% carbon and at least 50% iron. The chromium binds oxygen to the surface of the product to protect the iron from oxidation (rust).

316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, but 304 does not. Both of these 300-grade steels are known for their excellent welding and forming properties, which give them applications across many industries. These alloys cannot be hardened by heat treatment, but they can develop high strength by cold working.

The primary distinguishing feature between the two alloys is that stainless 316 contains molybdenum. This chemical element is useful for hardening and strengthening of steel. The alloy also contains more nickel than 304 but less chromium. Among the two, 304 is the most popular and versatile austenitic stainless steel.

This specification covers hot-worked alloy, carbon, and carbon-boron steels in a variety of compositions and sizes, which may attain specified depth of hardening in the end quench test. These steel compositions are identified by the suffix letter “H” added to the conventional grade number.

Most stainless steel ordered around the world is Grade 304. It offers the standard corrosion resistance, formability, strength, and easy maintenance for which stainless is known. While 316 comes in second in terms of quantities sold, it offers vastly superior corrosion resistance to chlorides and acids.

304 stainless is the highest quality material used for exhaust parts. It will last 10 years or more in a moderate climate. However, it is the most expensive. It will not rust for many years.

Type 304 stainless steel is an austenitic grade that can be severely deep drawn. This property has resulted in 304 being the dominant grade used in applications like sinks and saucepans. Type 304L is the low carbon version of 304. It is used in heavy gauge components for improved weldability.

Which is better 18 10 or 304 stainless steel? ›

Applications. AISI 304 is typically used in food processing and kitchen applications, as it is more resistant to corrosion than 18/10. 18/10 is often used in decorative applications, such as flatware or kitchen utensils, as it has a higher shine than AISI 304.

316 contains many similar chemical and mechanical properties as 304 stainless steel. To the naked eye, the two metals look the same. However, the chemical composition of 316, which is made up of 16% chromium, 10% nickel, and 2% molybdenum, is the main difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel.

In grade 304 stainless steel, the maximum carbon content is set at 0.08%, whereas grade 304L stainless steel has a maximum carbon content of 0.03%. This is why the “L” in 304L can be interpreted as meaning extra-low carbon.

Type 304 boasts strong corrosion resistance, tensile strength, and yield strength. It also has good drawability and formability — your vendor can form it into a variety of shapes. Type 304L includes slightly lower mechanical properties than standard 304 — tensile and yield strength are a bit lower.

Type 304L stainless steel is an extra-low carbon version of the 304 steel alloy. The lower carbon content in 304L minimizes deleterious or harmful carbide precipitation as a result of welding.

304 stainless steel does have one weakness—it is susceptible to corrosion from chloride solutions, or from saline environments like those near an ocean. Chloride ions can create localized areas of corrosion, called “pitting,” which can spread beneath protective chromium barriers to compromise internal structures.

The austenitic stainless steel grade 304 is not magnetic but it may become a little magnetic in areas that have been cold working (bending, deforming, etc.).

All grades of stainless steel resist corrosion, but grade 304 is particularly rustproof because of its high nickel content.