What is 304 steel? It is arguably the most common grade of stainless steel and has excellent balancing properties. When your project requires a robust and durable solution, 304 stainless steel is often your first choice. That’s because it’s the cornerstone of stainless steel pipe and fittings.
What is 304 Steel? The Workhorse of Stainless Alloys!
304 steel is an austenitic stainless steel. Chromium and nickel are its main alloying elements. This composition gives it excellent corrosion resistance. It also has good strength, non-magnetic in annealed condition, slightly magnetic after cold working, and is widely used in many industries.
Core Advantages of 304 Steel
304 has oxidation resistance and many common corrosive properties. These include most oxidising acids. It performs well under atmospheric conditions, making it ideal for general industrial environments.
Reliable manufacturers of stainless steel pipe and fittings can easily form 304 steel. It bends, deep draws and processes well and is also easy to weld.
It is used everywhere. Food processing, construction, medical equipment and chemical containers. Its well-balanced properties meet a wide range of needs.
Affordability and an excellent price/performance ratio make them the first choice for many standard applications.
304 steel has a bright and attractive surface that is easy to clean. Meets the hygiene requirements of many industries.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Cr | Ni | Mn | Si | C | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content (%) | 17.5-19.5 | 8.0-10.5 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.75 | ≤0.08 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.030 |
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Typical Mechanical Properties
| Tensile Strength | Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | Elongation | Hardness (HRB) | Density | Melting Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ≥515MPa(75ksi) | ≥205MPa(30ksi) | ≥40 | ≤92 | 8.0g/cm³ | 1400−1450°C |
304 Steel in Stainless Steel Pipe and Fittings
- General Purpose Piping: Carries water, a wide range of chemicals and non-corrosive fluids. 304 stainless steel tubings are common in municipal and industrial water pipelines.
- Food and Beverage: 304 stainless steel pipe fittings are used in a wide variety of applications. They meet hygienic standards for processed food, milk and beverages and are easy to clean.
- Architectural applications: 304 tubes are used for handrails, structural components and decorative strips. Their aesthetics are a key factor.
- Dairy and brewing equipment: The steel is used for tanks, valves and pipes in these industries. It is resistant to common cleaning agents and products.
- Heating and cooling systems: 304 stainless steel pipes are used in a variety of HVAC systems to provide reliable fluid transfer.
Sourcing 304 Steel Pipes and Fittings
Look for compliance with ASTM standards. ASTM A312 covers seamless and welded stainless steel pipe. ASTM A403 covers wrought austenitic stainless steel fittings.
Ensure that pipes and fittings are of the required size. This includes specifications (e.g. Sch 10, Sch 40), for which a proper fit is essential.
View Stainless Steel Tube Specification Document
Specify the desired finish. Options range from honed to polished. This has implications for both appearance and hygiene.
Work with reputable manufacturers. They offer reliable 304 steel products and have certifications(e.g. ISO 9001 and CE-PED).
You May Also Want To Read:
What is 316Ti Stainless Steel ?
316 VS 316L Stainless Steel
Austenitic Stainless Steel : 316 LN
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