Ever wondered why the most common stainless steel is called 304 stainless steel? It’s not just a random number! This naming system actually holds the key to understanding its composition and properties. Let’s break it down:
The Secret Behind the Numbers: The AISI System
The name “304” comes from the AISI (American Iron and Steel Institute) classification system. This system uses a three-digit number to identify different types of stainless steel based on their chemical composition:
First Digit: Indicates the general class of stainless steel.
3XX Series: Austenitic stainless steels (the most common type, known for excellent corrosion resistance and formability).
Last Two Digits: Don’t have a specific meaning but differentiate between different grades within the same series.
316 / 316L Stainless Steel Sheet&Plate
Huaxiao Alloy is a professional stainless steel supplier, specializing in high-quality stainless steel sheets and plates for global industries. Our TP316 / 316L stainless steel sheets and plates are manufactured to international standards, ensuring excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and reliability for demanding applications.
304 / 304L Stainless Steel Sheet&Plate
Huaxiao Alloy is a professional stainless steel supplier dedicated to providing high-quality materials for global industries. Our 304 / 304L stainless steel sheets and plates are manufactured to meet international standards, ensuring superior performance in various applications.
304 Stainless Steel: A Closer Look
So, 304 stainless steel belongs to the 300 series of austenitic stainless steels. Here’s what makes it special:
Composition:
Chromium (Cr): 18-20% – Provides excellent corrosion resistance.
Nickel (Ni): 8-10.5% – Enhances ductility, formability, and toughness.
Carbon (C): 0.08% max – Keeps the structure austenitic at room temperature.
Manganese (Mn): 2% max – Improves strength and workability.
Silicon (Si): 1% max – Enhances strength and oxidation resistance.
Phosphorus (P): 0.045% max – Improves strength and machinability.
Sulfur (S): 0.03% max – Enhances machinability.
Properties:
Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Resists rust and staining in various environments.
High Formability: Easy to shape and fabricate into different forms.
Good Weldability: Can be welded using common techniques.
Hygienic and Easy to Clean: Ideal for food processing and medical applications.
Aesthetic Appeal: Bright, shiny finish enhances visual appeal.
Non-Magnetic: In the annealed condition, 304 stainless steel is non-magnetic.
High Temperature Resistance: Can withstand moderate high temperatures without losing its strength.
316 / 316L Stainless Steel Sheet&Plate
Huaxiao Alloy is a professional stainless steel supplier, specializing in high-quality stainless steel sheets and plates for global industries. Our TP316 / 316L stainless steel sheets and plates are manufactured to international standards, ensuring excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and reliability for demanding applications.
304 / 304L Stainless Steel Sheet&Plate
Huaxiao Alloy is a professional stainless steel supplier dedicated to providing high-quality materials for global industries. Our 304 / 304L stainless steel sheets and plates are manufactured to meet international standards, ensuring superior performance in various applications.
Why is 304 Stainless Steel So Popular?
304 stainless steel’s versatility and excellent properties make it the go-to choice for countless applications, including:
Kitchenware: Sinks, cookware, cutlery, and appliances.
Architecture and Construction: Building facades, handrails, and structural components.
Medical Equipment: Surgical instruments, implants, and hospital furniture.
Food and Beverage Industry: Processing equipment, storage tanks, and piping.
Chemical Industry: Tanks, vessels, and piping for handling corrosive substances.
Automotive Industry: Exhaust systems, trim, and decorative parts.
Pharmaceutical Industry: Equipment and machinery requiring high hygiene standards.
A Brief History of 304 Stainless Steel
The development of 304 stainless steel can be traced back to the early 20th century when metallurgists were experimenting with different alloy compositions to improve the corrosion resistance of steel. In 1913, Harry Brearley, an English metallurgist, is credited with discovering the first true stainless steel, which contained around 12.8% chromium. Over the years, the composition was refined, and the addition of nickel further enhanced its properties, leading to the development of the 300 series of austenitic stainless steels, including the now ubiquitous 304 grade.
304 vs. Other Stainless Steel Grades
While 304 is the most widely used stainless steel grade, it’s essential to understand how it compares to other popular grades:
304 vs. 316: 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which enhances its corrosion resistance, particularly in chloride environments. However, 316 is more expensive than 304.
304 vs. 430: 430 stainless steel is a ferritic grade with lower corrosion resistance but is more affordable and magnetic.
304 vs. 201: 201 stainless steel is a lower-cost alternative to 304, with reduced nickel content and slightly lower corrosion resistance.
Huaxiao Alloy: Your Trusted Partner for Premium 304 Stainless Steel
At Huaxiao Alloy, we understand the critical role that high-quality stainless steel plays in your projects. As a leading supplier of stainless steel products, we are committed to providing our customers with premium 304 stainless steel that meets the highest industry standards.
Why Choose Huaxiao Alloy?
Extensive Inventory: We maintain a vast inventory of 304 stainless steel in various forms, including sheets, plates, coils, pipes, tubes, and bars, ensuring timely delivery to meet your project deadlines.
Custom Solutions: Our experienced team can provide customized solutions tailored to your specific requirements, including cutting, machining, and finishing services.
Competitive Pricing: We offer competitive pricing without compromising on quality, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.
Exceptional Customer Service: Our dedicated customer service team is always ready to assist you with any inquiries, from product selection to technical support.
Quality Assurance: We adhere to strict quality control procedures throughout the manufacturing process, ensuring that our 304 stainless steel meets or exceeds international standards.
Contact Huaxiao Alloy Today!
Whether you’re working on a small-scale project or a large industrial application, Huaxiao Alloy is your trusted partner for all your 304 stainless steel needs. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and experience the Huaxiao Alloy difference!
316 / 316L Stainless Steel Sheet&Plate
Huaxiao Alloy is a professional stainless steel supplier, specializing in high-quality stainless steel sheets and plates for global industries. Our TP316 / 316L stainless steel sheets and plates are manufactured to international standards, ensuring excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and reliability for demanding applications.
304 / 304L Stainless Steel Sheet&Plate
Huaxiao Alloy is a professional stainless steel supplier dedicated to providing high-quality materials for global industries. Our 304 / 304L stainless steel sheets and plates are manufactured to meet international standards, ensuring superior performance in various applications.
SUS304 is the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) designation for 304 stainless steel. “SUS” stands for Steel Use Stainless, which is the JIS notation for stainless steel materials. SUS304 corresponds to AISI 304 in the American system and 1.4301 in the European EN standard. It is an austenitic stainless steel containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel, known for its corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties, and excellent weldability.
The choice between 304 and 316 stainless steel depends on the application:
- Corrosion Resistance: 316 stainless steel contains 2-3% molybdenum, which significantly enhances its resistance to chloride-induced corrosion, making it superior in marine and highly corrosive environments.
- Strength & Durability: Both 304 and 316 have similar mechanical properties, but 316 performs better in extreme conditions.
- Cost: 316 stainless steel is more expensive due to its higher alloy content.
- Applications:
- 304: Used in kitchenware, food processing equipment, and general structural applications.
- 316: Preferred for marine environments, chemical processing, and medical implants due to its superior corrosion resistance.
Conclusion: 316 is better for highly corrosive environments, but 304 is sufficient for general use and more cost-effective.
The “L” in 304L stands for Low Carbon. Compared to standard 304, 304L has a lower carbon content (≤ 0.03%), reducing the risk of carbide precipitation during welding, which can lead to intergranular corrosion. This makes 304L ideal for welded structures, especially in high-temperature and corrosive environments.
Yes, 304 stainless steel is considered high quality due to the following reasons:
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Resistant to oxidation, rust, and most acids.
- Good Strength and Durability: High mechanical strength and ductility.
- Hygienic and Non-Toxic: Commonly used in food and medical industries.
- Good Weldability and Formability: Easily fabricated and welded without significant loss of properties.
It is widely used in kitchen appliances, automotive parts, construction, and chemical processing.
304L is preferred over 304 mainly for welded applications, as it has:
- Better Resistance to Intergranular Corrosion:
- 304L’s lower carbon content prevents carbide precipitation at grain boundaries, reducing the risk of corrosion after welding.
- Superior Weldability:
- Can be welded without post-weld heat treatment, unlike standard 304, which may require annealing to restore corrosion resistance.
- Similar Mechanical Properties:
- Despite lower carbon content, 304L retains comparable strength and corrosion resistance to 304 in most conditions.
For applications where welding is required, 304L is the preferred choice.
The “L” in 316L also stands for Low Carbon. It has a maximum carbon content of 0.03%, compared to ≤ 0.08% in 316. The lower carbon content in 316L improves:
- Weldability: Reduces carbide precipitation, preventing intergranular corrosion.
- Corrosion Resistance: Particularly important in chloride-rich environments like seawater and chemical processing.
316L is widely used in marine engineering, pharmaceuticals, and medical implants, where high corrosion resistance and weldability are required.
Why is it called 304 stainless steel?
Call Us Now!!!
Recent Blog
If you found this article good, feel free to share it on your other social media platforms.
