Stainless steel (SS) is a commodity with a wide range of applications. There are over 100 stainless steel grades, with 10 being the most widely used. Despite the many options available, Grade 304 stainless steel is the most flexible, with outstanding forming and welding properties. The properties of 304 steel, the most popular stainless steel, are discussed in this blog .
Austenitic – The most common austenitic stainless steel is 304. It prevents heat treatment from hardening steels and makes them essentially nonmagnetic.
- Corrosion Resistance – Grade 304 stainless steel sheets perform admirably in a wide range of corrosive media. In chloride-containing environments, pitting and crevice corrosion may occur.
- Heat Resistant – Stainless steel 304 sheets resist oxidation at temperatures up to 800°C intermittently and 900°C continuously.
- Forging – At temperatures above 900°C, stainless steel 304 sheets are one of the easiest austenitic stainless steels to forge.
- Welding – Stainless steel sheet 304 has outstanding welding properties and requires no preheating, however it does require a similar filler material composition but a high alloy content.
- Cleanability – Stainless Steel 304 sheets are often used in food equipment where bacteria removal is crucial. They are much easier to clean than most other metals.
- Cold working – Cold heading, cold drawing, cold extrusion, and cold riveting are all possible with SS 304 sheets, but they are more complex than cold working with carbon steel sheets.
- Formability – Formability refers to the ability of sheet metal to be formed into the desired shape without cracking. Drawing and forming stainless steel sheets is easy.
- Aesthetic appeal – Stainless steel 304 sheets have a high lustre, making them suitable for use on exposed surfaces
