Comprehensive Analysis of SUS304 Steel Sheet

1、 Chemical composition

Core elements: carbon (C) ≤ 0.08%, chromium (Cr) 17-20%, nickel (Ni) 8-10.5%, supplemented by manganese (Mn) ≤ 2.0%, silicon (Si) ≤ 1.0%, etc.

Low carbon design: reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion and improves welding performance.

2、 Physical performance

Parameter values

Density 7.93 g/cm ³

Melting point 1398-1454 ℃

Thermal conductivity 16.3 W/(m · K) (at room temperature)

Thermal expansion coefficient 17.3 × 10 ⁻⁶/℃ (20-100 ℃)

Note: The above data is based on conventional standard conditions.  

3、 Mechanical performance

Tensile strength: Solid solution state ≥ 480 MPa, can reach 520-1035 MPa after cold processing.

Yield strength: Solid solution state ≥ 170 MPa, after cold processing ≥ 263.8 MPa.

Elongation rate: ≥ 40% (solid solution state), which decreases slightly after cold working due to work hardening.

Hardness: HB≤201， The hardness significantly increases after cold processing.

4、 Processing characteristics

Cold processing:

Supports processes such as cold rolling and stamping, but work hardening can lead to a decrease in plasticity, requiring intermediate annealing (800-1150 ℃) to eliminate residual stress38.

Excessive cold processing may cause "seasonal cracking" (risk of intergranular cracking).

Weldability:

Suitable for TIG and MIG welding, recommended welding materials are E308/E309.

Thick plate welding requires post weld heat treatment to restore corrosion resistance.

5、 Application Fields

Industrial equipment: chemical reaction vessels, petroleum pipelines (resistant to weak acid/alkali media).

Food and medical: food processing equipment, surgical instruments (non-magnetic and easy to clean).

Architectural decoration: curtain walls, elevator decorative panels (with both weather resistance and aesthetics).

Automotive components: exhaust system, decorative parts (resistant to high temperature and corrosion).

6、 Corresponding standards and grades

Standard brand

Chinese National Standard (GB) new grade: 06Cr19Ni10; Old brand: 0Cr18Ni9.

Japanese JIS SUS304

ASTM 304 (UNS S30400) in the United States

European EN 1.4301

7、 Selection precautions

Low carbon version (304L): used in highly corrosive environments (such as scenarios where heat treatment is not possible after welding).

Surface treatment: Available in 2B (matte), BA (mirror) and other processes to meet different decorative needs.

Environmental restrictions: Avoid long-term exposure to chlorides (such as seawater) to prevent pitting or stress corrosion cracking.

SUS304 steel plate has become a universal stainless steel material in both industrial and civilian fields by balancing corrosion resistance, processing performance, and cost. When selecting, it is necessary to optimize the matching according to specific working conditions.