Comprehensive analysis of 304 stainless steel sheet

1、 Chemical composition

Core elements: 18-20% chromium (Cr), 8-10.5% nickel (Ni), carbon (C) ≤ 0.08%, supplemented by manganese (Mn) ≤ 2.0%, silicon (Si) ≤ 1.0%, etc.

Low carbon version (304L): carbon content ≤ 0.03%, suitable for scenarios where heat treatment is not possible after welding.

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 high temperature stability is below 800 ℃, and the short-term tolerance is 1200 ℃.  

3、 Mechanical performance

Tensile strength: ≥ 520 MPa (solid solution state), can reach 1035 MPa after cold processing.

Yield strength: ≥ 205 MPa (solid solution state), ≥ 263.8 MPa after cold processing.

Elongation rate: ≥ 40% (solid solution state), decreases to ≥ 35% after cold working due to work hardening.

Hardness: HB≤201， Significant improvement after cold processing.

4、 Processing characteristics

Cold processing:

Supporting stamping, cold rolling and other processes, work hardening significantly improves strength, requiring intermediate annealing (800-1150 ℃) to eliminate residual stress.

Excessive cold processing may lead to the risk of intergranular cracking.

Weldability:

Recommended for TIG and MIG welding, using E308/E309 welding materials.

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

5、 Application Fields

Chemical equipment: reaction kettle, petroleum pipeline (resistant to weak acid/alkali media) 13.

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 GB new grade: 06Cr19Ni10; Old brand: 0Cr18Ni9 23

ASTM 304 (UNS S30400) in the United States

Japanese JIS SUS304

European EN 1.4301

7、 Precautions

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

Surface treatment: Optional 2B (matte finish), BA (mirror finish) and other processes to meet decoration needs.

Selection suggestion: 304L is preferred for high corrosion environments, and standard 304 is more economical for ordinary working conditions.

304 stainless steel plate is widely used in industrial and civilian fields due to its corrosion resistance, processing flexibility, and high temperature stability. When selecting, it is necessary to consider the working conditions and cost-effectiveness comprehensively.