TYPE 304 STAINLESS STEEL
This is the
most versatile and one of the most widely applied of the 300 series Stainless
Steels. It has excellent forming and welding characteristics. The carefully
controlled analysis of Type 304 enables it to be deep drawn more severely than
Types 301 and 302without immediate heat softening, a characteristic that has
made this grade dominant in the manufacture of drawn stainless parts such as
sinks and saucepans. It is readily brake or roll formed into a variety of other
parts for application in the industrial, architectural and transportation
fields.
Type 304 also
has outstanding welding characteristics. Post-weld annealing is not required to
restore the excellent performance of this grade in a wide range of mildly
corrosive conditions.
Type 304L does
not require post-weld annealing and finds extensive use in heavy gauge
components where freedom from carbide weld precipitation is often required.
Corrosion Resistance: Excellent. Exceeding that of Type
302 in a wide variety of corrosive media including hot petroleum products,
steam combustion gases.
Heat Resistance: Good oxidation resistance
in intermittent service to 1600°F and in continuous
service to 1700°F. Continuous use of 304 in 800 –
1575°F range not recommended but often
performs well in temperatures fluctuating above and below this range. Type 304L
is more resistant to carbide precipitation and can be used in the above
temperature range.
Heat Treatment: Annealing – heat to
1850 2050°F and cool rapidly. These grades
cannot be hardened by thermal treatment.
Welding: Excellent. All standard
methods. Use type 308 rods or electrodes. Heavy welded sections in Type 304 may
require post-weld annealing for maximum corrosion. This is not required if Type
304L is used.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS: The list of applications for this general-purpose grade is very
extensive and includes:
Beer
Barrels Bulk Milk
Coolers Fire
Extinguisher Parts Heat
exchangers
Chemical Containers Wine Storage Tanks Food Processing
Equipment
NOTE: The above information is published as a
general guide only and mechanical and physical properties should only be
applied from mill certificates issued.
BS 4504 PIPE FLANGES
HYGIENIC
CLAMP NOMINAL
BORE FITTINGS
QUICK RELEASE COUPLINGS
HYGIENIC
FITTINGS RJT METRIC
TUBE AND FITTINGS NOMINAL
BORE PIPE