Stainless steel, also known as the ‘green material’ for its 100% recovery rate (100% recyclable), makes it one of the most planet-friendly metals to be used in an array of sectors like Chemical, Process, Oil, and Gas, Shipbuilding, Power plants, Electronics, Aviation, and other Hi-tech industries. With a composition of chromium, carbon, and other alloying elements like nickel, manganese, titanium, niobium, molybdenum, and more, the corrosion-resistance power of the material is enhanced. Stainless steel 304 has chromium as its base metal, forming a thin coating around its surface to shield it in corrosive environments.
Stainless steel comes in 150+ grades, like SS304, SS316, SS327, and more, divided into 5 major types based on the metal’s internal structure at room temperature, namely, Austenitic, Ferritic, Martensitic, Duplex and Precipitation. One of the most highly used stainless steel grades is ss304 for its great versatility. Let’s glance through its composition and applications in a range of sectors.
Stainless Steel 304
Stainless steel 304 is one of the most common stainless steel grades containing both chromium (18% – 20%) and nickel (8% – 10.5%) metals and its major non-iron constituents. SS 304 belongs to the austenitic class of the stainless steel family, which imparts excellent resistance to corrosion as compared to other steel grades and has a higher formability.
The steel can be easily molded into desired shapes and cut into standard and preferred sizes. However, stainless steel 304 does not possess great electrical or thermal conductivity and is less magnetic than other stainless steel grades.
Features of Stainless Steel 304
Stainless steel retains its form and exhibits excellent resistance to externalities like harsh environments or pollution.
- SS 304 imparts great resistance to corrosion and any other corrosive media, making it one of the highly used stainless steel grades in a corrosive atmosphere.
- Ss 304 shows resistance to pitting corrosion in water with upto 400 mg/L chlorides at room temperature, reducing to around 150 mg/L at 60°C.
- Stainless steel, for its aesthetic qualities, viz shiny and sleek surface, is used to design domestic appliances and other items.
- SS 304 offers great formability, making it one of the most preferred materials for making kitchen utensils like cookware.
- It has an excellent retention capacity, especially cryogenic at room temperature.
- SS 304 does not require any post-weld annealing to restore its corrosion resistance capacity (in most cases). The low carbon content of the steel makes it an ideal choice of metal when carbide precipitation needs to be kept low.
Also Read : Major Characteristics of Stainless Steel 304
Applications of Stainless Steel 304
Stainless steel 304, owing to its numerous advantages like corrosion resistance, pitting resistance, formability, and durability, is used in a range of industries for varied purposes. Read along to explore.
- Kitchen sinks, consumer durables, or other steel items
- Chemical containers for transport
- Food processing equipment, in cases like beer brewing, milk processing, and winemaking
- Fasteners & flange manufacturing
- Architectural applications, including roofing and cladding, doors and windows
- Automotive & aerospace components
- Heat exchangers
Finest Quality Steel Grades: Shalco Industries
A one-stop destination for the finest quality stainless steel and stainless steel products, Shalco Industries Private Limites is one of India’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of stainless steel. With a rich legacy and 9001:2018 certification, the company delivers a promising range of premium quality stainless steel and its products like a steel bar, weight chart, seamless pipes, and tubes, to cater to industrial and domestic demands.
Want to know the stainless steel 304 price per kg in India today? Get the best quote on stainless steel or its products today. Visit www.shalco.in