SUS 304 Stainless Steel
SUS 304 is a widely used stainless steel material, belonging to the austenitic stainless steel family. It is renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance, superior mechanical properties, and versatility. SUS 304 is often referred to as 18-8 stainless steel due to its composition of primarily 18% chromium (Cr) and 8% nickel (Ni). This stainless steel holds a crucial position in various applications including construction, food processing, chemical industries, and many others.
Material Characteristics of SUS 304
SUS 304 possesses several unique material characteristics: Excellent Corrosion Resistance: One of the primary features of SUS 304 is its outstanding corrosion resistance. It performs well against most common corrosive mediums including water, acids, and alkalis. Excellent Machinability: This stainless steel is easy to cut, form, and weld, making it an ideal choice for many machining processes. High-Temperature Resistance: SUS 304 maintains stability at high temperatures, making it suitable for high-temperature applications such as heat exchangers and burner parts. Low Magnetism: It is nearly non-magnetic at room temperature, which is crucial for certain applications like electronics and medical equipment.
Chemical Properties of SUS 304
The chemical composition of SUS 304 includes: Chromium (Cr): Approximately 18%, imparting corrosion resistance, especially against oxidation and acidic corrosion. Nickel (Ni): Approximately 8%, contributing to improved corrosion resistance and maintaining structural stability. Carbon (C): Low carbon content, typically below 0.08%, to enhance machinability and reduce the risk of carbide precipitation during welding. Iron (Fe): The base element providing structural stability.
304 Chemical Properties (%)
| ITEM | C | SI | MIN | P | S | CR | NI | N | OTHERS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min | === | === | === | === | === | 17.50 | 8.00 | === | === |
| Max | 0.03 | 0.75 | 2.00 | 0.45 | 0.030 | 19.50 | 12.00 | === | === |
The mechanical properties of SUS 304
SUS 304 possesses superior mechanical properties, making it suitable for various applications: Tensile strength: Typically around 520-600 MPa, providing sufficient strength to meet the requirements of structural and load-bearing components. Yield strength: Approximately 205-240 MPa, indicating its ability to withstand stress without permanent deformation. Elongation: Typically exceeding 40%, indicating its excellent ductility.
304 Mechanical Properties
| MIN | MAX | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength (N/mm2) | 0.20% Y.S. | 205 | N/mm2 |
| 1% Y.S. | === | ||
| Tensile Strength (N/mm2) | 520 | N/mm2 | |
| Elongation % | 40 | === | |
| Hardness Test | HRB | === | 90 |
| HV | === | 200 |
The physical properties of SUS 304
The physical properties of SUS 304 contribute to its widespread applications: Density: Approximately 7.93 grams per cubic centimeter, providing a balance between strength and weight. Thermal conductivity: Approximately 16.3 W/m·K, facilitating heat transfer in both high and low-temperature applications. Electrical conductivity: Moderate electrical conductivity, making it suitable for electrical components and equipment.
Corrosion resistance of SUS 304
SUS 304 exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in various environments, including: Water and humid environments: Outstanding corrosion resistance to water and humid environments, hence commonly used in construction, kitchen equipment, and water treatment systems. Chemical environments: Excellent resistance to chemicals, making it suitable for tanks, pipelines, and chemical equipment. Food processing: Used in food processing equipment as it does not affect the quality or taste of food. Pharmaceutical industry: Employed in pharmaceutical equipment and laboratory apparatus due to its non-contaminating properties.
Applications of SUS 304
SUS 304 stainless steel finds widespread applications across various industries, including: Construction and building: Used in architectural structures, exterior decorations, and roofing materials. Food and beverage industry: Commonly found in food processing equipment, kitchen utensils, and food storage containers. Chemical industry: Utilized in tanks, pipelines, valves, and chemical equipment. Medical equipment: Frequently used in medical devices, surgical instruments, and laboratory equipment. Automotive sector: Widely used in automotive exhaust systems, drive shafts, bolts, and nuts. Energy and environmental protection: Applied in energy equipment, solar panels, and wastewater treatment facilities.
In conclusion, SUS 304 stainless steel is a versatile material valued for its corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and versatility. Whether in construction, food processing, chemical industries, or medical fields, it plays an indispensable role, serving as an essential component of modern engineering and manufacturing.