The Strength, Structure, and Properties of 304 Stainless Steel
The composition of 304 Stainless Steel Density is 66-75% iron, 18-20% chromium, and 8-10.5% nickel, with traces of silicon, carbon, manganese, phosphorus, sulphur, and other elements. It has a density of roughly 8 grams per cubic centimeter.
Over 50% of the stainless steel consumed by the global market is of the most widely produced grade, 304. Similar to around 70% of stainless steels manufactured commercially, the substance is austenitic. The addition of nickel to the alloying mixture causes the material’s molecular structure, which is referred to as “austenitic.”
Grade 304 austenitic stainless steel has a number of characteristics, including:
• Excellent corrosion resistance
• When annealed, there is no magnetism.
• The capacity to become hardened by work
• High ductility and simplicity in formation
• Outstanding weldability, whether or not fillers are used.
• Cleanliness and ease of cleaning
• Effectiveness at temperature extremes
The carbon percentage of 304 stainless steel is roughly 0.08%. The 304L and 304H variants, which have lower carbon contents of 0.03% and up to 0.1% respectively, are other members of this family. Due to its higher ductility and reduced carbon content, 304L is frequently utilized for large welding components. Because of its higher carbon content, which contributes to increased strength, 304H is generally employed in high-temperature applications.
