Although stainless steel also contains a healthy amount of chromium, the alloy that gives stainless steel its renowned corrosion resistance, all steels share the same basic iron and carbon composition.
Stainless steel comes in a variety of grades, each with a slightly different alloy composition and thus somewhat varied physical properties.
Chromium must make up at least 10.5% of stainless steel. It may have substantially higher chromium concentrations, as well as additional alloying elements including molybdenum, nickel, titanium, aluminium, copper, nitrogen, phosphorus, or selenium, depending on the grade.
stainless steel 304
Due to its superior corrosion resistance and affordability, Stainless Steel 304 Fasteners is the most popular variety used globally. It has a chromium content of 16 to 24 percent, a nickel content of up to 35 percent, and trace levels of carbon and manganese.
The most popular variety of type 304 stainless steel is 18-8 (18/8) stainless steel, which has a chromium and nickel content of 18% and 8%, respectively.
Due to its superior corrosion resistance and affordability, 304 stainless steel is the most popular type of stainless steel used globally.
Most oxidizing acids won’t cause 304 to corrode. Because of its toughness, 304 is simple to sterilize, making it perfect for usage in the kitchen and with food. Additionally, it is typical of site furniture, décor, and buildings.
One drawback of 304 stainless steel is that it is prone to corrosion in salty conditions, such as the coast, or from chloride solutions. Localized corrosion caused by chloride ions, known as “pitting,” can spread beneath protective chromium barriers and endanger internal structures. Solutions as low as 25 ppm of sodium chloride might start to corrode materials.
Typical applications for stainless steel 304
• Storage troughs
• Hardware for finishing and fastening (screws, nuts, bolts, plates, handles)
• Cooking utensils
• Domestic sinks and sink accessories
• Architectural and decorative hardware for indoors (panels, sculptures, sconces)
• Tubing for equipment
• Household appliances
