Stainless Steel 304L Sheet Plate the Low Carbon Version Used in Heavy Gauge Components for Improved Weldability

● Saucepans
● Springs, screws, nuts & bolts
● Sinks & splash backs
● Architectural panelling
● Tubing
● Brewery, food, dairy and pharmaceutical production equipment
● Sanitary ware and troughs

1.1.2Alloy Designations
Stainless steel grade 1.4301/304 also corresponds to: S30400, 304S15, 304S16, 304S31 and EN58E.

1.1.3Corrosion Resistance
304 has excellent corrosion resistance in may environments and when in contact with different corrosive media. Pitting and crevice corrosion can occur in environments containing chlorides. Stress corrosion cracking can occur above 60°C.

1.1.4Heat Resistance
304 has good resistance to oxidation in intermittent service up to 870°C and in continuous service to 925°C. However, continuous use at 425- 860°C is not recommended. In this instance 304L is recommended due to its resistance to carbide precipitation. Where high strength is required at temperatures above 500°C and up to 800°C grade 304H is recommended. This material will retain aqueous corrosion resistance.

1.1.5Fabrication
Fabrication of all stainless steels should be done only with tools dedicated to stainless steel materials. Tooling and work surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before use. These precautions are necessary to avoid cross contamination of stainless steel by easily corroded metals that may discolour the surface of the fabricated product.

1.1.6Cold Working
304 stainless steel readily work hardens. Fabrication methods involving cold working may require an intermediate annealing stage to alleviate work hardening and avoid tearing or cracking. At the completion of fabrication a full annealing operation should be employed to reduce internal stresses and optimise corrosion resistance.

1.1.7Hot Working
Fabrication methods like forging, that involving hot working should occur after uniform heating to 1149-1260°C. The fabricated components should then be rapidly cooled to ensure maximum corrosion resistance.

1.1.8Machinability
304 has good machinability. Machining can be enhanced by using the following rules: Cutting edges must be kept sharp. Dull edges cause excess work hardening. Cuts should be light but deep enough to prevent work hardening by riding on the surface of the material. Chip breakers should be employed to assist in ensuring swarf remains clear of the work. Low thermal conductivity of austenitic alloys results in heat concentrating at the cutting edges. This means coolants and lubricants are necessary and must be used in large quantities.

1.1.9Heat Treatment
304 stainless steel cannot be hardened by heat treatment. Solution treatment or annealing can be done by rapid cooling after heating to 1010- 1120°C.

1.1.10Weldability
Fusion welding performance for type 304 stainless steel is excellent both with and without fillers. Recommended filler rods and electrodes for stainless steel 304 is grade 308 stainless steel. For 304L the recommended filler is 308L. Heavy welded sections may require post-weld annealing. This step is not required for 304L. Grade 321 may be used if post-weld heat treatment is not possible.

● Petroleum waste gas combustion pipeline;
● Engine exhaust pipe;
● Boiler shell, heat exchanger, heating furnace parts;
● Muffler parts for diesel engines;
● Boiler pressure vessel;
● Chemical transport vehicles;
● Expansion joints;
● Spiral welded pipes for furnace pipes and dryers;