304 stainless steel plate (&304L) are common use austenitic stainless steel, they are a relatively low cost stainless (compared to 316/316L stainless). Referred standards ASTM A-240, ASME SA -240.
Features:
- Good corrosion resistance than other steel in variety of different media
- Excellent low temperature performances
- Good welding characteristics
- Post weld annealing is not normally required
- Heat resistant performances
- Hot workability such as punching or bending
- No heat treatment hardening phenomenon (non-magnetic, use temperature -196 ℃ ~ 800 ℃)
Applications:
- Energy and Heavy Indsutries - Oil and Gas, Electrical steel (Silicon Steel), Solar Board.
- Power Plant.
- Heat Exchangers, Boilers
- Chemical Storage Vessels
- Automotive and Transportation
- Architectural and Construction
- Marine Building
- Medical Equipment
- Food Machine Manufacturing, Food and Catering
304 and 304L Stainless Steel Plate and Sheet Type
Stainless Steel Coil Type
304 Stainless Steel Sheet Plate Properties:
Chemical Composition 304 vs 316 stainless steel
Elements (%) | 304 (S30400) | 304L (S30403) | 316 (S31600) | 316L (S31603) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Carbon, Max | 0.07 | 0.030 | 0.08 | 0.030 |
Manganese, Max | 2.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
Phosphorus, Max | 0.045 | 0.045 | 0.045 | 0.045 |
Sulphur, Max | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 |
Silicon, Max | 0.75 | 0.75 | 0.75 | 0.75 |
Chromium | 17.5-19.5 | 17.5-19.5 | 16.0-18.0 | 16.0-18.0 |
Nickel | 8.0-10.5 | 8.0-12.0 | 10.0-14.0 | 10.0-14.0 |
Mo | ... | ... | 2.00-3.00 | 2.00-3.00 |
Nitrogen | 0.10 | 0.10 | 0.10 | ... |
Mechanical Properties 304 vs 316 stainless steel
These values only apply for thickness less or equal to 1.5 inch 38mm. For thickness above 38mm, 304 tensile strength and yield strength is same with 316, meanwhile 304L is same with 316L, but hardness is different.
Mechanical Properties | 304 (S30400) | 304L (S30403) | 316 (S31600) | 304L (S30403) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tensile Strength Min | 75 Ksi [515 Mpa] | 70 Ksi [485 Mpa] | 75 Ksi [515 Mpa] | 70 Ksi [485 Mpa] |
Yield Strength Min 0.2% offset | 30 Ksi [205 Mpa] | 25 Ksi [170 Mpa] | 30 Ksi [205 Mpa] | 25 Ksi [170 Mpa] |
Yield Strength Min 1% offset | 36 Ksi [250 Mpa] | 35 Ksi [240 Mpa] | 38 Ksi [260 Mpa] | 38 Ksi [260 Mpa] |
Elongation Min | 40% | 40% | 40% | 40% |
Hardness Max | 92 HRB | 92 HRB | 95 HRB | 95 HRB |
Difference between 304/304L and 316/316L Stainless Steel Plates
Both grades are austenitic stainless steel which is one of the most widely used and versatile type of steel. As 304/304L stainless steel plates & sheets have excellent corrosion resistance, 316/316L plates have higher nickel content than 304 and 304L SS sheets giving them even better corrosion resistance especially in marine applications.
316/316L Stainless Contains Mo Provides better Resistance to High Temperature
Refer to chemical composition 316 stainless steel contains element Mo, which is the reason that 316/316L has better corrosion resistance than 304/304L, especially in high temperature conditions. Therefore, engineers usually choose 316 material in high temperature environments. However, if the environment consist sulfuric acid, do not use 316/316L for high temperature, as the Molybdenum will be easily reacts to high-priced sulfur ions and form sulfides.
321 Stainless Steel
Type 321 SS plates are a good choice for applications where heat is an issue. 321 can be used in applications up to 900°C where 304L is normally used up to 500°C.
What is stainless steel plate?
Stainless steel plate inlcudes plates of stainless steel and acid-resistant steel, it has type of forms as plates, coils and sheets, common use grades are 304/304L and 316/316L, 321 and etc.
Stainless steel developed since the beginning of this century and till now is more than 90 years.
Why and How Stainless Steel Plates Resistant to Corrosion
The corrosion resistance of stainless steel mainly depends on its alloy composition (chromium, nickel, titanium, silicon, aluminum, etc.) and the internal structure major role is chromium (Cr). Chromium has high chemical stability and can form a passivation film on the steel surface to isolate the metal from the outside. To protect the steel plate from oxidation, and increase the corrosion resistance of the steel plate. When the passivation film is broken, the corrosion resistance is lowered.
Major Performance of Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet and Coil
Corrosion Resistance
The stainless steel sheet has the ability to withstand general corrosion similar to the unstable nichrome 304. Prolonged heating in the temperature range of chromium carbide may affect alloys 321 and 347 in harsh corrosive media. Mainly used in high temperature applications, high temperature applications require strong sensitization of materials to prevent intergranular corrosion at lower temperatures.
High Temperature Oxidation Resistance
Stainless steel plates have high temperature oxidation resistance, but the oxidation rate is affected by inherent factors such as the exposed environment and product morphology.
Preservative
The corrosion resistance of stainless steel plates depends mainly on its alloy composition (chromium, nickel, titanium, silicon, aluminum, manganese, etc.) and the internal structure, and the main role is chromium. Chromium has high chemical stability and can form a passivation film on the steel surface to isolate the metal from the outside, protect the steel plate from oxidation, and increase the corrosion resistance of the steel plate. When the passivation film is broken, the corrosion resistance is lowered.
Manufacturing Methods
There are two types of hot rolling and cold rolling according to the thickness required, including a thin cold plate having a thickness of 0.02-4 mm and a medium plate having a thickness of 4.5-100 mm.
Heat Treatment Shall be Performed
In order to ensure that the mechanical properties such as yield strength, tensile strength, elongation and hardness of all kinds of stainless steel plates meet the requirements, the steel plate must be subjected to heat treatment such as annealing, solution treatment and aging treatment before delivery.
Weight of 304 Stainless Steel Plate
To calculate the weight of 304 stainless steel plate in kgs use the formula: length (m) x width (m) x thickness (mm) x 7.93
Our Supply Range
Standard: ASTM A240, ASME-SA240
Thickness Range: 0.02mm - 4mm, 4.5mm - 100mm.
Width Range: 900mm - 2400 mm
Length Range: 3000mm - 12000 mm, stainless steel coils
Surface Treatment: Natural, 2B, Mirror
Steel Cutting Services: Laser Cut Stainless Steel, Waterjet cutting , Plasma Cutting Services.