304
304
304
STAINLESS STEEL 304 (ASTM A194 8; ASTM A193 B8)
304 stainless steel is one type of chromium-nickel stainless steel. As a versatile steel, it has excellent corrosion resistance, heat resistance, low-temperature strength and mechanical properties; it is easy to be processed by hot working such as stamping and bending, and there is no hardening phenomenon after heat treatment (operating temperature -196℃ to 800℃).
Some Other Types Related to 304
304L 304H
304 Austenitic Stainless Steel Chemical Composition
304L Austenitic Stainless Steel Chemical Composition
304H Austenitic Stainless Steel Chemical Composition
304L stainless steel is an ultra-low carbon alloy, which is the low-carbon version of 304. It is commonly used to manufacture components and equipment that require high corrosion resistance and formability, and is especially suitable for welding applications.
304H
304H stainless steel is the high-carbon version of 304 stainless steel, designed for high-temperature environments. It is also known as UNS S30409 / W.Nr. 1.4948 stainless steel. The carbon content of 304H is controlled between 0.04% and 0.10%, which significantly improves its strength at high temperatures ranging from 427°C to 800°C.
One point to consider is that 304H stainless steel can undergo sensitization at temperatures between 425–860°C, which reduces its resistance to aqueous corrosion. Therefore, it is not recommended to use 304H stainless steel in applications requiring subsequent resistance to aqueous corrosion within the sensitization temperature range.
Compared with 304L stainless steel, 304H stainless steel exhibits superior short-term and long-term creep strength above 500°C and has better resistance to sensitization. With its excellent heat resistance and mechanical stability, 304H stainless steel is widely used in manufacturing ASME pressure vessels operating at temperatures above 525°C.
