| Material | austenitic stainless steel |
| Standard | ASTM A580 |
| Grade | AISI 304 |
| Main properties and application | Type 304 (T-304) of USA standard AISI is the universal and the most widely used austenitic steel in the industry; weldability is good, but due to the lack of titanium, the weld seam (except for contact welding) is subject to intergranular corrosion; Steel Type 304 is used more widely when subsequent heat treatment (hardening) and cold deformation is necessary, as parts of furnace fittings, heat exchangers, muffles, rotors, nozzles and collectors of exhaust systems, electrodes of spark plugs, etc.; weakly magnetic, practically non-magnetic in the heat-treated state; good resistance to atmospheric and intergranular corrosion in combination with heat resistance, stability, strength, ease of processing, the possibility of use in a wide range of temperatures made this brand of steel one of the most produced and used around the world in various industries, including for the manufacture of machine parts and food and trade machine-building equipment, consumer goods. Type 304L stainless steel wire mesh is the same as Type 304 stainless steel wire mesh, except for its extra-low carbon content which allows for superior welding. Specifically, the low carbon content helps to minimize carbide precipitation when welding, allowing T-304L wire cloth to be used without subsequent annealing of the weld joints, even in corrosive environments. Stainless steel Type 304 and 304L is non-magnetic when annealed and slightly magnetic when cold finish. Chemical composition and main properties of wire steel grade AISI 304 of ASTM A580-18 corresponds to the requirements to steel grade ISO name X5CrNi18-10 (number 4301-304-00-I) according to ISO 15510-2014 and steel grade EN 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10) according to ЕN 10088-3:2014. |
| Operating temperature | the recommended operating temperature is not more than 420 ° C in terms of corrosion resistance; not more than 710°С in terms of mechanical parameters; melting point 1400°С |
| Grade analogue | ISO: 4301-304-00-I (X5CrNi18-10); EU (EN): 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10); Poland (PN): 1H18N9T; AISI 304L; AISI 304H; SS304; SS304L; UNS S30403; stainless steel 18/10 |
| Density | 7.92 g/cm3 |
| Corrosion resistance | AISI T-304 and T-304L stainless steel has good resistance to atmospheric and intergranular corrosion, including in saturated steam, when operating at high and low temperatures and in aggressive environments, in solutions of nitric, acetic, phosphoric acids, alkali solutions and salts, in sea water; steel grade AISI 304 is recommended for use as corrosion-resistant; used in highly aggressive environments; steel grade AISI 304 is unstable in sulphurous environments |
| Notes regarding corrosion | atmospheric corrosion resistance: 4500 times higher than ordinary quality low carbon steel without coating, 500 times higher than zinc galvanized low carbon steel, 50 times higher than aluminum, higher than brass 25 times. PREN (PEPC - Pitting Resistance Equivalent): 20 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 for T-304 and ≤ 0.03 for T-304L |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.0 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.0 |
| Chrome (Cr) | 18.0 ÷ 20.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.0 ÷ 12 |
| Iron (Fe) | balance, approx. 70% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.03 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Other elements | N ≤ 0.10 |
Stainless steel AISI 304 – the leader among stainless steels
AISI 304 stainless steel is an alloy manufactured according to US standards. In the line of stainless steels of the 300 series, this material is the most in demand. Wide application and high demand are due to the versatility of the steel alloy. Another argument in favor of AISI 304 stainless steel is the price, which is competitive in comparison with other alloys in this series. In terms of properties and chemical composition, the material corresponds to ISO grades: 4301-304-00-I (X5CrNi18-10); EU (EN): 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10); Poland (PN): 1H18N9T; AISI 304L; AISI 304H; SS304; SS304L; UNS S30403; stainless steel 18/10
Alloy composition AISI 304
AISI 304 steel is a high-alloy austenitic alloy. According to technical requirements, the composition of the material includes at least 18% chromium, 10% nickel. The main component is iron. Due to the increased chromium content, an oxide film is formed on the surface of the alloy, which makes the steel resistant to aggressive chemicals. The ratio of the main and alloying components in the composition ensures the strength and antiferromagnetic properties of the metal.
Сharacteristics of stainless steel AISI 304
AISI 304 stainless steel alloy has a number of properties that allow the material to be used in almost all industries and everyday life.
Stainless steel AISI 304 – characteristics:
- Corrosion resistance: steel does not corrode even if the surface is mechanically damaged. The steel is resistant to atmospheric corrosion, exposure to water and high-concentration acid solutions - except for sulfuric acid and any sulfur-containing media.
- Weldability: AISI 304 stainless steel can be easily welded by all methods. However, due to the absence of titanium in the composition, the weld is susceptible to corrosion, so welded structures require further processing at a temperature of 1050–1150°C. After heat treatment, the seam is cleaned of scale and rubbed with etching paste.
- Temperature resistance: the melting point of steel is about 1400°C, the structure can withstand short-term heating up to 900°C. The operating temperature of heating the steel alloy in terms of mechanical indicators reaches 710°C, and with corrosion – up to 420°C.
- Hygiene: the alloy does not come into contact with other substances, therefore AISI 304 steel is used in the chemical, food, and medical industries.
- Processing options: AISI 304 stainless steel material is durable and elastic, can be easily processed by forming, drawing, bending, drawing.
Areas of application for AISI 304 steel
Application of AISI 304 stainless alloy are varied; steel and products made from it are used everywhere. Here are some areas where AISI 304 steel has found application:
- pharmaceutical, chemical industry: parts of instruments and refrigeration equipment, tools, storage and transportation containers;
- food industry: dishes, shelving, equipment for brewing, dairy production, cutlery; equipment for the production of fabrics, paints, etc.;
- production of metal products: wire, pipes, hexagons, sheets, stainless steel mesh;
- mining and oil industry: wire cloth and wire meshes in filters for wells;
- mechanical engineering, shipbuilding: machine parts, equipment, fasteners, cables, etc.;
- construction and design: fittings, parapets, staircase railings, balconies.
Due to its wide application, AISI 304 stainless steel is always in demand on the market; the alloy can be purchased in the form of sheets, wire and other rolled metal products and products made from them.
