AISI 304 (18Cr-8Ni) Stainless Steel
AISI 304 is a stainless steel that is an austenite, meaning it is a steel alloy with a minimum of 10.5 percent chromium content. It is part of the 300 series of steels, which includes several variations such as 301, 302 and 306. AISI 304 has important mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. It is also known for its good formability and weldability, making it a common choice for many industrial and domestic applications.
AISI 304 stainless steel is composed of approximately 68 percent iron, 18 percent chromium, 8 percent nickel and 8 percent molybdenum, based on its weight. It also contains trace amounts of other elements such as silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, nitrogen and carbon. AISI 304 may also includes lead, selenium, manganese, tungsten and cobalt, depending on how it is manufactured.
AISI 304 stainless steel is an austenite, which means that it is non-magnetic in its pure form. It also has good formability and weldability, making it ideal for many manufacturing processes. The steel has excellent corrosion resistance due to its high chromium content, making it well suited to many applications. It is also easy to clean and has good workability, which means it can be shaped and formed easily. AISI 304 is also very heat-resistant, meaning it is not prone to warping or distortion during high temperature processes such as welding.
In terms of mechanical properties, AISI 304 has a tensile strength of about 75ksi and a yield strength of about 30ksi. This means that it is relatively strong compared to other stainless steels. The steel has a high melting point of about 1450 degrees Celsius and a high hardness of about 255HB.
AISI 304 is used in many industrial and domestic applications. It is used for fabricating appliances, kitchen utensils, drive components, machinery parts and many other items. It is also ideal for applications requiring high temperature and/or salt spray resistance such as chemical reactors, storage tanks and exhaust systems. AISI 304 also has excellent electrical conductivity and is used in electronics and communication equipment. Additionally, its good formability makes it ideal for many medical devices such as implantable medical devices.
AISI 304 stainless steel is an austenite steel alloy with many beneficial properties. Its corrosion resistance, formability, weldability and mechanical properties makes it an ideal choice for many industrial and domestic applications. Its cost is also competitive, making it a cost-effective option.
