EN 1.4301 / AISI 304 is an Austenitic Non-Hardening Chromium-Nickel Steel available in a wide range of forms, with a microstructure featuring both ferritic and austenitic phases. It has good free-cutting properties and excellent weldability. It is the most versatile, and most commonly used, grade of stainless steel.
EN 1.4301 / AISI 304 is commonly used for tanks, for use in high-temperature applications, and for general engineering uses. It is particularly suitable for use in applications where high temperatures are encountered, such as in heavy industry. In particular, it is well-suited for use in heat exchangers, boilers, pressure vessels and other heat-exchanger equipment. Due to its good corrosion resistance and excellent strength characteristics, EN 1.4301 / AISI 304 is also often used in a variety of industries such as chemical processing, food and beverage, petrochemical, and automotive.
Due to its excellent wear resistance, EN 1.4301 / AISI 304 can be used in many corrosive environments. It is particularly suitable for use in normal atmospheric and fresh water environments, and can also be used in mildly acidic and alkaline solutions, such as dilute acids and solutions with a pH of up to 7.6. Furthermore, its good oxidation resistance means that it can be used at temperatures above 300°C.
EN 1.4301 / AISI 304 is an austenitic stainless steel with a very low carbon content, making it an ideal choice for applications where weight is an important consideration. Its low carbon content also means that it can be easily welded, and has sound steelshooting and knife-edge properties.
EN 1.4301 / AISI 304 has excellent resistance to a wide range of atmospheric, water and chemical corrosive agents, making it an ideal choice in many environments. It is very resistant to pitting corrosion, and can also withstand sea-water, some acids and alkalis, and a wide range of organic compounds. It is also unaffected by normal atmospheric temperature variations.
EN 1.4301 / AISI 304 is ideal for a wide range of general engineering applications, including structural components, pipelines, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, food processing equipment and medical instruments. Its excellent weldability and strength characteristics make it suitable for use in the automotive industry, for exhaust systems and fuel delivery systems. It is also often used in the white goods and domestic appliances industry.
EN 1.4301 / AISI 304 is a highly versatile stainless steel that offers excellent resistance to corrosion, as well as superior strength and weldability characteristics. Its suitable for use in a wide range of industrial processes, from general engineering to food processing, and from automotive to marine applications. From pressure vessels to pipelines, and from heat exchangers to exhaust systems, it is an ideal choice for many industries in need of a reliable, cost-effective stainless steel option.
