Stainless Steel Sheets Supplier | Manufacturer
Thickness: 0.03 mm to 45 mm, or as customers’ demands.
Sizes: 2500 X 1250 X 0.4MM, 3000 X 1500 X 2.5MM, etc. Or as your requirement.
Finish: No.1, 2B, No.4, BA, Embossed, Etch, etc.
Standard: AISI 304/304L, ASTM A240, ASTM A480, GB／T3280-2007, JIS G4304-2005, etc.
304 Stainless Steel of Specification and Size
304 stainless steel sheet, also known as 18-8 stainless steel, is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel in the world. It is renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and formability. This alloy has become a staple in various industries due to its versatile properties and cost-effectiveness. Whether it’s for kitchen appliances, medical instruments, or architectural components, 304 stainless steel sheet offers a reliable and durable solution.
Alloy Specification
- Standard Designations: AISI 304, ASTM A240, JIS G4304, EN 10088-2
- Type: Austenitic stainless steel
- Forms Available: Sheets, plates, coils, strips
Chemical Composition of Stainless Steel
| Element | Content Range |
|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.0 – 20.0% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.0 – 10.5% |
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.08% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤2.00% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤1.00% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.045% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.030% |
This composition gives 304 stainless steel its corrosion resistance and strength. Chromium forms a passive oxide layer on the surface of the steel, protecting it from further oxidation and corrosion, while nickel enhances its ductility and toughness.
Physical Properties of Stainless Steel
These physical properties make 304 stainless steel sheet suitable for applications that require high-temperature resistance and good thermal conductivity, such as heat exchangers and exhaust systems.
- Density: 7.93 g/cm³
- Melting Point: 1398 – 1454°C
- Thermal Conductivity: 16.3 W/m·K at 100°C, 21.5 W/m·K at 500°C
- Linear Expansion Coefficient: 17.2 × 10⁻⁶/°C at 0 – 100°C, 18.4 × 10⁻⁶/°C at 0 – 500°C
- Specific Heat Capacity: 0.50 KJ/kg·K (0 – 100°C)
- Resistivity: 0.73 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·m (20°C)
Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel
| Property | 304 | 304L | 304 Cold Worked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 515-720 | 485-655 | 800-1000 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 205-310 | 170-310 | 550-850 |
| Elongation (%) | 40-60 | 40-60 | 10-20 |
| Hardness (HV) | 130-200 | 130-200 | 250-350 |
Fatigue & Creep Resistance:
Fatigue Strength: ~240 MPa (10⁷ cycles)
Max Service Temp: 870°C (intermittent), 925°C (continuous)
Benefits of Using 304 Stainless Steel Sheet
- Corrosion Resistance: The high chromium content in 304 stainless steel forms a passive oxide layer on the surface, providing excellent resistance to a wide range of corrosive environments, including organic acids, inorganic acids, and alkalis.
- Heat Resistance: It can withstand temperatures up to 870°C in intermittent service and up to 925°C in continuous service, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Formability: 304 stainless steel sheet can be easily welded, cut, and formed, making it ideal for custom fabrication.
- Hygienic Properties: Its smooth, non-porous surface is easy to clean and sterilize, making it a popular choice for food processing and medical applications.
Tips for Procurement and Cost-Effectiveness
- Supplier Selection: Choose reputable suppliers with a track record of quality control and timely delivery. Look for suppliers that offer certifications such as ISO 9001 and ASTM compliance.
- Material Grade: Ensure the material grade matches the required specifications (e.g., AISI 304, ASTM A240).
- Surface Finish: Select the appropriate surface finish based on the application (e.g., 2B, #4, #8 mirror).
- Quantity and Size: Consider the required quantity and sheet size to optimize material usage and reduce waste.
Manufacturing and Cost
- Manufacturing Processes: 304 stainless steel sheet can be manufactured through various processes, including hot rolling, cold rolling, and annealing. The choice of process affects the material’s properties and cost.
- Cost Structure: The cost of 304 stainless steel sheet includes raw material costs, manufacturing overhead, and profit margins. Suppliers may offer different pricing structures based on order quantity, delivery terms, and payment conditions.
Pricing Insights
- Market Trends: The price of 304 stainless steel sheet is subject to market fluctuations influenced by global economic conditions, supply and demand dynamics, and geopolitical factors.
- Pricing Examples:
- Alibaba.com: As of 2023, prices ranged from 1.60 per kilogram for 0.5 – 0.7mm thick sheets.
- Made-in-China.com: Prices for 1.5m x 3m x 6mm sheets ranged from US3.55 per 50 kg (MOQ).
Applications of Alloy in Various Industries
- Food Industry: Used in kitchen equipment, food processing machinery, and storage tanks due to its hygienic properties and corrosion resistance.
- Medical Industry: Employed in surgical instruments, implants, and medical devices for its biocompatibility and strength.
- Construction: Utilized in architectural cladding, roofing, and structural components for its aesthetic appeal and durability.
- Automotive: Found in exhaust systems, fuel tanks, and trim components for its heat resistance and corrosion resistance.
- Chemical Processing: Used in reactors, heat exchangers, and piping systems for its chemical resistance.
Alloy Procurement
- Sourcing: 304 stainless steel sheet is widely available from global suppliers. It can be sourced from domestic or international markets, depending on cost and availability.
- Quality Assurance: Request material test reports (MTRs) to verify the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the material.
Cost-Effectiveness
- Cost Drivers: The cost of 304 stainless steel sheet is influenced by raw material prices (e.g., nickel, chromium), manufacturing processes, and market demand.
- Cost Comparison: Compared to other stainless steel grades (e.g., 316, 430), 304 offers a good balance of performance and cost, making it a cost-effective choice for many applications.
- Long-Term Savings: While the initial cost may be higher than some materials, the long-term durability and low maintenance requirements of 304 stainless steel can result in significant cost savings over the product’s lifespan.
We usually use the following packaging methods, but if customers have other special requirements, we can meet them.
In Conclusion
As industries continue to demand materials that can withstand harsh environments and provide long-term durability, the use of 304 stainless steel sheet is expected to grow. Advances in manufacturing technologies and material science may further enhance its properties, making it an even more attractive choice for a wide range of applications.
304 stainless steel sheet is a versatile and reliable material that offers a combination of corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and formability. Its wide range of applications across various industries makes it a popular choice for engineers, designers, and manufacturers. By understanding its alloy specifications, chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties, and cost-effectiveness, users can make informed decisions when selecting 304 stainless steel sheet for their projects.