Mechanical properties of 304 grade stainless steel

Physical properties of 304 grade stainless steel in the annealed condition

SAE 304 stainless steel, also known as A2 stainless steel (not the same as A2 tool steel) or 18/8 stainless steel, European norm 1.4301, is the most common stainless steel. The steel contains both chromium (usually 18%) and nickel (usually 8%) metals as the main non-iron constituents. It is an austenite steel. It is not very electrically or thermally conductive, and is non-magnetic. It has a higher corrosion resistance than regular steel and is widely used because of the ease in which it is formed into various shapes. It also contains 17.5-20% Chromium, 8-11% Nickel, and less than 0.08% Carbon, 2% Manganese, 1% Silicon, 0.045% Phosphorus, and 0.03% Sulfur .

304 stainless steel is used for a variety of home and industry uses, such as screws, machinery parts, fabrics and other uses.

2. Manufacturing

Austenitic:
Austenitic steels have austenite as their primary phase (face centered cubic crystal). These are alloys containing chromium and nickel (sometimes manganese and nitrogen), structured around the Type 302 composition of iron, 18% chromium, and 8% nickel. Austenitic steels are not hardenable by heat treatment. The most familiar stainless steel is probably Type 304, sometimes called T304 or simply 304. Type 304 surgical stainless steel is an austenitic steel containing 18-20% chromium and 8-10% nickel.

Ferritic:
Ferritic steels have ferrite (body centered cubic crystal) as their main phase. These steels contain iron and chromium, based on the Type 430 composition of 17% chromium. Ferritic steel is less ductile than austenitic steel and is not hardenable by heat treatment.

Martensitic:
The characteristic orthorhombic martensite microstructure was first observed by German microscopist Adolf Martens around 1890. Martensitic steels are low carbon steels built around the Type 410 composition of iron, 12% chromium, and 0.12% carbon. They may be tempered and hardened. Martensite gives steel great hardness, but it also reduces its toughness and makes it brittle, so few steels are fully hardened.

There are also other grades of stainless steels, such as precipitation-hardened, duplex, and  cast stainless steels. Stainless steel can be produced in a variety of finishes and textures and can be tinted over a broad spectrum of colors.

PACKAGES

Outside Packing:

Thick and standard wooden case with metal junction and nails. Pallet on the bottom.

Inside Packing:

Shake&Shock Proof.

Thick plastic or soft shockproof foam to avoid scratches on the surface of the product;

Cushioning tire on the bottom to prevent the item moving or tumbling or leaving dents on the product in case of rough transport.

SHIPPING

Modes of  Shipment

Ground, Ship and Air