Alloy Information Report for Stainless 304 & Stainless 304L

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General Characteristics of Stainless 304 and Stainless 304L

Stainless 304 and 304L are low-carbon versions of Type 302, offering enhanced corrosion resistance. These chromium and nickel stainless steels also offer exceptional mechanical capabilities.

Chemical Composition of Stainless 304 and Stainless 304L

• Carbon 0.08 max
• Chromium 18.00-20.0
• Nickel 8.0-10.50
• Manganese 2.00 max
• Silicon 1.0 max
• Phosphorus 0.045 max
• Sulfur 0.030 max

Chemical Composition of Stainless 304 and Stainless 304L

• Carbon 0.030 max
• Chromium 18.00-20.00
• Nickel 8.00-12.00
• Manganese 2.00 max
• Silicon 1.00 max
• Phosphorus 0.045 max
• Sulfur 0.030 max

Heat Treatment of Stainless 304 and Stainless 304L

• Anneal: 1850° to 2050°F (1010° to 1121°C), rapid cool
• Stress relief: 400° to 750°F (204° to 399°C), air cool
• Thermal treatment will not harden

Applications of Stainless 304 and Stainless 304L

• Equipment for:
  • Acetic acid
  • Nitric acid
  • Citric acid
• Food, milk and kitchen equipment
• Screws, bolts
• Refinery materials
• Chemical equipment
• Hospital equipment
• Trim and molding for architectural applications

Machinability of Stainless 304 and Stainless 304L

• Large tools help diffuse heat
• Use cutting fluid at tool tip
• Heavy feeds at slower speeds recommended over light feeds at higher speeds
• Single point, high-speed steel tools:
  • 5-10° rake or top angle and back rake
  • 7-10° front clearance
  • 5-8° side clearance
  • 10-15° lead angle
  • 8-15° cutting-edge angle
• Circular tools use 7-10° back rake and 7-10° clearance
• Drills: Angle of 140° included angle at tip and 9-15° lip clearance
• Turn with 0.003-0.008” feed at 60-90 sfpm
• With ½” drill, use feed of 0.003-0.007 and 30-60 sfpm
• Tap at 15-25 sfpm
• Mill at 35-70 sfpm
• Broach at 8-15 sfpm
• Ream at 20-60 sfpm

Workability of Stainless 304 and Stainless 304L

• Forge from 2100° to 2300°F (1149° to 1260°C)
• Reheat after temperature declines to 1700°
• Can be cold formed with higher power than used to shape carbon steel
• Expect to use larger bend angles
• Anneal between draws in instances of extreme drawing
• Anneal or stress relief just after forming

To Send a Request for Quote for Stainless 304 and Stainless 304L, please Click Here, or call 1.973.276.5000 or fax 1.973.276.5050.