Stainless Steel SS304 Sheet Metal Parts for Fire Safety Equipment
Cabinets and Covers
Product Description:
Sheet metal products have several key characteristics:
1. Lightweight: Sheet metal is thin, making the products light yet
durable.
2. High Strength: Despite being thin, sheet metal offers strong
structural integrity and resistance to external forces.
3. Flexibility: It can be easily shaped, cut, and bent into various
designs, providing versatility in manufacturing.
4. Cost-Effective: Due to the material's availability and the
efficiency of the manufacturing process, sheet metal products are
typically affordable.
5. Corrosion Resistance: Depending on the metal used, many sheet
metal products are resistant to corrosion, especially when treated
or coated.
6. Customizable: Sheet metal can be tailored to specific sizes,
shapes, and functions, allowing for custom designs in various
industries.
7. Good Thermal Conductivity: Many sheet metal materials, such as
aluminum and copper, have excellent thermal conductivity, making
them suitable for heat-related applications.
These characteristics make sheet metal products widely used in
industries like automotive, aerospace, electronics, and
construction.
Simplified Manufacturing Process
Sheet metal fabrication is often simpler and more streamlined
compared to other manufacturing processes, making it an ideal
choice for producing high-quality components quickly and
efficiently. Sheet metal parts can be produced using highly
automated processes, reducing the need for manual labor and
minimizing the chances of human error.
The ability to create prototypes and scale production quickly makes
sheet metal fabrication a valuable tool for industries that require
rapid product development, such as electronics, automotive, and
medical devices. In addition, the wide availability of sheet metal
materials and the efficiency of the manufacturing process
contribute to faster turnaround times and reduced lead times for
production.
Applications:
Stainless steel 304 is one of the most widely used grades of
stainless steel, known for its excellent corrosion resistance, good
mechanical properties, and ease of fabrication. It belongs to the
austenitic family of stainless steels, which are non-magnetic and
characterized by high toughness and good weldability. Due to these
attributes, 304 stainless steel is used across various industries,
including food processing, chemical processing, construction, and
household appliances. This article will delve into the key
characteristics of 304 stainless steel, including its chemical
composition, physical properties, mechanical properties, and
corrosion resistance.
1. Chemical Composition
Stainless steel 304 consists primarily of iron, with a significant
percentage of chromium and nickel. The typical chemical composition
of 304 stainless steel is as follows:
• Chromium (Cr): 18–20%
• Nickel (Ni): 8–10.5%
• Manganese (Mn): 2%
• Silicon (Si): 1%
• Carbon (C): 0.08% max
• Phosphorus (P): 0.045% max
• Sulfur (S): 0.03% max
• Iron (Fe): balance
The high chromium content provides the stainless steel with its
resistance to corrosion, while nickel enhances its formability and
weldability. The balance of iron forms the base material, providing
the necessary strength and structure to the alloy.
2. Physical Propertie
The physical properties of 304 stainless steel make it suitable for
a wide range of applications. Some of its key physical
characteristics include:
• Density: 7.93 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 1400°C (2552°F)
• Thermal Conductivity: 16 W/m·K at 100°C
• Electrical Resistivity: 0.72 µΩ·cm at 20°C
• Magnetic Properties: 304 stainless steel is non-magnetic in the
annealed condition, which is a key feature for applications where
magnetic properties must be minimized, such as in certain medical
and electronic devices.
Due to its relatively low density, 304 stainless steel is
lightweight compared to many other metals, which is advantageous
for applications in sectors like aerospace and automotive
industries.
3. Mechanical Properties
304 stainless steel exhibits excellent mechanical properties,
particularly in terms of strength and ductility. The alloy
maintains its mechanical strength at both high and low
temperatures, which makes it suitable for use in a variety of
environments. The following are key mechanical properties:
• Tensile Strength: 520–750 MPa
• Yield Strength: 215 MPa (min)
• Elongation: 40% (in 50 mm gauge length)
• Hardness: Brinell hardness ~170 HB, Rockwell B ~90 HRB
• Modulus of Elasticity: 193 GPa
304 stainless steel maintains its strength even at high
temperatures, up to around 870°C (1600°F) in intermittent service,
and up to 925°C (1700°F) in continuous service. This makes it
suitable for applications that involve high heat, such as heat
exchangers, boilers, and pressure vessels.
4. Corrosion Resistance
One of the most defining features of 304 stainless steel is its
exceptional corrosion resistance. The chromium content in the alloy
forms a passive oxide layer on the surface that protects it from
rust and other forms of corrosion. The presence of nickel further
enhances this corrosion resistance, particularly in reducing
environments. The corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel makes
it ideal for use in industries such as food processing,
pharmaceuticals, and marine environments. Specific aspects of its
corrosion resistance include:
• Resistance to Rust: 304 stainless steel resists rust and staining
in most environments. It is particularly resistant to oxidation and
scaling at elevated temperatures.
• Pitting Resistance: In environments containing chlorides (e.g.,
seawater), 304 stainless steel provides reasonable resistance to
pitting corrosion. However, it may not be suitable for highly
aggressive chloride-rich environments, such as those found in
seawater, where alloys like 316 may be more appropriate.
• Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC): While 304 stainless steel has
good resistance to SCC in most environments, it is susceptible to
SCC in high-temperature water or in environments containing
chlorides at elevated temperatures.
• Intergranular Corrosion: 304 stainless steel can be susceptible
to intergranular corrosion when exposed to temperatures in the
range of 425–850°C, particularly if the material is improperly
heat-treated. This issue can be avoided by using stabilized grades
like 304L or 321, which have lower carbon content.
5. Formability and Weldability
304 stainless steel is highly formable and can be easily fabricated
into various shapes and sizes. It can be rolled, drawn, and formed
into different types of products, such as sheets, coils, plates,
and pipes. Its excellent weldability allows it to be welded using
most standard welding techniques, including TIG (Tungsten Inert
Gas), MIG (Metal Inert Gas), and arc welding.
When welding 304 stainless steel, care must be taken to avoid
overheating, which can lead to sensitization (a form of
intergranular corrosion). Using proper welding procedures, such as
post-weld heat treatment, can mitigate this issue.
6. Applications of Stainless Steel 304
Given its unique combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and
formability, 304 stainless steel is used in a wide range of
applications across various industries:
• Food and Beverage Industry: Due to its resistance to corrosion
and ease of cleaning, 304 stainless steel is commonly used in the
production of food processing equipment, such as tanks, pipes, and
machinery.
• Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries: Its resistance to
corrosion from a wide range of chemicals makes 304 stainless steel
an ideal choice for processing equipment, including reactors,
vessels, and heat exchangers.
• Construction: Stainless steel 304 is often used in architectural
applications, such as structural supports, roofing materials, and
decorative items, where both appearance and durability are
important.
• Household Appliances: 304 stainless steel is widely used in
kitchen appliances, including refrigerators, dishwashers, sinks,
and cooktops, due to its ease of cleaning and resistance to stains.
• Marine Applications: While 304 stainless steel is resistant to
rust and corrosion in marine environments, it is sometimes replaced
by the more corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel when subjected
to continuous exposure to seawater or chloride-rich conditions.
7. Conclusion
Stainless steel 304 is an extremely versatile and widely used
material due to its excellent combination of mechanical properties,
corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability. Whether for
household applications, industrial machinery, or marine
environments, its unique characteristics make it one of the most
reliable and durable materials available. However, depending on the
specific environmental conditions (such as exposure to extreme
temperatures or aggressive chemicals), other stainless steel grades
like 316 or 321 may offer enhanced performance for specialized
applications.
Aluminium:
Aluminium 5051,- Al: 95.8-98.3%- Mg: 2.2-2.8%- Mn: 0.1-0.4%- Si:
0.25%- Fe: 0.4% max- Cu: 0.1% max,- High corrosion resistance,
especially in marine environments- Excellent weldability- Moderate
strength,- Clean regularly with mild detergent and water- Avoid
harsh chemicals- Consider protective coatings for outdoor use |
Aluminium 5052,- Al: 97.25% min- Mg: 2.2-2.8%- Cr: 0.15-0.35%- Mn:
0.1% max- Si: 0.25% max- Fe: 0.4% max,- Excellent corrosion
resistance- High strength-to-weight ratio- Good formability and
weldability,- Regularly clean with water- Avoid abrasive cleaners-
Apply anodizing or coatings for extended durability |
Aluminium 6061,- Al: 97.9% min- Mg: 1.0-1.5%- Si: 0.4-0.8%- Cu:
0.15-0.4%- Cr: 0.04-0.35%- Mn: 0.15% max- Fe: 0.7% max- Zn: 0.25%
max,- Excellent machinability- High strength and toughness- Good
corrosion resistance,- Clean with mild soap and water- Inspect
welds regularly- Use lubricants for moving parts to reduce friction |
Aluminium 7075,- Al: 87.1% min- Zn: 5.1-6.1%- Mg: 2.1-2.9%- Cu:
1.2-2.0%- Cr: 0.18-0.28%- Mn: 0.3% max- Si: 0.4% max- Fe: 0.5%
max,- Extremely high strength- Lightweight and strong- Excellent
fatigue resistance,- Regular cleaning recommended- Apply anodizing
or coatings for protection- Handle carefully during machining |
Stainless Steel SS304,- Fe: Balance- Cr: 18-20%- Ni: 8-10.5%- Mn:
2% max- Si: 1% max- C: 0.08% max- P: 0.045% max- S: 0.03% max,-
Good corrosion resistance- Excellent formability and weldability-
Non-magnetic in annealed condition,- Clean with water and mild
detergents- Regular polishing or passivation- Avoid prolonged
exposure to harsh chemicals |
Stainless Steel SS316,- Fe: Balance- Cr: 16-18%- Ni: 10-14%- Mo:
2-3%- Mn: 2% max- Si: 1% max- C: 0.08% max- P: 0.045% max- S: 0.03%
max,- Superior corrosion resistance (especially in saltwater)-
Excellent weldability- Higher pitting resistance,- Regular cleaning
with water- Rinse after exposure to saltwater- Periodic inspections
for pitting and corrosion |
Stainless Steel SS316L,- Fe: Balance- Cr: 16-18%- Ni: 10-14%- Mo:
2-3%- Mn: 2% max- Si: 1% max- C: 0.03% max (lower than SS316)- P:
0.045% max,- Excellent corrosion resistance- Ideal for harsh
chemical environments- Non-magnetic in annealed condition,- Regular
cleaning with water- Avoid harsh chemicals- Consider passivation
for increased corrosion resistanc |
Name: | Aerospace parts |
Tolerance | ISO2768M |
Material | Aluminium 7075 |
Roughness | Ra3.2 |
Surface Treatment | As machined |
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