Stainless steel SUS304 is a Japanese JIS standard and a version of austenite stainless steel that contains 18% chromium (Cr) and 8% nickel (Ni). It is also referred to as SS304 or AISI 304 stainless steel in American grades. It has good strength, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, weldability, and cold workability in various temperatures and atmospheres. However, it has low strength at room temperature, high tendency of intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion, and poor machinability. It does not transform when heated and cannot be strengthened by heat treatment.
What is the Chemical Composition of SUS304?
SUS304 is a Japanese JIS standard for stainless steel, also known as 304 stainless steel in the American standard. It contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel as the main non-iron constituents, and has good strength, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, weldability, cold workability and mechanical properties in mild atmospheres. The name SUS304 means “Steel Use Stainless” and the number 304 indicates that it is an austenitic stainless steel1
The chemical composition of SUS304 is given in the table below:
Element | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Ni |
Weight % | ≤0.08 | ≤1.00 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.030 | 18.00-20.00 | 8.00-10.50 |
What are the Mechanical Properties of SUS304?
The mechanical properties of SUS304 depend on the diameter, temperature and condition of the material. The table below shows some typical values for SUS304 in annealed condition:
Property | Diameter (mm) | Yield strength (MPa) | Tensile strength (MPa) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (HB) | Hardness (HV) |
Annealed condition | ≤180 | ≥205 | ≥520 | 40 | ≤187 | ≤200 |
SUS304 has good ductility and can be easily formed into various shapes. It also has good weldability and can be welded by most common methods without preheating or post-weld heat treatment. However, it is sensitive to intergranular corrosion and stress corrosion cracking in chloride environments and high temperatures
What are the Physical Properties of SUS304?
The physical properties of SUS304 are influenced by the temperature and magnetic field. The table below shows some typical values for SUS304 at room temperature:
Property | Value |
Density (g/cm3) | 7.93 |
Melting point (°C) | 1400-1450 |
Specific heat (J/kg·K) | 460-502 |
Electrical resistivity (μΩ·m) | 0.73 |
Thermal expansion coefficient (10^-6/K) | 16.3 (20-100°C) |
Thermal conductivity (W/m·K) | 16.8 (100°C) |
SUS304 is not magnetic in annealed condition, but it may become slightly magnetic due to cold working or welding. It has a lower electrical and thermal conductivity than carbon steel, but a higher corrosion resistance than regular steel. It is widely used for its ease of fabrication and aesthetic appeal
What is the Application of SUS304?
SUS304 is one of the most versatile and widely used stainless steels in the world. It is suitable for a variety of applications such as:
Food handling and processing equipment, such as cookware, cutlery, utensils, sinks, refrigerators, etc.
Machinery parts, such as screws, bolts, nuts, washers, springs, etc.
Architectural elements, such as water and fire features, railings, cladding, roofing, etc.
Chemical and pharmaceutical industries, such as tanks, pipes, valves, pumps, etc.
Automotive and aerospace industries, such as exhaust systems, fuel lines, etc.
SUS304, also known as 304 stainless steel, is a popular and versatile stainless steel grade that finds application in a wide range of industries and applications. With its excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and ease of fabrication, SUS304 is widely used in various sectors due to its unique properties.
One of the primary applications of SUS304 is in food handling and processing equipment. This includes cookware, cutlery, utensils, sinks, refrigerators, and other kitchen appliances. SUS304 is highly resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for contact with food and liquids without the risk of contamination. Its smooth and easy-to-clean surface is also a desirable feature in food handling equipment, where hygiene is of utmost importance.
In addition to food handling equipment, SUS304 is also used in machinery parts. Its high strength and excellent machinability make it ideal for producing screws, bolts, nuts, washers, springs, and other fasteners. These components are widely used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and manufacturing, due to their corrosion resistance and durability.
SUS304 also finds application in architectural elements. Its attractive appearance, combined with its corrosion resistance, makes it a popular choice for water and fire features, railings, cladding, roofing, and other architectural elements. SUS304 is known for its ability to retain its appearance even in harsh environments, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
The chemical and pharmaceutical industries also rely on SUS304 for its corrosion resistance. SUS304 is used to manufacture tanks, pipes, valves, pumps, and other equipment that come into contact with corrosive chemicals and liquids. Its resistance to a wide range of chemicals, including acids and alkalis, makes it suitable for use in these demanding environments where corrosion resistance is critical.
In the automotive and aerospace industries, SUS304 is used in various applications where its corrosion resistance and high strength
Conclusion
SUS304 is a common and widely used stainless steel grade that has good strength, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, weldability, cold workability and mechanical properties in mild atmospheres. It has a chemical composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel as the main non-iron constituents, and a range of physical properties that vary with temperature and magnetic field. It is suitable for many applications in various industries such as food processing, machinery, architecture, chemical and pharmaceuticals.
English 
Deutsch (Sie) 
Español 
日本語 
Français