What is Stainless Steel SUS304Cu?

Stainless steel SUS304Cu is a type of austenitic stainless steel that has good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and mechanical properties. It is also known as 304Cu or 18-8Cu stainless steel. SUS304Cu is mainly used for fluid transportation, mechanical equipment, heat exchangers, and other applications that require good formability and weldability.

SUS304Cu is a modification of SUS304 by adding about 1% of copper (Cu) to prevent work hardening and improve the stamping formability. The copper also enhances the corrosion resistance of SUS304Cu in some environments, such as sulfuric acid and seawater.

What is the Chemical Composition of SUS304Cu?

The chemical composition of SUS304Cu is shown in the table below. The values are given in weight percentage (%).

Element	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Cu
SUS304Cu	≤0.08	≤1.0	≤2.0	≤0.045	≤0.03	18-20	8-10.5	0.7-1.3

SUS304Cu is an austenitic stainless steel that exhibits excellent corrosion resistance and high-temperature properties. Its chemical composition includes elements such as carbon, silicon, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, chromium, nickel, and copper. Below is a detailed explanation of the role of these elements:

Carbon (C): The carbon content in SUS304Cu is very low, usually less than or equal to 0.08%, which helps to improve the steel’s toughness and weldability while maintaining strength.

Silicon (Si): The silicon content is less than or equal to 1.0%. Silicon improves the steel’s resistance to high-temperature oxidation and enhances its strength and hardness.

Manganese (Mn): The manganese content is less than or equal to 2.0%. Manganese improves the steel’s workability and strengthens it at high temperatures.

Phosphorus (P): The phosphorus content is less than or equal to 0.045%. Phosphorus improves the steel’s strength and corrosion resistance.

Sulfur (S): The sulfur content is less than or equal to 0.03%. Sulfur improves the machinability of the steel but reduces its ductility.

Chromium (Cr): The chromium content is between 18-20%. Chromium improves the steel’s corrosion resistance and enhances its high-temperature strength.

Nickel (Ni): The nickel content is between 8-10.5%. Nickel improves the steel’s toughness and ductility, and enhances its resistance to corrosion.

Copper (Cu): The copper content is between 0.7-1.3%. Copper improves the steel’s resistance to corrosion and enhances its thermal conductivity.

Overall, the chemical composition of SUS304Cu provides it with excellent properties, making it a popular material in various industries, including the food, chemical, and medical industries.

What are the Mechanical Properties of SUS304Cu?

The mechanical properties of SUS304Cu are shown in the table below. The values are given in megapascal (MPa) and percentage (%).

Property	Yield strength (Rp0.2)	Tensile strength (Rm)	Elongation (A)
SUS304Cu (hot-rolled)	≥205	≥520	≥40

The hardness of SUS304Cu (hot-rolled) is about 187 HBW.

What are the Physical Properties of SUS304Cu?

The physical properties of SUS304Cu are shown in the table below. The values are given in kilogram per cubic meter (kg/m3), degree Celsius (°C), watt per meter kelvin (W/m·K), joule per kilogram kelvin (J/kg·K), and ohm millimeter squared per meter (Ω·mm2/m).

Density: The density of SUS304Cu is 7930 kg/m3. This property is important in determining the weight of the material and its volume. It is also crucial for calculating the load-bearing capacity of structures made from this material.

Thermal Expansion Coefficient: The thermal expansion coefficient of SUS304Cu is 16.9×10-6 (20-100°C). This property measures how much the material expands or contracts when exposed to changes in temperature. It is critical in determining the dimensional stability of the material, especially in applications where temperature changes frequently.

Thermal Conductivity: The thermal conductivity of SUS304Cu is 16.3 W/m·K (100°C). This property measures the ability of the material to transfer heat. It is crucial in applications where the material needs to dissipate heat or maintain a consistent temperature.

Specific Heat Capacity: The specific heat capacity of SUS304Cu is 500 J/kg·K (0-100°C). This property measures the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a unit mass of the material by one degree Celsius. It is important in determining the heat capacity of the material and its ability to store or release heat.

Electrical Resistivity: The electrical resistivity of SUS304Cu is 0.73 Ω·mm2/m (20°C). This property measures the material’s ability to resist the flow of electrical current. It is essential in applications where the material is used as an electrical conductor or resistor.

Property	Density	Thermal expansion coefficient (20-100°C)	Thermal conductivity (100°C)	Specific heat capacity (0-100°C)	Electrical resistivity (20°C)
SUS304Cu	7930	16.9×10-6	16.3	500	0.73

Overall, the physical properties of SUS304Cu make it a desirable material in various industries, including the automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries. Its excellent thermal and electrical properties make it a popular material in applications requiring high-temperature and high-conductivity properties, while its high-density and specific heat capacity make it useful in structural and heat storage applications.

What is the Application of SUS304Cu?

SUS304Cu is widely used for various applications that require good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and formability. Some examples are:

Fluid Transportation Pipes and Tubes: SUS304Cu is commonly used to manufacture pipes and tubes used in the transportation of fluids, including water, chemicals, and gases. The material’s excellent corrosion resistance ensures that it can withstand exposure to a wide range of chemicals and environments.

Mechanical Equipment and Parts: SUS304Cu is used in the manufacture of mechanical equipment and parts such as fasteners, nuts, bolts, screws, and springs. Its high strength, formability, and excellent resistance to corrosion and heat make it ideal for use in these applications.

Heat Exchangers and Boilers: SUS304Cu is also used in the manufacture of heat exchangers and boilers. Its high corrosion resistance and excellent thermal conductivity make it an ideal material for transferring heat and resisting corrosion in high-temperature applications.

Kitchen Utensils and Appliances: SUS304Cu is a popular material for the manufacture of kitchen utensils and appliances such as pots, pans, and cutlery. Its excellent resistance to corrosion, heat, and staining makes it ideal for use in the food industry.

Building Materials and Decorations: SUS304Cu is also used in the manufacture of building materials and decorations such as roofing and wall cladding. Its high durability, resistance to corrosion, and aesthetic appeal make it an ideal material for these applications.

Deep Drawing and Bending Products: SUS304Cu is also used to manufacture products that require deep drawing and bending, such as automotive parts, electrical enclosures, and computer components. Its high formability and excellent resistance to corrosion and heat make it an ideal material for these applications.

Flat Bars and Wires: SUS304Cu is also commonly used to manufacture flat bars and wires. These materials find applications in various industries, including the automotive and aerospace industries, owing to their high strength, formability, and excellent resistance to corrosion and heat.

Conclusion

SUS304Cu is a type of austenitic stainless steel that has good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and mechanical properties. It is also known as 304Cu or 18-8Cu stainless steel. SUS304Cu is mainly used for fluid transportation, mechanical equipment, heat exchangers, and other applications that require good formability and weldability.

The chemical composition, mechanical properties, physical properties, and applications of SUS304Cu are summarized in this blog post.