Is 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Magnetic?
Imagine a material that combines exceptional strength, corrosion resistance, and precise mechanical properties—yet also has the fascinating ability to be…
When it comes to materials that combine durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, stainless steel 304 and 304H stand out as industry favorites. Known for their exceptional corrosion resistance, high-temperature performance, and ease of fabrication, these grades have become indispensable in sectors ranging from construction and manufacturing to chemical processing and kitchenware. In particular, slitting coils made from stainless steel 304/304H offer tailored solutions for projects requiring precision and efficiency, with customizable dimensions and finishes to meet diverse needs.
This article dives into everything you need to know about these sought-after slitting coils. From detailed chemical and mechanical properties to standard dimensions and thicknesses, we’ll help you understand what makes these materials ideal for various applications. You’ll also find a comprehensive price list to guide your purchasing decisions and a comparison of 304 versus 304H to help you choose the right grade for your specific requirements. Whether you’re an engineer, procurement professional, or manufacturer, this guide will equip you with the insights you need to make an informed choice.
Stainless Steel 304 and 304H are versatile austenitic stainless steels known for their corrosion resistance, durability, and wide-ranging applications. Stainless Steel 304, often called 18/8 stainless, is one of the most commonly used grades due to its balanced properties. It is highly valued for its excellent forming, drawing, and welding capabilities. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. Stainless Steel 304H, with its higher carbon content, is specifically designed to provide greater strength and durability in high-temperature environments.
Slitted coils of Stainless Steel 304 and 304H are essential across various industries. Slitting cuts large coils into narrower widths, making them suitable for diverse applications such as kitchenware, automotive parts, and industrial equipment. Customizing the width and thickness of the coils ensures they meet specific requirements, making them indispensable in industries where precision and performance are crucial.
Stainless Steel 304 and 304H are austenitic stainless steels with distinct differences in carbon content, impacting their mechanical properties and applications.
These properties make 304 and 304H ideal for industrial applications demanding durability and corrosion resistance.
Stainless steel 304 coils range in thickness from 0.025 mm to 25 mm, while 304H coils typically range from 0.2 mm to 5 mm, catering to various industrial applications.
The width of 304 coils spans from 3 mm to 2000 mm, and 304H coils range from 3.2 mm to 1500 mm, with lengths commonly available in 2000 mm, 2440 mm, 3000 mm, 5800 mm, and 6000 mm, or custom lengths upon request.
Stainless steel 304 and 304H coils are available in various hardness levels, including soft, hard, half hard, quarter hard, and spring hard, to meet different mechanical demands.
These coils come in various surface finishes such as 2B, 2D, BA, NO.1, NO.4, NO.8, mirror, chequered, embossed, hairline, sandblasted, brushed, and etched, catering to both aesthetic and functional needs.
For instance, a coil with dimensions of 4000 mm length, 2000 mm width, and 5.0 mm thickness weighs approximately 340 kg, aiding in logistical planning and application design.
Stainless steel 304 and 304H coils comply with international standards like JIS, AISI, ASTM, GB, DIN, and EN, ensuring they meet rigorous quality requirements for various applications.
Stainless Steel 304 coils are typically priced between $2.40 and $2.52 per kilogram, depending on the supplier and specific grade. Here’s a detailed breakdown of pricing based on different processing methods and finishes:
Prices for 304H coils are generally higher than for 304 coils, reflecting the higher carbon content and enhanced properties. The price per kilogram is approximately $2.52.
Several factors can influence the pricing of Stainless Steel 304 and 304H coils:
Additional costs may arise from:
Knowing the price range and factors affecting the cost of Stainless Steel 304 and 304H coils helps in making informed purchasing decisions for specific applications. By understanding these elements, buyers can better navigate the market and select products that meet their requirements efficiently.
Stainless Steel 304 and 304H slitting coils are widely used across industries due to their exceptional properties. These include excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and versatility, making them indispensable in a variety of applications.
In the automotive industry, these coils are used for decorative parts, exhaust systems, and structural components, offering durability, high-temperature performance, and aesthetic appeal.
In construction, these coils are ideal for handrails, balustrades, roofing, and cladding materials, valued for their durability, corrosion resistance, and attractive finish.
These coils are essential for kitchen appliances, food processing equipment, and storage tanks, ensuring hygiene, easy cleaning, and contamination resistance.
In chemical plants, these coils are used for equipment and piping systems exposed to high temperatures and corrosive chemicals.
Aerospace applications include structural parts and engine components that require high strength, durability, and temperature resistance.
In electronics, these coils are used for precision parts like gaskets and brackets, ensuring durability and dimensional accuracy.
In the medical field, these coils are used for surgical instruments, medical devices, and equipment that require corrosion resistance and sterilization.
In the oil and gas sector, these coils are used for equipment and piping systems designed to withstand harsh, corrosive environments.
These coils are ideal for manufacturing precision parts like trim, gaskets, and brackets, valued for their strength and accuracy.
Their corrosion resistance makes these coils perfect for heat exchangers and durable kitchen utensils.
These coils are used in truck and trailer panels and doors, offering strength and environmental resistance.
Grade 304 is widely used for its balanced properties, while 304H is preferred for high-temperature applications due to its higher carbon content.
These coils are available in thicknesses from 0.02 mm to 12 mm and widths ranging from 5 mm to 1250 mm, customizable for specific needs.
Available finishes include 2B, BA, NO.1, NO.4, NO.8, and specialized options like mirror, embossed, and brushed finishes.
These coils meet international standards such as ASTM A240, JIS4304-2005, and EN10088-2-2005, ensuring quality and reliability.
The main difference between Stainless Steel 304 and 304H is the amount of carbon they contain. Stainless Steel 304 has a maximum carbon content of 0.08%, while 304H contains higher carbon, ranging from 0.04% to 0.10%. This increased carbon content in 304H enhances its high-temperature strength, making it suitable for applications where elevated temperatures are a factor.
Due to its higher carbon content, 304H offers superior performance in high-temperature environments compared to 304. The higher carbon level in 304H helps maintain its strength at temperatures where 304 might fail. This makes 304H ideal for use in boilers, power plants, heat exchangers, and furnace parts, where materials are exposed to high temperatures for extended periods. Additionally, while both grades provide excellent corrosion resistance, 304 can be prone to sensitization and intergranular corrosion, especially in the temperature range of 450℃ to 860℃. This is due to the formation of chromium compounds at the edges of the material. 304H does not suffer from these issues to the same extent, making it more suitable for high-temperature applications where welding is involved.
304H is designed for high-temperature strength, with slightly different mechanical properties than 304. For example, 304H has a minimum tensile strength of 75 ksi, a yield strength (0.2% offset) of 30 ksi, and an elongation of at least 40% in 50 mm. The hardness of 304H is also slightly higher, with a maximum Brinell hardness of 201 and a Rockwell B hardness of 92. These properties make 304H more robust in high-temperature and high-stress environments compared to 304.
Stainless Steel 304 is versatile, used in kitchen sinks, cookware, and thin, unwelded sheets. On the other hand, 304H is preferred in applications that require high-temperature strength and resistance. This includes the manufacturing of heat exchangers, furnace parts, and other high-temperature equipment. The specific choice between 304 and 304H will depend on the application’s temperature requirements and the need for material strength at elevated temperatures.
304 and 304H stainless steel slitting coils meet standards like ASTM A240, ASME SA240, JIS4304-2005, ASTM A167, EN10088-2-2005, and GB/T3280-2007, ensuring they fulfill specific requirements suitable for their intended applications.
Stainless steel 304 and 304H slitting coils are available in various surface finishes, including:
These finishes cater to both aesthetic and functional needs, depending on the application requirements.
304H is usually more expensive than 304 because of its higher carbon content and specialized manufacturing. Large orders and specific certifications (like NACE MR 01-75) affect the price, so consider these when choosing the right grade.
ASTM A240/A240M
ASTM A240/A240M outlines the requirements for stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips made of chromium and chromium-nickel, suitable for pressure vessels and general applications. This standard ensures that the materials meet stringent quality and performance criteria, making them reliable for various industrial uses.
ASTM A480/A480M
ASTM A480/A480M sets guidelines for stainless steel plates and sheets, ensuring consistent dimensions and mechanical properties. This standard provides essential details on permissible variations in dimensions and testing procedures to maintain the reliability of the final product.
ASME SA-240
ASME SA-240, identical to ASTM A240, is used specifically for pressure vessel applications. It ensures that stainless steel 304/304H materials meet the necessary mechanical and physical properties for safe and efficient performance under pressure.
ISO 15510
ISO 15510 classifies stainless steels by their chemical composition, helping users select the right grade for their specific needs. This classification system ensures compatibility and optimal performance.
ISO 16143-1
This standard specifies quality requirements for stainless steel strips up to 3 mm thick, ensuring they meet industrial needs. It helps maintain high-quality standards for thin strips used in various applications.
EN 10088-2
This European standard details the requirements for stainless steel flat products, including grades 304 and 304H. It covers the technical delivery conditions, ensuring the materials meet specific mechanical and physical properties.
PED (Pressure Equipment Directive) Certification
Stainless steel 304/304H coils must meet the PED directive to ensure safety in pressure equipment. This certification guarantees that the materials are reliable for use in pressure-related applications, such as boilers and heat exchangers.
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) Compliance
RoHS certification confirms that stainless steel coils are free from hazardous substances like lead, mercury, and cadmium. Compliance with RoHS is crucial for applications in electronics and other industries where environmental and health safety are critical.
Adhering to these standards and certifications guarantees high-quality and safe stainless steel materials for various applications. This ensures that manufacturers and users can rely on the performance and safety of stainless steel 304/304H slitting coils in their respective industries.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Stainless Steel 304 and 304H are austenitic chromium-nickel alloys with similar chemical compositions but different carbon contents. The chemical composition includes approximately 18-20% chromium, 8-10.5% nickel, up to 2% manganese, up to 1% silicon, 0.045% maximum phosphorus, 0.030% maximum sulfur, and 0.11% maximum nitrogen, with the balance being iron. The key difference is the carbon content: 304 has a maximum of 0.08% carbon, while 304H has a higher carbon content, ranging from 0.04% to 0.10%.
Mechanically, both grades exhibit excellent properties. They have a tensile strength ranging from 515 to 860 MPa, a yield strength of at least 205 MPa, elongation between 40-50%, and a hardness up to 92 HRB. The higher carbon content in 304H enhances its high-temperature strength, making it suitable for applications involving elevated temperatures and stress corrosion resistance.
These properties make 304/304H slitting coils valuable for various industries, including chemical processing, kitchenware, and high-temperature environments.
The standard dimensions and thicknesses for Stainless Steel 304/304H slitting coils typically range from 0.025 mm to 3 mm in thickness for general applications, with broader options up to 100 mm for specific requirements, such as 304H. The widths vary from 3 mm to 2000 mm, while lengths can be customized, including standard sizes like 2000 mm, 2440 mm, 3000 mm, and 6000 mm. These dimensions can be tailored to meet the needs of various industries and applications.
The cost of Stainless Steel 304/304H slitting coils varies based on thickness, width, and whether they are hot or cold rolled. For coils with a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, prices range from $195 to $215 per kilogram. Coils with a thickness of 0.4 mm to 1.0 mm are generally priced between $175 and $205 per kilogram. Thicker coils, ranging from 1.2 mm to 3.0 mm, typically cost $165 to $175 per kilogram. Specific prices for hot rolled 304 grade coils start at $1.48 per kilogram, while cold rolled coils with 0.2 mm thickness range from $215 to $3071 per metric ton. Vendor-specific pricing on platforms like Alibaba varies, with 304 HR coil slitting priced between $1,500 and $1,800 per ton, depending on supplier and specifications.
The primary difference between 304 and 304H stainless steel lies in their carbon content and suitability for specific applications. 304 stainless steel has a maximum carbon content of 0.08%, while 304H contains a higher carbon range of 0.04% to 0.10%. This increased carbon content gives 304H superior high-temperature strength, making it ideal for applications requiring performance in temperatures between 500°C and 800°C. In contrast, 304 is better suited for general-purpose applications due to its excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties but is less effective in high-temperature environments where carbide precipitation can occur. Additionally, 304H is commonly used in high-temperature or high-stress applications such as flue gas systems and industrial equipment, while 304 is preferred for everyday items like kitchenware and thin sheets.
Stainless Steel 304 and 304H coils have a broad range of applications due to their excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Both grades are commonly used in the food processing and kitchen equipment industries for cookware and utensils, the automotive industry for components and trim, and in architecture for their aesthetic appeal and durability. They are also suitable for chemical processing equipment due to their resistance to corrosive environments, and in the railway and trailer manufacturing sectors.
Specifically, 304 stainless steel coils are ideal for deep drawing and forming applications, low-temperature uses, and general fabrication needs due to their excellent formability and welding properties. On the other hand, 304H coils, with their higher carbon content, are better suited for high-temperature applications and heavy-duty equipment where additional strength is required.
