Stainless Steel 304 is one of the most commonly used stainless steel alloys. It is an austenitic grade, which means it has a face-centered cubic crystal structure. It contains a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, which gives it excellent corrosion resistance and good formability. Stainless Steel 304 is widely used in various applications due to its balance of properties and affordability.
| Properties | Value |
| Melting Point | Approximately 1400-1450°C (2552-2642°F) |
| Thermal Conductivity | Around 16 W/m·K at 100°C |
| Specific Heat Capacity | Approximately 500 J/kg·K at 25°C |
| Thermal Stability | Good, but not as conductive as other metals |
Stainless Steel 304 can be forged at temperatures between 1149°C and 1260°C (2100°F and 2300°F). During forging, the material becomes more workable, allowing it to be shaped into various forms. The alloys high ductility ensures it can be forged into intricate shapes without cracking or breaking.
Stress relieving is a heat treatment process used to reduce internal stresses in the metal, which can be caused by machining, welding, or casting. For Stainless Steel 304, stress relieving typically involves heating the material to a temperature of 800-900°C (1472-1652°F) and then cooling it slowly. This process helps to relieve residual stresses and improve the materials overall stability and mechanical properties.