AISI 304 L grade

It is the most versatile and widely used of all stainless steels. Its chemical and mechanical properties, good weldability, corrosion and oxidation resistance are examples of optimal value for money. This steel has excellent low temperature properties and is also recommended for use in areas where there is a risk of intergranular corrosion in the high temperature zone.

Applications for

- Industrial equipment in the chemical, mining, cryogenic, dairy, food and pharmaceutical industries;

- Containers and vessels for a variety of dry and liquid media.

Properties

- any mechanical treatment

- heat resistance

- rotary drawing, deep-drawing;

- improved weldability

- tensile forming

- Higher tensile strength.

Percentage composition of 304 L .

Mechanical characteristics of AISI 304 L steel at room temperature.

The strength of austenitic steel can be increased by:

- adding nitrogen to the steel (e.g. 304LN)

- Hardening in the steelworks (by repeated rolling; by stretching; by tungsten carbide bending; by pressure)

Stainless nitrided steel is used in particular in such applications as large columns, tanks, and shipping containers, where the highest design steel strength (Rp0.2) makes it possible to reduce wall thickness and achieve savings in material costs. Other uses of form-hardened AISI 304 L austenitic steel are various molding plates for the manufacture of vehicles, keg hoops, welded pipes, chains, strips and supporting elements.

Performance at High Temperatures

Tensile strength at elevated temperatures

Minimum value of elastic limit at high temperatures (strain in 10,000 hours in1% at given temperature)

Dross formation temperature:

-in continuous exposure 925oC;

-at intermittent exposure 850oC.

Resistance to corrosion.

-acidic media.
Examples are given for some acid solutions and acids

Code:

- High Protection = 0
- Partial protection = 1
- Non resistant=2

Characteristics of AISI 304 L steel at low temperatures:

Heat treatment

Annealing at 1010-120 °C and quenching with water or cool air provide optimum processability. The best corrosion resistance is achieved during annealing at 1070 °C and rapid cooling. Stress relieving (tempering) at 450-600°C for one hour increases the risk of sensitization. The lowest stress relief temperature, 400 °C maximum, should be used. Temperature at the beginning of the forging process: 1150 - 1260 °C, at the end of the process about 900 - 925 °C. Annealing is required for all hot workings. The time taken to reach homogeneous heating for stainless steels is about 12 times longer than for carbon steels.

Cold work

This steel is both strong and ductile. Cold working includes tensile forming, bending, rotary and deep drawing. Cold working uses the same tools and techniques as for carbon steel. However, the applied mechanical forces increase by 1.5-2 times. This is due to the hardening of austenitic steel during forming.

Tensile forming

The processing technology implies that the billet is subjected to "braking" during the stretching process. The walls of the billet are thinned, so heat-strengthened steels are used during forming to avoid tearing.

Rotary and deep drawing

With true deep drawing on the press, the workpiece is not stretched and the material passes freely between the rolls. For example, when drawing housewares, the molding always takes place in a tensile motion. In this case, the alloy for deep drawing, should be characterized by a minimum degree of hardening, that is, be as stable as possible, and the index Md30 (N) should be "on minus". For the production of kitchen stainless steel appliances, the so-called sub-analysis of rolled stainless steel is usually used, as in the production of deep-drawn pans. Rotary drawing on a lathe is shaping with turning. Such objects may be buckets or similar symmetrical cone-shaped products, which are not normally polished.

Welding

It is fairly easy to weld. Generally, no heat treatment is required after welding. However, if there is a risk of intergranular corrosion, an additional annealing at 1050-1150°C is carried out. The weld should be chemically and mechanically descaled and then passivated with an etching paste.

Delivery

All AISI 304 L products are certified. The technical documentation includes data on the chemical composition, the limiting percentage of impurities, and the mechanical properties of the products. From us you can buy in bulk any semi-finished products for large-scale production. We also offer optimum conditions for retail buyers. The high level of service and responsiveness of service is the face of our company.

Buy at the best price

Evek GmbH has a diverse range of stainless alloys in stock. We supply certified products of domestic and foreign manufacturers. Our staff is always happy to assist you with qualified assistance in choosing metal products. We have some of the most experienced consulting managers. Strict adherence to production standards, excellent product quality and minimal lead time are the face of our company. Discount discounts have been introduced for regular customers.