304S stainless steel sheet

Inquiries : 1 - 2025/7/23 10:02:14

304S stainless steel sheet: the "all-round guard" of industry and daily life

304S stainless steel sheet has penetrated into every corner of modern life and plays the role of "all-round player". As the most widely used chromium-nickel stainless steel, 304S (equivalent to 304 stainless steel) has become the "gold standard" for industrial manufacturing and civil applications with its unique chemical composition and process characteristics. As a supplier that mainly exports to overseas markets, we will unveil the mystery of this "stainless steel legend" from three key dimensions: scientific principles, application scenarios and procurement guidelines.

1.Chemical code:18% chromium +8% nickel = corrosion-resistant gene

The core competitiveness of 304S stainless steel comes from its precise chemical composition: a golden combination of 17.5% - 19.5% chromium (Cr) and 8%-10.5% nickel (Ni), supplemented by a carbon content of ≤0.08%. This constitutes a three-layer protective barrier:

Chromium oxide film: Chromium element oxidizes rapidly in the air to form a dense oxide film with a thickness of only 2-3 nanometers. This is like an "invisible armor" on the metal surface, blocking the contact of oxygen with the substrate.

Nickel stabilizer: The addition of nickel allows stainless steel to maintain austenite structure even at high temperatures, preventing embrittlement caused by phase transformation, while enhancing resistance to intergranular corrosion.

Low carbon design: The carbon content of ≤0.08% significantly reduces the risk of carbide precipitation during welding and prevents corrosion in the weld zone caused by chromium deficiency. This feature makes 304S the material of choice for food processing equipment.

Scientific verification: According to the ASTM A240 standard, 304S must remain rust-free for 720 hours in a salt spray test, while ordinary carbon steel can be completely corroded in just 24 hours. This weather resistance allows it to continue to be used for more than 50 years in harsh environments such as coastal buildings and chemical pipelines.

2.Process evolution: from flat plate to artistic creation

Modern manufacturing technology gives 304S stainless steel sheet a rich surface treatment capability to meet various needs from industrial to artistic applications:

2B cold-rolled surface: After cold rolling, heat treatment and pickling, the surface presents a matte silver-gray appearance, which is suitable as a substrate for subsequent processing such as elevator door panels and home appliance housings.

4 brushed surface: polished with 150-180 mesh sand belt to create a uniform and delicate texture, effectively hide fingerprints, and enhance the texture. It is often used in high-end cabinets and hotel decoration.

8K mirror surface: polished step by step with a grinding wheel of more than 800 mesh, with a reflectivity of more than 90%. It is suitable for building curtain walls and high-end display cabinets to create a futuristic space.

Color coating: PVD vacuum coating technology is used to provide trendy colors such as rose gold, titanium black, and sapphire blue, breaking the monotony of traditional metals and widely used in mobile phone frames and smart wearable devices.

Case: The exterior curtain wall of Shanghai Tower adopts 304S brushed plate, which, in combination with the night lighting system, creates a flowing metallic luster in the clouds and mist.

3. Application scope: "Hexagonal Warrior" covers 90% of industrial scenes

The popularity of 304S stainless steel sheet far exceeds that of other materials, and its application scope is wide:

Architectural decoration: Public facilities such as subway handrails, airport corridors, and shopping mall columns, with its corrosion resistance and easy cleaning, effectively reduce maintenance costs.

Food and medical field: Beer fermentation tanks, surgical instruments, and pharmaceutical equipment are all FDA certified to ensure that they will not be contaminated when in contact with food or drugs.

Transportation: High-speed rail interiors, ship decks, and automobile exhaust pipes can still maintain structural stability in vibration and salt spray environments.

Energy and chemical industry: Nuclear power plant cooling pipes, photovoltaic brackets, and oil storage tanks can withstand extreme temperature differences from -196°C to 800°C without deformation.

Data support: The global annual output of 304S stainless steel sheet exceeds 20 million tons, with China accounting for 60%. It is widely used in national key projects such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and the Chang'e 5 probe.

4.Purchase Guide: Avoid three major pitfalls and choose the right "stainless steel material"

Identification standards

Give priority to products that meet international/national standards such as ASTM A240 and GB/T 3280 to avoid corrosion risks caused by non-standard materials.

Measure thickness

Use a vernier caliper to measure the thickness of the plate. The tolerance of high-quality products is controlled within ±0.02 mm, and the thickness of low-quality products may be exaggerated by more than 20%.

Check the surface

The texture of the genuine 304S brushed surface is uniform and there is no color difference; the mirror reflection is clear and there is no orange peel; the colored plate must be confirmed to use PVD technology (not electroplating to avoid fading).

Request certificate

Ask the supplier to provide third-party test reports such as SGS and MTC (Material Test Certificate) to confirm that the nickel content is ≥8% and the chromium content is ≥18%.

5.Stainless steel shines brightly in the future of sustainable development

From kitchen sinks to spacecraft shells, stainless steel sheets, under the banner of "stainless", embody mankind's eternal pursuit of durability, safety and environmental protection. As a supplier focusing on overseas exports, we are committed to providing high-quality stainless steel sheets that meet international standards to help global customers achieve success in their projects.