304 stainless steel is the most widely used chromium-nickel stainless steel. As a widely used steel, it has good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, low temperature strength and mechanical properties; it has good hot workability such as stamping and bending, and has no heat treatment hardening phenomenon (operating temperature -196℃～800℃).

Stainless steel Inox 304 (AISI 304) is the most widely used type of stainless steel due to its balanced mechanical and chemical properties.

Here are its key characteristics of inox 304:

1. Corrosion Resistance

High resistance to corrosion in a wide range of environments, especially atmospheric conditions and exposure to corrosive chemicals such as acids and chlorides.

Performs well in environments exposed to moisture or humidity.

2. Composition

Contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, often referred to as 18/8 stainless steel.

Also includes small amounts of carbon (max 0.08%), manganese, and silicon.

3. Mechanical Properties

Tensile strength: Around 515 MPa (75 ksi).

Yield strength: Around 205 MPa (30 ksi).

Elongation: Up to 40%, indicating good formability.

Hardness: Relatively soft and can be work-hardened through cold working.

4. Formability and Fabrication

Easily formed into various shapes due to its excellent ductility, making it ideal for deep drawing, pressing, and bending.

Good weldability, particularly suitable for all standard welding techniques.

Cold workability: Can be strengthened significantly by cold working, but not through heat treatment.

5. Heat Resistance

Oxidation resistance up to 870°C (1598°F) in intermittent use and up to 925°C (1697°F) in continuous service.

Not recommended for use in environments that involve continuous exposure to temperatures above 425-860°C (797-1580°F) due to the risk of carbide precipitation, which can reduce corrosion resistance.

6. Hygiene and Aesthetic Appearance

Easy to clean and maintain due to its smooth surface, which resists bacterial growth, making it ideal for food processing and kitchen equipment.

Maintains a shiny and attractive surface finish, making it popular in architecture, kitchen appliances, and decorative applications.

7. Non-Magnetic

Generally non-magnetic in its annealed form, but can become slightly magnetic after cold working.

8. Applications

Widely used in food processing equipment, kitchen appliances, chemical containers, architectural cladding, and medical devices.

Ideal for environments requiring good corrosion resistance, durability, and ease of fabrication.

9. Cost-Effectiveness

Less expensive than higher-grade stainless steels (like 316) while offering excellent overall properties, which makes it popular for many applications.

10. Resistance to Acids

Resistant to many organic acids and mildly corrosive inorganic acids, though it may not perform well in highly acidic or chloride-rich environments (like seawater), where stainless steel 316 is preferred.

Inox 304 is an all-around excellent stainless steel choice for a wide variety of environments and uses, balancing cost, durability, and performance.

Chemical composition of inox 304：

0Cr18Ni9 (0Cr19Ni9)

C: ≤0.08%

Si: ≤1.0%

Mn: ≤2.0%

Cr: 18.0～20.0%

Ni: 8.0～10.0%

S: ≤0.03%

P: ≤0.045%

Physical properties of inox 304:

Tensile strength σb (MPa)>520

Conditional yield strength σ0.2 (MPa)>205

Elongation δ5 (%)>40

Sectional shrinkage ψ (%)>60

Hardness: <187HB: 90HRB: <200HV

Density (20℃, Kg/dm2): 7.93

Melting point (℃): 1398~1454

Specific heat capacity (0~100℃, KJ·kg-1K-1): 0.50

Thermal conductivity (W·m-1·K-1): (100℃) 16.3, (500℃) 21.5

Linear expansion coefficient (10-6·K-1): (0~100℃) 17.2, (0~500℃) 18.4

Resistivity (20℃, 10-6Ω·m2/m): 0.73

Longitudinal elastic modulus (20℃, KN/mm2): 193

Advantages and characteristics of inox 304:

1. High temperature resistance
304 stainless steel is loved by most people for many reasons. For example, it has good high temperature resistance, which is unmatched by ordinary stainless steel. 304 stainless steel can withstand high temperatures up to 800 degrees and can basically be used in various occasions in life.

2. Corrosion resistance
304 stainless steel is also very good in corrosion resistance. Because it uses chromium-nickel elements, it has very stable chemical properties and is basically not easy to corrode. Therefore, 304 stainless steel can be used as an anti-corrosion material.

3. High toughness
304 stainless steel has the characteristic of high toughness, which is known to many people. Therefore, people will process it into different products, and the product quality is also relatively high.

4. Low lead content
Another reason for choosing 304 stainless steel is that it contains less lead and is basically harmless to the body. Therefore, it is also called food-grade stainless steel and can be directly used to make food utensils.

Why inox 304 is one of the most widely used and well-known stainless steel grades

Inox 304 is one of the most widely used stainless steel grades due to several key factors:

1. Corrosion Resistance

• It offers excellent resistance to corrosion in a variety of environments, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.

2. Versatility

• Its balanced composition allows for use in numerous industries, including food and beverage, architecture, automotive, and medical.

3. Good Mechanical Properties

• It has high tensile strength and good ductility, enabling it to withstand mechanical stresses and deformation without breaking.

4. Ease of Fabrication

• Inox 304 is easily fabricated and formed into various shapes and sizes, which simplifies manufacturing processes.

5. Weldability

• It can be easily welded using all standard techniques, making it suitable for structural applications.

6. Hygienic Properties

• Its smooth surface and resistance to bacteria make it ideal for food processing and medical applications, where hygiene is critical.

7. Cost-Effectiveness

• While providing excellent properties, it is generally less expensive than other high-performance stainless steels, making it an economical choice for many projects.

8. Non-Magnetic

• In its annealed state, it is non-magnetic, which is important for certain applications where magnetism could be problematic.

9. Aesthetic Appeal

• It maintains an attractive finish, making it suitable for architectural and decorative applications.

10. Global Availability

• As a common alloy, it is widely produced and readily available, making sourcing easier for manufacturers and consumers.

These characteristics combine to make inox 304 a go-to material for a vast range of applications, leading to its widespread use and recognition.

Conslusion:

Inox 304 or Stainless Steel 304 is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability and high strength. It typically contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel and is suitable for a wide range of applications. These properties make it a widely used stainless steel grade around the world.