This article is the repository of the most important information about such a complex aspect as steel and metallurgy. But unlike the dry technical language, in most cases incomprehensible to the average person who does not have a higher education in the field of metallurgy, all the information embedded in this article is presented in much simpler words so that everyone can plunge into the topic, become interested, and later on delve into it a little deeper.
AISI 304 Steel Application
Steel is a truly multifunctional material that finds its niche in any enterprise, regardless of its profile, but there are a number of steels that were originally created with the aim of manufacturing a certain kind of objects. We call it highly specialized. One of these steels is AISI 304. The areas in which it is used are often very important for us, ordinary people, because their list includes:
- Food industry and its branches. Most steel tools, including storage and transportation containers, are likely to be made from this steel. Also, the main components of some cooking apparatus are also made of this material.
- AISI 304 steel is especially demanded in the manufacture of pipes of various diameters.
- Consumer kitchen equipment: crockery and cutlery.
- In enterprises related to the production of chemicals, this steel grade is used especially often.
- And of course, not a single steel grade is made without regard to the construction industry, although it is mainly used for individual mechanisms, and not for construction in the general sense of the word.
Alloy composition
In order to better understand why this alloy is so popular in the industries described above, you need to delve deeper. We are talking, of course, about the chemical composition of steel, since it is this factor that affects the properties of AISI 304 steel more than others.
According to the available information, the composition of the alloying elements is as follows.
- Iron - 69%. It is the basis and connecting substance for all other impurities.
- Carbon - 0.8%. Belongs to the class of high-carbon steel and gives it hardness and rigidity, but to the detriment of ductility.
- Manganese - 0.2%. It also slightly improves the strength characteristics of steel without reducing ductility.
- Nickel - 10%. Such a high content of the element in the composition has a significant effect on its structure, namely: it increases corrosion resistance, increases the hardenability of the alloy and its ductility.
- Sulfur - 0.02%. Harmful admixture that negatively affects the properties of steel. But its content in the composition is so insignificant that its effect is leveled.
- Phosphorus - 0.035%. A similar harmful additive, the effect of which is also insignificant in this case.
- Chrome - 18%. Alloying element, significantly increasing the resistance of steel to oxidation and corrosion, and also adds strength to the composition.
- Titanium - 0.5%. Another element introduced to harden AISI 304 steel.
- Copper - 0.3%. Slightly increases rust resistance of steel.
Steel properties
Summarizing all of the above, it is safe to say that this steel grade has exceptional resistance to oxidation and rust, which allows it to be most in demand for the manufacture of cutlery, household appliances, chemical equipment and much more. After all, such products should have increased resistance to the effects of aggressive environments, which is what distinguishes this steel. Also, the strength characteristics of this alloy allow it to be in demand in construction for the manufacture of lightly loaded parts that will be exposed to aggressive environments. An example of such use of AISI 304 is water pipes through which sometimes not the cleanest water with impurities of alkali and acids is injected under pressure.
Analogs
Of course, such demanded steel could not be one at all. To date, there is a whole list of steels-analogues from different parts of the world. Here are some of the most famous:
- Russia - 03X18H11;
- United States of America - S30400;
- Germany - X5CrNi18-10;
- Europe - 1.4301;
- Japan - SUS304.
Keeping this simple list in mind, any person can, if necessary, purchase one or another product from concrete steel, saving himself from the prospect of being deceived or buying not what was originally necessary.
Conclusion
AISI 304 steel - enjoys extraordinary popularity today. Mainly because it was created specifically for the manufacture of those products that are used in very important enterprises and in the everyday life of ordinary people. Its value is very difficult to overestimate, and therefore steel itself must be of high quality and feel great in those conditions in which any other steel grade would be incapable. However, you have to pay for this, and literally. Prices for AISI 304 mainly range from 50 to 100 rubles per kilogram.