Product Information: 304 Hot-Rolled Stainless Steel Plate
1. Description:
304 Stainless Steel is a versatile and widely used austenitic chromium-nickel alloy. Hot-rolled 304 plate offers excellent corrosion resistance, good formability and weldability, coupled with high strength and toughness. The hot-rolling process produces plate in thicker gauges with a characteristic scaled surface finish (typically removed by pickling or grinding for most applications). It is non-magnetic in the annealed condition but may become slightly magnetic after cold working.
2. Chemical Composition (Typical Weight %, ASTM A240/A240M):
| Element | Min (%) | Max (%) |
| Carbon (C) | - | 0.07 |
| Manganese (Mn) | - | 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | - | 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | - | 0.030 |
| Silicon (Si) | - | 0.75 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.00 | 20.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.00 | 10.50 |
| Nitrogen (N) | - | 0.10 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Balance |
(Note: Composition may vary slightly depending on specific manufacturing standards and heat. Always refer to the certified Mill Test Report (MTR) for exact values.)
3. Mechanical Properties (Typical Annealed Condition, ASTM A240/A240M):
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Tensile Strength: 515 MPa (75 ksi) min
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Yield Strength (0.2% Offset): 205 MPa (30 ksi) min
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Elongation in 2 inches (50 mm): 40% min
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Hardness (Rockwell B): 92 max
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Density: 8.0 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³)
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Hot-Rolled Condition: Mechanical properties in the as-hot-rolled (non-annealed) state will be higher (especially yield and tensile strength) but with reduced ductility and elongation. Annealing is standard practice to restore optimal properties.
4. Similar Grades / Equivalent Designations:
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UNS: S30400
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AISI/ASTM: 304
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EN (Europe): 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10)
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JIS (Japan): SUS 304
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GB (China): 06Cr19Ni10 (Old: 0Cr18Ni9)
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Common Names: A2 Stainless (ISO 3506 for fasteners), 18/8 Stainless
5. Common Product Standards:
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ASTM A240/A240M: Standard Specification for Chromium and Chromium-Nickel Stainless Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip for Pressure Vessels and for General Applications.
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ASTM A480/A480M: Standard Specification for General Requirements for Flat-Rolled Stainless and Heat-Resisting Steel Plate, Sheet, and Strip.
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EN 10028-7: Flat products made of steels for pressure purposes - Part 7: Stainless steels.
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EN 10088-2: Stainless steels - Part 2: Technical delivery conditions for sheet/plate and strip of corrosion resisting steels for general purposes.
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JIS G4304: Hot-rolled stainless steel plate, sheet and strip.
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*Other standards may apply depending on specific end-use requirements (e.g., ASME SA-240 for pressure vessels).*
6. Packaging & Transportation:
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Packaging: Plates are typically packaged to ensure protection during handling and transit. Common methods include:
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Bundling: Plates of the same size/thickness are securely strapped together with steel or plastic bands.
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Waterproof Wrapping: Individual plates or bundles may be wrapped in waterproof paper or plastic film (e.g., VCI paper for added corrosion inhibition).
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Edge Protection: Wooden or metal edge protectors are often used to prevent banding damage to plate edges.
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Wooden Skids/Pallets: Bundles are usually placed on sturdy wooden skids or pallets for forklift handling.
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Export Packaging: For overseas shipment, bundles are often crated in heavy-duty wooden cases or placed within reinforced wooden frames.
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Transportation: Transported by truck, rail, or ocean freight. Proper lifting equipment (spreaders, cranes, forklifts) must be used to prevent damage. Loads must be adequately secured during transit. Protect from aggressive environments (e.g., salt spray) during transport and storage.
7. Typical Applications:
304 hot-rolled plate is fundamental across numerous industries due to its excellent corrosion resistance, hygiene, strength, and fabrication properties. Key uses include:
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Food & Beverage Processing: Tanks, vats, conveyors, work surfaces, piping (after surface treatment).
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Chemical & Petrochemical Industry: Storage tanks, pressure vessels (when certified), reaction vessels, piping components, heat exchangers.
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Architectural & Building: Structural components, wall cladding, roofing, elevator panels, decorative elements (after finishing).
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Transportation: Railcar components, truck bodies, marine fittings.
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Pharmaceutical Industry: Equipment, tanks, hygienic surfaces.
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Water Treatment: Tanks, basins, piping systems.
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Industrial Equipment: Tanks, hoppers, machinery frames, guards.
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Consumer Goods: Appliance components, sinks (after finishing).
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General Fabrication: Bases, frames, brackets, custom components requiring corrosion resistance.
