1.4301 stainless steel: steel bars/plates/tubes/coils

Introduction

1.4301 stainless steel is the most versatile and widely used stainless steel. It is sometimes still referred to by the old name 18/8, which derives from the fact that the nominal composition of type 1.4301 is 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Type 304 stainless steel is an austenitic grade that can be deep drawn. This property has led to 1.4301 becoming the main grade used in applications such as sinks and pans. Type 304L is a low carbon version of 1.4301. It is used for large size components to improve weldability. Certain products, such as sheets and tubes, may be available as a "dual certified" material that complies with the standards for 1.4301 and 304L. 304H is a high carbon content variant that can also be used at high temperatures.

Chemical composition

Carbon C: ≤0.07

Silicon Si: ≤1.00

Chromium Cr: 18.00-20.00

Manganese Mn: ≤2.00

Nickel Ni: 8.00-11.00

Phosphorus P: ≤0.035

Sulfur S: ≤0.030

1.4301 is the German standard, equivalent to X5CrNi18-10, equivalent materials include Japanese SUS304 stainless steel

Mechanical properties

Hardness HB ≤187 HRB≤90 HV ≤200

Young's modulus E=194020 MPa

Hardening index n=0.193

Thickness anisotropy index r00=0.936 　r45=1.123 　r90=0.909

Density ρ=7.93 g·cm-3

Specific heat c(20℃)0.502 J·(g·C)-1

Thermal conductivity λ/W(m·℃)-1 (at the following temperatures/℃) 　20 100 500 　2.1 16.3 21.4

Linear expansion coefficient α/(10-6/℃) (at the following temperatures/℃) 　20～100 20～200 20～300 20～400 　16.0 16.8 17.5 18.1

Resistivity 0.73 Ω·mm2·m-1

Melting point 1398～1420℃

Corrosion resistance

1.4301 has excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of environments and in contact with different corrosive media. Pitting and crevice corrosion will occur in environments containing chlorides. Stress corrosion cracking will occur above 60°C.

Heat resistance

1.4301 has good oxidation resistance in intermittent service up to 870°C and in continuous service up to 925°C. However, continuous use at 425-860°C is not recommended. In this case, 304L is recommended due to its resistance to carbide precipitation. If high strength is required above 500°C and up to 800°C, the 304H grade is recommended. This material will remain resistant to aqueous corrosion.

Main uses

Food and beverage industry: 1.4301 stainless steel is often used in the manufacture of food processing equipment, storage containers and pipelines due to its good corrosion resistance and non-toxic and harmless properties to ensure the hygiene and safety of food.

Chemical industry: In chemical production, 1.4301 stainless steel can resist the erosion of various corrosive media, so it is used to manufacture key components such as chemical equipment, pipelines and valves.

Construction industry: Its excellent appearance and corrosion resistance make it the preferred choice of building decoration materials and structural parts, such as doors, windows, railings, curtain walls, etc., which are both beautiful and durable.

Medical device industry: The non-toxic and harmless nature and easy cleaning of 1.4301 stainless steel make it widely used in surgical instruments, medical equipment, etc. to ensure the safety and hygiene of medical processes.

Electronic industry: In low temperature environments, the good strength and toughness of 1.4301 stainless steel make it a material for key components in electronic equipment.