The core advantages of 304 stainless steel in industrial applications

As a typical representative of austenitic stainless steel, 304 stainless steel (06Cr19Ni10) has become the preferred material in the chemical, food, medical and other fields due to its excellent comprehensive performance. Its industrial application advantages are mainly reflected in the following three aspects:
1. Excellent corrosion resistance
304 stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel (18/8 stainless steel). The chromium element forms a dense oxide film on the surface, which can effectively resist corrosion from the atmosphere, fresh water and weak acid media. Experimental data show that it remains stable even after long-term use in an environment with a pH value ranging from 2 to 9, making it particularly suitable for damp and corrosive environments such as food processing equipment and wine tanks.
Second, excellent formability
Its austenitic microstructure endows the material with excellent ductility (elongation ≥40%), allowing for complex forming processes such as deep drawing and bending. Compared with 430 stainless steel, 304 has a lower cold work hardening rate and does not require annealing treatment after welding, significantly reducing the processing costs of precision products such as medical devices and kitchen equipment.
Iii. Balance between Economy and Safety
Compared with molybdenum-containing stainless steels such as 316L, 304 reduces costs by 15% to 20% while maintaining similar corrosion resistance. It has passed the GB 4806.9-2016 food contact materials certification. The leaching amounts of heavy metals such as lead and cadmium are far lower than the national standard limits, perfectly meeting the hygiene and safety requirements of pharmaceutical equipment, tableware, etc.
At present, the annual consumption of 304 stainless steel accounts for over 35% of the global total. With the implementation of China's new GB/T 3280-2015 standard, its composition control has become more precise. In the future, it will demonstrate greater potential in emerging fields such as new energy battery shells and seawater desalination.

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