inox 304 - the most widely used stainless steel grade in the world

Most people don't have a clear understanding of inox 304 and 304 stainless steel. Today, the editor of Grand Metal will introduce to you the most widely used stainless steel grade in the world today -inox 304

"Inox 304" is a term that is commonly used to refer to stainless steel grade 304, particularly in European regions.

Inox 304 stainless steel typically contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, along with small amounts of other alloying elements. This combination of alloying elements contributes to its corrosion resistance and durability. The "Inox" designation is essentially another way of referring to stainless steel grade 304 in European contexts.

Inox 304 exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, especially in non-aggressive environments. It is highly resistant to corrosion from moisture, humidity, and a wide range of mild chemicals. The presence of chromium in the alloy forms a passive oxide layer on the surface, protecting it from corrosion.

Inox 304 has a bright, shiny surface finish that gives it an attractive appearance. It is often used in architectural and decorative applications, including kitchen appliances, backsplashes, and trim.

Inox 304 is easily formable, making it suitable for various fabrication processes such as welding, bending, and machining. It can be shaped into complex designs and structures.

While not as strong as some other stainless steel grades like 316, Inox 304 still offers good mechanical strength, making it suitable for a wide range of structural applications.

Inox 304 is easy to clean and maintain, which is why it's commonly used in the food and beverage industry. It does not impart odors or flavors to food products and is easy to sanitize.

Inox 304 requires minimal maintenance over its lifetime. It is resistant to staining, rusting, and discoloration, which reduces the need for regular upkeep.

Inox 304 maintains its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance across a wide temperature range, making it suitable for both high and low-temperature applications.

Inox 304 is typically non-magnetic in its annealed condition, which is useful in applications where magnetic properties are undesirable.

Inox 304 is relatively cost-effective compared to some other stainless steel grades, making it a popular choice for many applications.

Due to its combination of properties, Inox 304 is used in a broad spectrum of industries and applications, including construction, automotive, aerospace, medical equipment, and more.

It's important to note that Inox 304's performance can be influenced by factors such as the specific manufacturing process, heat treatment, and environmental conditions. Therefore, when selecting Inox 304 for a particular application, it's essential to consider the specific requirements and conditions to ensure it meets the desired performance standards.

The chemical composition of stainless steel grade 304, is as follows:

Carbon (C): 0.08% maximum
Silicon (Si): 0.75% maximum
Manganese (Mn): 2.00% maximum
Phosphorus (P): 0.045% maximum
Sulfur (S): 0.030% maximum
Chromium (Cr): 18.00% - 20.00%
Nickel (Ni): 8.00% - 10.50%
Nitrogen (N): 0.10% maximum

304 stainless steel possesses a range of mechanical properties that make it suitable for various applications. Here are some of the key mechanical properties of Inox 304:

The tensile strength of Inox 304 typically falls in the range of 70,000 to 85,000 pounds per square inch (psi), which is equivalent to approximately 485 to 586 megapascals (MPa). Tensile strength measures the material's resistance to a force pulling it apart.

The yield strength of Inox 304 is typically around 30,000 to 45,000 psi (207 to 310 MPa). Yield strength represents the amount of stress at which the material begins to deform plastically.

Inox 304 has an elongation of approximately 50% to 60%. Elongation measures the material's ability to stretch or deform before breaking, indicating its ductility.

The hardness of Inox 304 is usually in the range of 70 to 88 on the Rockwell B scale (HRB) or 140 to 160 on the Vickers scale (HV). This is considered relatively low hardness compared to some other stainless steel grades.

Inox 304 has a modulus of elasticity of approximately 28.5 x 10^6 psi (196 GPa). This property reflects the material's ability to deform elastically when subjected to a load and return to its original shape when the load is removed.

The impact resistance of Inox 304 is moderate. It can withstand some impact loads, but it is not as impact-resistant as some other materials.

Inox 304 exhibits good fatigue resistance, making it suitable for cyclic loading applications. The specific fatigue strength depends on factors like surface finish and temperature.

Grade 304 stainless steel, or simply 304 stainless steel, is one of the most widely used and well-known stainless steel grades. It is characterized by its excellent corrosion resistance, versatility, and a wide range of applications. Here are some key features of Inox 304 (304 stainless steel) as below:

Inox 304 is highly resistant to corrosion from a variety of environmental factors, including moisture, humidity, and mild chemicals. This makes it suitable for use in both indoor and outdoor applications.

Inox 304 has a bright and shiny appearance, making it popular for decorative and architectural purposes. It is frequently used for items like kitchen appliances, kitchen backsplashes, and decorative trim.

304 stainless steel is easily formable, allowing for various fabrication processes such as welding, bending, and machining. It can be used to create complex shapes and designs.

Due to its resistance to corrosion, ease of cleaning, and non-reactivity with food products, Inox 304 is commonly used in the food and beverage industry. It is utilized for equipment such as food processing machinery, storage tanks, and kitchen utensils.

Inox 304 is used in chemical and pharmaceutical equipment where resistance to corrosive chemicals and sanitary conditions are essential.

It is used for components like exhaust systems, trim, and decorative elements in the automotive sector.

Inox 304 sheets and components are used in construction for various applications, including roofing, facades, handrails, and structural elements.

Inox 304 is utilized in the production of medical devices and equipment due to its biocompatibility and resistance to corrosion from bodily fluids.

Inox 304（304 stainless steel）typically contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, as well as smaller amounts of other elements. This combination of alloying elements contributes to its corrosion resistance and durability, properties that make it the most widely used stainless steel grade in the world.