What Is S30400 Stainless Steel? Key Features and Applications
In this blog, we will explore the key features of S30400 stainless steel, its specifications, and its common uses across various industries.
S30400, commonly known as 304 stainless steel, is one of the most widely used stainless steel alloys in the world. It belongs to the austenitic stainless steel family and is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and versatile range of applications.
What Is S30400 Stainless Steel?
S30400 (or 304 stainless steel) is a corrosion-resistant steel alloy that contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, making it highly resistant to oxidation, rust, and corrosion. It is one of the most popular grades of stainless steel used in everyday applications due to its balance of strength, resistance to corrosion, and ease of fabrication.
304 stainless steel is often referred to as the “workhorse” of the stainless steel family due to its wide range of applications in everything from kitchen appliances to construction, medical instruments, and chemical processing equipment.
S30400 Stainless Steel Composition
The chemical composition of SS 30400 includes the following elements:
- Chromium (Cr): 18–20%
- Nickel (Ni): 8–10.5%
- Carbon (C): ≤0.08%
- Manganese (Mn): 2% max
- Silicon (Si): 0.75% max
- Phosphorus (P): 0.045% max
- Sulfur (S): 0.03% max
- Iron (Fe): Balance
The high levels of chromium and nickel contribute to the alloy’s excellent resistance to rust and oxidation. S30400 is particularly valued for its non-magnetic properties and high ductility, which means it can be easily formed into various shapes without cracking.
What is SS 316?
SS 316 is another austenitic stainless steel alloy, known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion, especially in environments containing chlorides and other aggressive chemicals. SS 316 is particularly used in industries such as chemical processing, marine environments, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. This alloy contains molybdenum (Mo), which enhances its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, especially in seawater and other chloride-rich environments.
S30400 Stainless Steel vs. S30403
| Property | S30400 (304 Stainless Steel) | S30403 (304L Stainless Steel) |
|---|---|---|
|
Carbon Content
|
≤0.08%
|
≤0.03%
|
|
Weldability |
Good
|
Excellent
|
|
Corrosion Resistance
|
High
|
Slightly better than 304
|
|
Strength
|
Standard strength
|
Slightly lower tensile strength due to lower carbon content
|
|
Applications
|
General-purpose stainless steel
|
Ideal for welded components where stress corrosion cracking might occur
|
The key difference between S30400 and S30403 is the carbon content. S30403 (304L) has lower carbon content, making it more suitable for welding applications since it reduces the risk of carbide precipitation during welding. SS 30400 has higher carbon content, which gives it slightly higher strength, making it ideal for structural applications.
Key Features of S30400 Stainless Steel
- Corrosion Resistance: SS 30400 stainless steel has excellent resistance to oxidation and corrosion in a wide variety of environments. This makes it ideal for applications in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and other industries exposed to corrosion-causing substances.
- Versatility: With a wide range of applications, SS 30400 can be used in various industries such as automotive, construction, and medical equipment manufacturing.
- Strength and Durability: SS 30400 offers good strength and durability in both low and high-temperature environments. It is suitable for structural components that must maintain their integrity over time.
- Non-Magnetic: While SS 30400 stainless steel may have some magnetic properties when cold-worked, it is generally non-magnetic, making it ideal for electrical applications.
- Ease of Fabrication: SS 30400 stainless steel is easy to machine and fabricate, making it suitable for components that require high precision.
Applications of S30400 Stainless Steel
Due to its versatile nature, S30400 stainless steel is used in a wide range of industries, including:
- Food and Beverage Industry: Used in the production of kitchen appliances, food processing equipment, and utensils due to its resistance to corrosion from food acids.
- Chemical Processing: Commonly used for tanks, piping, and heat exchangers in chemical plants that require materials that won’t react with the products being processed.
- Automotive Industry: SS 30400 is used for exhaust systems, trim, and other components that must resist corrosion from exposure to road salts and other environmental factors.
- Medical and Surgical Instruments: Thanks to its high corrosion resistance and ease of sterilization, SS 30400 is widely used for medical and surgical tools.
- Construction: Stainless steel is used in buildings and architectural structures for both aesthetic and functional purposes, such as in handrails, columns, and cladding.
- Marine: Due to its resistance to saltwater corrosion, SS 30400 is used in marine applications for various parts such as boat fittings and piping.
S30400 Stainless Steel Bolts
S30400 is commonly used to manufacture bolts, nuts, and other fasteners, thanks to its combination of strength and corrosion resistance. SS 304 bolts are used in applications ranging from light-duty to heavy-duty environments, especially in industries that require strong, long-lasting fasteners that resist rust and corrosion.
Some typical uses for S30400 stainless steel bolts include:
- Food processing machinery
- Chemical processing plants
- Marine environments
- Construction and infrastructure
Conclusion
S30400 stainless steel (304 stainless steel) is a versatile, cost-effective alloy that offers an excellent balance of corrosion resistance, strength, and durability. It is ideal for a wide range of applications, from kitchen appliances to heavy-duty industrial equipment. While S30400 offers great performance in most environments, S30403 (304L) might be preferred in welding applications to avoid issues with carbide precipitation.
If your application requires a material that can withstand exposure to chemicals, high temperatures, or marine environments, S30400 stainless steel is a reliable choice that will provide long-lasting performance.
FAQ
S30400 is a type of austenitic stainless steel known for its high resistance to corrosion, strength, and versatility. It is commonly used in applications such as food processing, medical equipment, and construction.
The main difference is the carbon content. S30403 (304L) has lower carbon content, which improves its weldability and resistance to carbide precipitation during welding. S30400 (304) has slightly higher carbon content, making it stronger for structural applications.
Yes, S30400 can be welded. However, if welding is a significant part of your application, S30403 (304L) may be preferred due to its better resistance to welding-related issues like carbide precipitation.
S30400 is used in various industries, including food processing, chemical processing, automotive, medical, construction, and marine applications due to its excellent corrosion resistance and strength.
S30400 stainless steel is typically non-magnetic but may exhibit slight magnetism when cold-worked.