Stainless Steel - Grade 304N (UNS S30451)

About Grade 304N Stainless Steel

Grade 304N stainless steel is one of the most renowned types of stainless steel. It is powerful, durable, and resistant to rust. It is also referred to as UNS S30451. With its astounding properties and versatility, it has found its applications in many industries including the food industry, chemical processing, and even nuclear applications.

AISI 304N Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of Grade 304N consists of various elements that combine to give this material its unique properties. Knowing the components that make grade 304N steel will help understand its properties. Here is the breakdown of its chemical composition:

Chromium (Cr)

18-20%

Nickel (Ni)

8-11%

Manganese (Mn)

2%

Silicon (Si)

1%

Nitrogen (N)

0.1-0.16%

Carbon (C)

0.08%

Phosphorous (P)

459

Sulfur (S)

0.030%

Iron (Fe)

The rest (balance)

Physical Properties of 304N Stainless Steel

The application areas of Grade 304N stainless steel are mostly determined by its different physical properties. Here are the key physical properties:

Density

7.8 g/cm³

Mechanical Properties of 304N Stainless Steel

Mechanical properties describe how a material will behave under different forces and pressures. The mechanical property shows how strong and durable the steel is making it suitable for heavy-duty purposes. Below are the mechanical properties of Grade 304N stainless steel:

Tensile Strength

620 MPa

Yield Strength

330 MPa

Elastic Modulus

193-200 GPa

Hardness (Rockwell)

B85

Thermal Properties of 304N Stainless Steel

Thermal properties are important because they describe the behaviour of steel during high temperatures. These properties define the suitability of the steels for high-temperature applications. Here are the thermal properties of grade 304N stainless steel:

 

Latent Heat of Fusion

290 J/g

Maximum Temperature for Corrosion Resistance

420°C

Maximum Temperature for Mechanical Use

960°C

Specific Heat Capacity

480 J/kg-K

Thermal Conductivity

16 W/m-K

Thermal Expansion

16 µm/m-K

 

Applications of 304N Stainless Steel

Due to its excellent properties, grade 304N steel is used in multiple applications. It is versatile, trustworthy, and a great choice for many industrial applications. Some of the applications of grade 304N are:

  • Valves
  • Oil Well Filter Screens
  • Cooling Coils
  • Vessels for storing gases or liquids under high pressure or pressure valves.
  • Evaporators that help to liquefy liquids into gas. 
  • Beer Barrels
  • Chemical Equipment
  • Dairy Equipment for the production and processing of milk products.
  • Flexible Metal Hose
  • Nuclear Vessels used in nuclear reactors.
  • Textile Dyeing Equipment
  • Food Processing Equipment
  • Hypodermic Needles.

 

Grade 304N stainless steel has diversified uses. It is reliable, strong and corrosion-resistant and offers high performance in several industries.