20 Ga Stainless Steel Sheet 304

(Hot Rolled & Cold Rolled Varieties)

​Introduction to Stainless Steel Sheet 304

In the realm of modern engineering and manufacturing, ​stainless steel sheet 304 stands as a cornerstone material due to its unparalleled blend of durability, corrosion resistance, and versatility. This grade, part of the 300-series austenitic stainless steels, is celebrated for its chromium-nickel composition, which provides exceptional resistance to rust and staining. Ideal for ​hot rolled stainless steel sheet 304 applications in harsh environments and precision-demanding sectors, this product caters to industries spanning construction, food processing, automotive, and marine engineering.

As a trusted supplier of ​stainless steel sheet, we prioritize delivering premium-quality materials that meet international standards (ASTM A240, AISI 304) while supporting sustainable practices. Below, dive into the technical specifications, mechanical properties, and unique advantages of our offerings.

​Technical Specifications & Manufacturing Attributes

The following table summarizes the key parameters of ​stainless steel sheet 304, including hot rolled and cold rolled variants:

​Mechanical Properties & Performance Deep Dive

​1. Tensile Strength & Bending Strength

Tensile Strength: The ultimate tensile strength of ​stainless steel sheet 304 ranges from 520 to 700 MPa, enabling it to withstand immense stress in applications like bridge supports or heavy machinery components. This property ensures structural integrity even under dynamic loads.

Bending Strength: With a bending strength of 400–600 MPa, this material retains its shape during repeated flexing, making it ideal for automotive panels, conveyor belts, and aerospace structures. The high ductility prevents cracks and deformation, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

​2. Weight Calculation Guide

Calculating the weight of ​stainless steel sheet 304 is essential for logistics and cost estimation. The formula used is:
Weight (kg/m2)=Conversion FactorDensity×Thickness​
Where density = 8050 kg/m³ and conversion factor = 10⁶ mm²/m².
Example: A 3mm-thick hot rolled sheet weighs approximately 24.15 kg/m², while a 1mm-cold rolled sheet weighs 8.05 kg/m².

​3. Rust Resistance Mechanism

Stainless steel sheet 304’s rust resistance stems from its passive chromium oxide layer (Cr₂O₃), which forms spontaneously upon exposure to air or water. This layer acts as a self-healing barrier, preventing oxygen and moisture from penetrating the metal. However, ​stainless steel sheet can still corrode under extreme conditions:

• ​High Salinity: Coastal environments or marine applications may accelerate pitting corrosion.
• ​Acidic Exposure: Concentrated acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid) can degrade the oxide layer.
• ​Abrasion: Mechanical wear (e.g., sandblasting) removes the protective layer, exposing fresh metal to oxidation.

Prevention Tips:

• Regular cleaning with mild detergents and soft cloths.
• Avoiding contact with corrosive substances or abrasive tools.
• Applying protective coatings for high-risk applications.

​4. Identification & Certification

Proper identification ensures material compliance with standards. Key methods include:

• ​Grade Marking: “304” is stamped on the sheet surface for quick recognition.
• ​Chemical Analysis: Spectroscopy verifies chromium (18–20%), nickel (8–10.5%), and carbon (<0.08%) content.
• ​Hardness Testing: Rockwell B scales confirm hardness levels align with hot or cold rolled specifications.
• ​Certifications: ISO 9001, ASTM A240, and REACH compliance guarantees quality and safety.

​Manufacturing Processes: Hot Rolled vs. Cold Rolled

​Hot Rolled Stainless Steel Sheet 304

• ​Process: Heated to 1100–1200°C and rolled into shape under high pressure.
• ​Benefits:
  • thicker gauge (0.5mm–6mm) for load-bearing structures.
  • cost-effective for large-scale projects like pipelines or construction frameworks.
  • rougher surface finish ideal for industrial applications.

​Cold Rolled Stainless Steel Sheet 304

• ​Process: Rolled at room temperature after hot rolling for precision.
• ​Benefits:
  • thinner gauges (0.2mm–2mm) with smoother, brighter finishes.
  • tighter tolerances for aerospace, medical devices, or decorative elements.
  • improved corrosion resistance due to uniform microstructure.

​Applications Across Industries

• ​Construction: Roofing sheets, cladding panels, and stair railings.
• ​Food Processing: Sanitary tanks, conveyor belts, and kitchen equipment.
• ​Automotive: Exhaust systems, trim panels, and battery enclosures.
• ​Marine: Boat hulls, propeller shafts, and saltwater-resistant piping.
• ​Energy: Solar panel frames, wind turbine components, and nuclear reactor linings.

​Why Choose Our Stainless Steel Sheet 304?

1. ​Uncompromising Quality Control: Every sheet undergoes non-destructive testing (NDT) for flaws and dimensional accuracy.
2. ​Customization Options: Tailored sizes, finishes, and certifications (e.g., FDA, marine-grade) to meet project-specific needs.
3. ​Competitive Pricing: Bulk discounts and logistics partnerships reduce your total cost.
4. ​Sustainable Practices: Eco-friendly production processes and 100% recyclable materials.
5. ​Expert Support: Technical consultations and after-sales service ensure seamless project execution.

​Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does stainless steel sheet 304 compare to 316?
A: Grade 304 is more cost-effective with similar corrosion resistance, while 316 adds molybdenum for enhanced resistance to chlorides and acids.

Q: Can hot rolled stainless steel sheet 304 be welded?
A: Yes, but preheating is recommended to prevent cracking. Cold rolled sheets are easier to weld due to tighter tolerances.

Q: What’s the maximum thickness for cold rolled stainless steel sheet 304?
A: Typically 2mm, but custom orders up to 5mm are available.

​Conclusion

stainless steel sheet 304 remains a preferred choice for engineers and manufacturers seeking reliability, durability, and versatility. Whether you require ​hot rolled stainless steel sheet 304 for industrial infrastructure or precision cold rolled sheets for aerospace components, our offerings deliver unmatched performance. Partner with us to leverage our technical expertise, quality assurance, and sustainable solutions for your next project.