304 Stainless Steel Plate: Comprehensive Introduction
304 stainless steel plate is a staple austenitic stainless steel product, renowned for its balanced performance, versatility, and wide applicability across industries. Below is a detailed breakdown of its key attributes, including sizes, uses, and industry applications.
一,Core Material Characteristics
As a classic 18-8 stainless steel (containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel), it delivers fundamental advantages that underpin its popularity:
Corrosion Resistance: Resists rust and oxidation in most atmospheric environments, mild chemical solutions (e.g., weak acids, alkalis), and wet conditions-ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.
Mechanical Properties: Features good ductility (easy to stretch/bend), formability (suitable for stamping, rolling), and moderate strength; it can be polished to a mirror finish or kept in a matte state.
Hygiene & Safety: Non-toxic, non-leaching, and easy to clean, meeting food-grade and medical-grade standards (compliant with FDA, EU 10/2011 regulations).
二,Common Sizes & Specifications
304 stainless steel plates are available in standardized and customized dimensions to fit different application needs. The most common specifications include:
1. Thickness Range
Industrial/Heavy-Duty Use: 0.3mm – 100mm (thicker plates, e.g., 20mm+, are often used for load-bearing structures like machine bases).
Light-Duty/Civil Use: 0.3mm – 3mm (common in kitchenware, decorative panels, or electronic enclosures).
2. Length & Width (Standard Sizes)
Most plates follow international or regional standards; non-standard sizes can be customized via cutting:
| Size Type | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Standard | 2440 | 1220 | Small equipment parts, furniture |
| Large Standard | 3050/6000 | 1525/2000 | Architectural facades, large tanks |
| Custom Cut | 500 – 12000 | 300 – 4000 | Special machinery, shipbuilding |
3. Surface Finishes
Different finishes tailor the plate to specific functional or aesthetic needs:
2B (Cold-Rolled): Matte silver, smooth surface-used for kitchen appliances, sinks, and decorative parts.
BA (Bright Annealed): Semi-mirror finish, high reflectivity-ideal for signs, automotive trim, or medical equipment.
No. 4 (Brushed): Fine linear texture, anti-fingerprint-common in elevator panels, furniture, and interior decoration.
Mirror Polish (No. 8): High-gloss mirror effect-used for luxury decor, display cases, or precision instruments.
三,Key Uses & Industry Applications
Thanks to its corrosion resistance, formability, and hygiene, 304 stainless steel plate is widely adopted across industrial, civil, and high-end sectors:
1. Food & Beverage Industry
Core Uses: Manufacturing food processing equipment (e.g., conveyor belts, mixing tanks), storage containers (stainless steel barrels), and kitchenware (sinks, cookware, food-grade tables).
Reason: Non-toxic, easy to sanitize, and resistant to acid/alkali in food (e.g., tomato sauce, dairy products).
2. Architecture & Construction
Core Uses: Architectural facades (curtain walls), handrails, elevator doors, roofing materials, and decorative panels (shopping malls, hotels).
Reason: Weather-resistant (no rust in rain/salt spray), durable (service life up to 30+ years), and aesthetically versatile.
3. Machinery & Equipment Manufacturing
Core Uses: Machine housings, precision parts (gears, brackets), chemical storage tanks, and pipeline systems.
Reason: Withstands mechanical stress, resists oil and mild chemicals, and maintains stability in high/low-temperature environments (-196℃ to 800℃).
4. Medical & Healthcare
Core Uses: Medical instrument casings (surgical tools), hospital beds, sterile workbenches, and pharmaceutical storage cabinets.
Reason: Meets strict hygiene standards, easy to sterilize (via high temperature or chemicals), and non-reactive with medical supplies.
5. Daily & Consumer Goods
Core Uses: Household appliances (refrigerator door panels, washing machine drums), water heaters, stainless steel bottles, and decorative items.
Reason: Rust-proof, long-lasting, and easy to clean-suitable for frequent contact with water or daily use.
四,Key Considerations for Selection
Thickness: Choose based on load-bearing needs (e.g., 1-3mm for decorative use, 10mm+ for structural parts).
Surface Finish: Match the application (e.g., No. 4 finish for anti-fingerprint areas like elevator panels, mirror polish for decor).
Certification: Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., food-grade certification for kitchen use, medical certification for healthcare equipment).
In summary, 304 stainless steel plate is a highly adaptable material, bridging industrial functionality and daily usability-making it one of the most widely used stainless steel products globally.
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