Introduction to 304 Stainless Steel Plate
304 stainless steel plate is renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and aesthetic appeal, making it ideal for diverse applications. Key advantages include:
Outstanding Corrosion Resistance: Performs well in most environments, surpassing ordinary steel in durability.
High Strength & Formability: Suitable for large plates and structural components, with good high-temperature oxidation resistance.
Easy Processing: Can be cold-worked without surface treatment, simplifying fabrication.
Superior Weldability: Maintains integrity after welding, reducing post-processing needs.
However, bending 304 stainless steel requires attention due to:
✔ Low thermal conductivity – Higher deformation force needed.
✔ Strong springback effect – Requires overbending to achieve desired angles.
✔ Larger bend radius (R) – Minimum R ≥ 2x material thickness to prevent cracking.
✔ Hard tooling requirement – Bending tools should exceed 60 HRC hardness for optimal results.
316 Stainless Steel: Enhanced Performance for Harsh Environments
The primary difference between 316 and 304 is the addition of molybdenum (Mo) in 316, which provides:
✔ Superior Corrosion Resistance – Especially in chloride-rich (marine) and high-temperature environments.
✔ Better Acid Resistance – Suitable for chemical processing, though not ideal for concentrated sulfuric acid.
✔ High-Temperature Stability – Preferred for heat exchangers, boilers, and exhaust systems.
Note: In extreme conditions (e.g., high-temperature threading), anti-seize lubricants may be necessary to prevent galling.
Bending Guidelines for Stainless Steel Plates
Thicker Plates Require Higher Bending Force – Equipment must account for increased material resistance.
Higher Tensile Strength = Larger Bend Radius – Prevents cracking in low-ductility materials like 304.
Compensate for Springback – Use a smaller die angle (e.g., 85° for a 90° bend).
Tool Selection – Hardened steel tools (≥60 HRC) ensure precision and reduce wear.
Empirical Formula for Bending:
Jiangsu Ruilaibo Special Steel Co., Ltd – Your Trusted Stainless Steel Supplier
We specialize in high-quality 304 & 316 stainless steel plates, offering:
✅ Custom Sizes & Finishes – From 2B to mirror polish.
✅ Precision Processing – Laser cutting, bending, welding (ASTM/EN compliant).
✅ Strict Quality Control – MTC certified, third-party testing available.
✅ Fast Delivery – Large inventory for urgent orders.
Industries We Serve:
Construction – Architectural cladding, structural supports.
Food & Pharma – Hygienic equipment, storage tanks.
Marine & Chemical – Corrosion-resistant piping, valves.
Energy – Heat exchangers, boiler components.
Contact Us Today!