Si busca acero inoxidable para electrodomésticos de cocina, equipo de procesamiento de alimentos, o piezas arquitectónicas, 304 2B stainless steel is likely your top choice. Es el grado de acero inoxidable laminado en frío más común y ofrece una calidad suave., acabado uniforme, resistencia a la corrosión confiable, y fácil conformabilidad. Esta guía desglosa todo lo que necesita saber para trabajar con, especificar, y comprar 304 2B stainless steel confidently.
1. 304 2B Acero inoxidable: Propiedades & Características
304 2B’s appeal comes from its balanced mix of mechanical strength, resistencia a la corrosión, and workability—perfect for both structural and decorative uses.
Key Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Propiedad | Valor típico | Why It Matters for Your Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Resistencia a la tracción | 515 MPa (74,700 psi) | Strong enough for appliances (p.ej., sink edges) and light structural parts |
| Yield Strength | 205 MPa (29,700 psi) | Resists bending in high-use items (p.ej., elevator panels) |
| Dureza | 92 HRB (Rockwell B.) / 200 HV | Soft enough to cut/shape, tough enough to avoid dents |
| Densidad | 7.93 gramos/cm³ | Lightweight for architectural cladding, lo suficientemente pesado para mayor durabilidad |
| Conductividad térmica | 16.2 W/m·K (at 100°C) | Transfers heat moderately—good for HVAC ducting |
| Coeficiente de expansión térmica | 17.3 µm/m·K (20–100°C) | Predictable expansion (critical for precision parts like appliance doors) |
| Magnetic Permeability | 1.02 μr (recocido) | Near non-magnetic—safe for electronics and medical equipment |
| Resistencia a la corrosión | Excelente (resiste el agua, ácidos suaves) | Won’t rust in kitchens or indoor spaces—though less durable than 316 in saltwater |
Corrosion Comparison: 304 2B resists rust in most indoor environments, pero 316 (with molybdenum) lasts 3x longer in coastal or chemical-rich areas. A restaurant used 304 2B for indoor sinks—they stayed rust-free for 8 years—while outdoor railings (exposed to rain) needed repainting after 3 años (316 would have avoided this).
2. 304 2B Acero inoxidable: Fabricación & Tratamiento
The “2B” in 304 2B refers to its cold-rolled finish—a key step that gives it a smooth, consistent surface. Here’s how it’s made and processed:
Paso 1: Core Manufacturing Process
- Fusión & Fundición: Iron ore, cromo (18–20%), níquel (8–10.5%), and other alloys are melted in an electric arc furnace to make 304 acero inoxidable. El acero fundido se moldea en losas..
- Hot Rolling: Slabs are heated to 1,100°C and rolled into thick coils (called “hot-rolled coils”).
- Cold Rolling: Hot-rolled coils are passed through cold rollers (room temperature) to reduce thickness (p.ej., from 10mm to 1mm) and smooth the surface. This step creates the “2B” finish—defined as a cold-rolled, recocido, and pickled finish (annealing softens the steel; pickling removes oxide scale).
- Pasivación: The final 2B coils/sheets undergo surface passivation (a nitric acid bath) to strengthen the chromium oxide passivation layer—boosting corrosion resistance.
Paso 2: Post-Manufacturing Processing
Once you have 304 2B coils or sheets, common processing methods include:
- corte: Coils are cut into narrower strips (p.ej., 50mm de ancho) for small parts like trim.
- Supresión: Sheets are punched into flat shapes (p.ej., 30cm circles for sink bases).
- Corte por láser: Precision cutting for complex shapes (p.ej., decorative architectural panels). Recommended parameters: cutting speed 15–25 m/min, nitrogen assist gas (prevents oxidation).
- Deep Drawing: 304 2B’s high formability lets it be stretched into 3D shapes (p.ej., pots, pans, or sink bowls). A cookware manufacturer uses deep drawing to make 304 2B pots—no cracking, even with tight curves.
- Soldadura: TIG welding is best for 304 2B—use ER308L filler wire to avoid weld decay. Post-weld passivation ensures the weld area stays corrosion-resistant.
Para propina: Avoid overheating during welding—temperatures above 800°C can weaken the passivation layer. A fabricator once skipped passivation after welding 304 2B elevator panels—the welds rusted within 6 meses.
3. 304 2B Acero inoxidable: Aplicaciones & Industrias
304 2B’s smooth finish, resistencia a la corrosión, and affordability make it the most widely used stainless steel grade. Aquí están sus principales usos.:
Alimento & Beverage Industry
- Electrodomésticos de cocina: Puertas de frigorífico, interiores del horno, and dishwashers use 304 2B—its non-porous surface won’t trap food bacteria, and it’s easy to clean. 90% of stainless steel sinks are 304 2B.
- Equipos de procesamiento de alimentos: Mezcladores, cintas transportadoras, and storage tanks rely on 304 2B’s FDA compliance (safe for food contact). A bakery used 304 2B for dough mixers—they’re still in use after 10 años.
Arquitectónico & Construcción
- Architectural cladding: Interior walls, elevator panels, and handrails use 304 2B’s smooth finish for a modern look. A hotel lobby used 304 2B panels—they hide fingerprints better than mirror-polished steel.
- conductos de climatización: 304 2B’s corrosion resistance prevents rust from condensation in ducts—lasts 2x longer than galvanized steel.
Médico & Farmacéutico
- Equipo farmaceutico: Tablet presses and drug storage bins use 304 2B—its easy-to-sterilize surface meets GMP standards.
- Medical carts: 304 2B’s durability stands up to daily cleaning with harsh disinfectants.
Automotor & Bienes de consumo
- Adornos automotrices: Car door handles and dashboard accents use 304 2B for a sleek, rust-resistant finish.
- Bienes de consumo: Botellas de agua, cuchillería, and watch cases often use 304 2B—affordable yet long-lasting.
4. 304 2B Acero inoxidable: Grados, Estándares & Certificaciones
To ensure you’re getting high-quality 304 2B, always check for compliance with global standards and certifications:
Key Standards (Global Equivalents)
| Región | Standard Designation | Key Specification Details |
|---|---|---|
| A NOSOTROS. | ASTM A240 304 2B | Defines cold-rolled finish, thickness tolerances (±0,02 mm), and chemical composition |
| Europa | EN 1.4301 2B | Equivalent to ASTM A240; requires EN 10204 3.1 proceso de dar un título |
| Japón | JIS SUS304 2B | Focuses on surface finish (Ra 0.4–1.6 µm) y formabilidad |
| Global | ISO 9445 | Covers cold-rolled stainless steel finishes, including 2B |
Critical Certifications
- Cumplimiento de la FDA: Mandatory for food-contact parts (p.ej., se hunde, mixers).
- NSF/ANSI 51: Proves suitability for food-processing equipment.
- RoHS/ALCANCE: Ensures no harmful substances (p.ej., lead) for electronics or consumer goods.
- EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate: Confirms chemical composition, propiedades mecánicas, and finish—always ask suppliers for this.
Ejemplo: A food equipment maker needed 304 2B sheets for a new mixer line. They only worked with suppliers who provided ASTM A240 specs and FDA certification—avoiding costly recalls later.
5. 304 2B Acero inoxidable: Cadena de suministro & Obtención
Buying 304 2B efficiently means understanding pricing, plazos de entrega, and stock options. Here’s what you need to know:
Precios & Cost Factors (2024 Estimates)
| Product Type | Price per kg | Key Cost Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| 304 2B Coils (1mm de espesor) | $3.20–$3.80 | LME nickel price (304 has 8–10.5% nickel; nickel price changes affect 304 2B costs by ~15% annually) |
| 304 2B Sheets (1mm x 1x2m) | $3.50–$4.20 | Tratamiento (cutting to size) adds 10–15% to coil prices |
Procurement Tips
- Stock Sizes: Common coil widths are 1219mm (4pie) and 1524mm (5pie); common sheet sizes are 1x2m and 2x3m. Ordering stock sizes cuts lead time by 50% (custom sizes take 2–3 weeks longer).
- Minimum Order Quantity (Cantidad mínima de pedido): Coils typically have a 500kg MOQ; sheets have a 100kg MOQ. Smaller orders (p.ej., 50kilos) are possible but cost 20% more.
- Plazo de entrega: From Chinese suppliers (major 304 2B producers), lead time is 2–4 weeks for stock; 4–6 weeks for custom.
- Incoterms: Use FOB (Free On Board) for sea shipping—you control freight and save 10–15% vs. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid).
- Embalaje: Coils are wrapped in VCI film (prevents rust during shipping); sheets are packed in wooden crates. Ask for waterproof packaging if shipping to humid regions.
Estudio de caso: A furniture maker ordered 1,000kg of 304 2B sheets (stock size 1x2m) FOB Shanghai. They saved $500 vs. custom sizes and received the order in 3 weeks—perfect for their production timeline.
La perspectiva de la tecnología Yigu
En Yigu Tecnología, 304 2B stainless steel is our top-selling grade for its versatility in food, architectural, y bienes de consumo. We supply ASTM A240/EN 1.4301 304 2B coils (1219mm de ancho, 0.5–3mm thickness) and sheets, with full certifications (FDA, EN 10204 3.1). We offer slitting/blanking services to cut costs for clients, and our stock lead time is just 2 semanas. We also track LME nickel prices daily, helping clients lock in rates to avoid budget surprises. For food-grade projects, we provide additional NSF/ANSI 51 documentation—ensuring compliance from factory to finished product.
Preguntas frecuentes
- Poder 304 2B stainless steel be used outdoors?
It can, but only in dry, low-salt environments (p.ej., inland homes). In coastal areas, salt spray will cause rust within 2–3 years—use 316 2B instead. If you must use 304 2B outdoors, apply a clear stainless steel sealant every 6 meses. - Es 304 2B stainless steel magnetic?
Annealed 304 2B is near non-magnetic (magnetic permeability 1.02 μr). Sin embargo, cold working (p.ej., bending or stamping) can make small areas slightly magnetic—this is normal and doesn’t affect performance. - How do I clean 304 2B stainless steel to prevent rust?
Use mild soap and warm water for daily cleaning—avoid abrasive sponges (they scratch the passivation layer). For tough stains (p.ej., food grease), use a vinegar-water solution (1:1 ratio) and wipe dry immediately. Never use bleach or ammonia—they break down the passivation layer and cause rust.