If you’ve ever shopped for kitchen sinks, contenedores de comida, or architectural trim, you’ve probably encounteredJIS SUS304 stainless steel. It’s the most widely used stainless steel grade globally—thanks to its unbeatable mix of corrosion resistance, workability, y asequibilidad. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to choose, usar, and work with SUS304 for your projects.
1. Material Composition of JIS SUS304 Stainless Steel
The performance ofJIS SUS304 stainless steel starts with its precisecomposición de materiales. Every element is carefully balanced to deliver strength and corrosion resistance:
| Element | Content Range | Key Role |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.0% – 20.0% | Forms a protectivepassivation layer (blocks rust and corrosion) |
| Níquel (En) | 8.0% – 10.5% | Stabilizes the austeniticmicrostructure (boosts ductility) |
| Carbon (do) | ≤0,08% | Limits carbide precipitation (prevents intergranular corrosion) |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤2.0% | Improves workability during welding and forming |
| Silicon (Y) | ≤1.0% | Enhances heat resistance and reduces oxidation |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.03% | Minimizes brittleness (critical for machining) |
| Phosphorus (PAG) | ≤0.045% | Aids in cutting during machining (without harming durability) |
| Iron (fe) | Balance | The base metal that holds all alloying elements together |
Un ejemplo real: A food equipment manufacturer in Japan once used a low-chromium (16%) steel instead of SUS304. Their mixing bowls rusted within 3 months—switching to SUS304’s 18-20% chromium fixed the issue entirely.
2. Corrosion Resistance of JIS SUS304 Stainless Steel
JIS SUS304 stainless steel is famous for its reliableresistencia a la corrosión—it works in most everyday and light industrial environments:
- Pitting resistance: Resists small holes (pitting) in mild chloride environments (p.ej., tap water). Tests show it withstands up to 200 ppm chloride levels without pitting.
- Crevice corrosion: Performs well in tight spaces (p.ej., bolted joints) if kept clean. A dairy in Australia uses SUS304 for milk pipe joints—no corrosion after 5 years of daily use.
- Intergranular corrosion: Low carbon content (≤0,08%) prevents this type of corrosion (common in high-heat applications like boilers).
- Stress corrosion cracking (SCC): Resists SCC in most environments, but avoid long-term exposure to high-temperature chlorides (p.ej., saltwater above 60°C).
- Corrosion in acidic/alkaline environments: Handles dilute acids (p.ej., vinegar) y bases (p.ej., soap) well—ideal for food and cleaning equipment.
- Corrosion in seawater: Not recommended for full submersion (use SUS316 instead), but it works for coastal outdoor parts (p.ej., patio furniture) with regular cleaning.
To maximize resistance, always performpasivación after fabrication—this thickens the protective chromium layer.
3. Mechanical Properties of JIS SUS304 Stainless Steel
JIS SUS304 stainless steel has well-roundedpropiedades mecánicas—strong enough for industrial use, yet flexible enough for forming:
| Propiedad | Valor típico (Annealed) | Practical Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Resistencia a la tracción | 515 MPa | Resists breaking under pressure (good for structural parts like handrails) |
| Yield strength | 205 MPa | Doesn’t bend easily (ideal for sinks or countertops) |
| Alargamiento | ≥40% | Bends and stretches without cracking (great for curved trim or pots) |
| Dureza | ≤201 HB (Brinell) | Soft enough for machining, but durable against scratches |
| Resistencia al impacto | ≥68 J (at -196°C) | Doesn’t shatter in cold temperatures (suitable for frozen food equipment) |
| Modulus of elasticity | 193 GPa | Stiff enough for load-bearing parts (p.ej., shelving) |
| Thermal expansion coefficient | 17.2 x 10⁻⁶/°C (20–100°C) | Minimal warping when heated (good for ovens or stovetops) |
A car manufacturer in South Korea uses SUS304 for exhaust trim. The steel’s high elongation lets them form it into sleek shapes, while its tensile strength ensures it lasts through years of vibration.
4. Applications of JIS SUS304 Stainless Steel
Thanks to its versatility, JIS SUS304 stainless steel is used in nearly every industry. Here are its most commonaplicaciones:
- Equipos de procesamiento de alimentos: Mixers, tanks, and conveyor belts (meets food safety standards like FDA and JIS Z 2801). A bakery in France uses SUS304 for dough mixers—easy to clean and resistant to flour acids.
- Architectural applications: Handrails, facades, and roofing (looks sleek and resists weathering). A skyscraper in Tokyo used SUS304 for its exterior trim—still shiny after 10 años.
- Electrodomésticos de consumo: Refrigerator doors, dishwasher interiors, and oven parts (handles heat and moisture). A major appliance brand uses SUS304 for dishwasher tubs—no rust from soapy water.
- Dispositivos médicos: Surgical trays and exam tables (easy to sterilize and non-toxic). A hospital in Singapore uses SUS304 for instrument carts—resists disinfectant corrosion.
- Industrial piping: Transporting water, quimicos, and gases (leak-proof and durable). A factory in China uses SUS304 pipes for freshwater supply—low maintenance for 8 años.
- Sanitary fittings: Faucets, showerheads, and sink drains (resists hard water stains). A hotel chain uses SUS304 faucets—no mineral buildup even in hard water areas.
5. Fabrication and Processing of JIS SUS304 Stainless Steel
JIS SUS304 stainless steel is easy to work with—making it a favorite for manufacturers. Here are keyfabrication and processing methods:
- Welding techniques: TIG (best for thin parts like pipes) and MIG (faster for thick parts) work well. Use AWS ER308L filler wire to match SUS304’s composition.
- Machining methods: Drills, molinos, and lathes cut SUS304 smoothly. Use high-speed steel (HSS) tools and coolant to avoid overheating.
- Forming processes: Deep drawing (for sinks), doblando (for trim), and rolling (for sheets) are all possible—thanks to its high elongation.
- Tratamiento térmico: Annealing at 1010–1120°C softens the steel after cold working (p.ej., doblando). Quench in water to restore ductility.
- Pickling & pasivación: Pickle with nitric acid to remove weld scale; passivate to boost corrosion resistance. A fabricator in Germany skips passivation once—their parts rusted in 6 meses.
- Laser/plasma cutting: Precise for complex shapes (p.ej., adorno decorativo). A metal shop uses laser cutting to make SUS304 signage—clean edges with no extra finishing.
6. Surface Finishes of JIS SUS304 Stainless Steel
El derechoacabado superficial can enhance SUS304’s appearance and performance. Here are popular options:
- Polished finish: Shiny and reflective (Ra 0.05–0.1 μm). Used for kitchen sinks and decorative trim—adds a luxury look.
- Brushed finish: Matte with fine lines (Ra 0.4–1.6 μm). Resists fingerprints (great for appliances like refrigerators).
- Satin finish: Soft matte look (Ra 0.8–1.2 μm). Common in architectural parts like handrails—hides minor scratches.
- Mirror finish: Ultra-reflective (Ra ≤0.025 μm). Used for high-end decor (p.ej., hotel lobbies) or optical parts.
- Sandblasted finish: Textured (Ra 2.0–5.0 μm). Provides grip (ideal for stair treads or industrial floors).
- Electrolytic polishing: Smooths and brightens the surface—improves corrosion resistance (used for medical devices).
A restaurant in Tokyo chose a brushed finish for their SUS304 countertops—easy to clean and no visible fingerprints from customers.
7. Comparison with Other Materials
How doesJIS SUS304 stainless steel stack up against other common materials? Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Material | Key Advantage Over SUS304 | Key Disadvantage vs. SUS304 | Mejor para |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUS316 | Better seawater corrosion resistance | More expensive (~30% higher) | Piezas marinas, coastal architecture |
| Carbon steel | Lower cost (~50% cheaper) | No corrosion resistance | Partes estructurales (indoor, dry environments) |
| Aluminio | Lighter (densidad 2.7 g/cm³ vs. 7.9 gramos/cm³) | Less strong (resistencia a la tracción 276 MPa frente a. 515 MPa) | Lightweight parts (p.ej., cuadros de bicicleta) |
| Titanio | Extreme corrosion resistance | Very expensive (~5x cost) | Aerospace or medical implants |
| Latón | Warmer appearance | Tarnishes easily | Herrajes decorativos (p.ej., doorknobs) |
For most general uses (p.ej., food equipment, arquitectura), SUS304 offers the best balance of cost, actuación, y facilidad de uso.
Yigu Technology’s Perspective on JIS SUS304 Stainless Steel
En Yigu Tecnología, JIS SUS304 is our go-to recommendation for clients needing versatility and reliability. It works for everything from food machinery to architectural trim—solving common pain points like corrosion and poor workability. We help clients choose the right surface finish and fabrication methods to maximize SUS304’s value. While SUS316 is better for seawater, SUS304 remains the most cost-effective choice for 80% of everyday applications.
FAQ About JIS SUS304 Stainless Steel
- Is JIS SUS304 magnetic?
No—SUS304 has an austenitic microstructure, which makes it non-magnetic. This is a quick way to tell it apart from magnetic steels like SUS430 (ferritic) or SUS410 (martensitic). - Can JIS SUS304 be used outdoors?
Sí, but avoid full seawater submersion. For coastal areas, clean it every 3–6 months to remove salt spray. For inland outdoor parts (p.ej., patio furniture), it will last decades with minimal maintenance. - How does JIS SUS304 compare to ASTM 304?
They are nearly identical! JIS SUS304 (Japanese standard) and ASTM 304 (A NOSOTROS. estándar) have the same chemical composition and mechanical properties—you can use them interchangeably in most projects.