304 Stainless Steel Insulation Pipe

Classification and Application of 304 Stainless Steel Insulation Pipe

Overview

304 Stainless Steel Insulation Pipe is widely used due to its excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion, superior corrosion resistance, and good cold processing and stamping performance. It can be used as heat-resistant stainless steel and maintains good mechanical properties even at -180℃. In the solid solution state, 304 stainless steel shows good plasticity, toughness, and cold processing properties. It resists corrosion in oxidizing acids, atmospheric conditions, water, and other media.

Production and Processing

304 stainless steel is the most widely used type of stainless steel. It can be produced through various cold and hot processing methods, including forgings, bars, wires, plates, and strips. The hot processing temperature range is 900-1180℃. Cold processing is straightforward but may require intermediate annealing if the steel hardens too much.

Heat Treatment Process

Solution Treatment: The solution treatment temperature for 304 stainless steel pipes is 1080-1100℃. Cooling is done by water or air.
Intermediate Annealing: For cold processing, the annealing temperature is 850-970℃, followed by water cooling after a certain insulation period. After solution treatment, the steel structure is mostly austenite, with occasional ferrite.

Cold Forming Performance

304 stainless steel sheets are commonly used for cold forming operations. The cold forming performance is a crucial technical indicator for smooth forming and high yield rates. Factors affecting cold forming include the composition of the steel, particularly the ratio of chromium to nickel equivalents. Controlling this ratio within an appropriate range ensures good cold forming properties.

Applications

304 stainless steel is used in a wide range of applications, including:

Food Equipment
General Chemical Equipment
Atomic Energy Industry Devices
Deep Drawing Parts
Acid Pipelines and Containers
Vehicles and Auto Parts
Household Appliances

It is the most produced and used steel in austenitic stainless steel, suitable for thin-walled parts, acid pipelines, and structural parts. It is also often used as a core material for welding chromium-nickel stainless steel and for non-magnetic parts and parts used in low-temperature environments.