Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials in the manufacturing industry, but there are many different types of stainless steel you might not know about. One of the most frequently used grades of steel is 304 stainless steel. Read on to learn four benefits of using 304 stainless steel blanks in your manufacturing processes.
Durability
One of the features that makes 304 stainless steel suitable for a variety of environments is its high durability. Harsh environments have little effect on 304 stainless steel, and it is more than prepared to weather any storm—literally and figuratively. With corrosion and oxidation resistance, 304 stainless steel is a low-maintenance material that will last for years.
Strength and Mechanical Resistance
Another key property of 304 stainless steel is its strength. This attribute allows 304 steel to withstand a significant amount of stress and strain without deforming or cracking. This stainless steel also boats a strong resistance to high temperatures, meaning there are several extreme mechanical conditions in which 304 steel functions better than other materials.
Chemical Resistance
You can count on 304 stainless steel to hold up well against chemicals, whether they’re acids or alkaline solutions. If you’re planning to submerge a metal material in a chemical substance, 304 stainless steel is an option that will resist the effects of the solution.
Workability
Finally, 304 stainless steel is easy to work with—a benefit that cannot be overstated. When you need to work with custom-cut metal plates, you’ll want them to machine, cut, weld, and form into various shapes with ease, and 304 stainless steel fits the bill.
When it comes to sourcing 304 stainless steel, TCI Precision Metals can provide materials that are precision sized to close tolerance, deburred, cleaned, and individually packaged for shipping. Custom-cut metal plates arrive ready to go directly from receiving to machining or fabrication, depending on your application. Custom-cut metal plates eliminate material prep, reduce scrap, improve quality, and increase overall machining throughput by 25% or more!
Now that you know four benefits of using 304 stainless steel blanks, we hope you have a better understanding of why this grade of steel is a good choice for your applications. When you need help choosing the right stainless steel option for your project, don’t hesitate to reach out to TCI Precision Metals—we’re here for you!