Modern manufacturing would be incomplete without an important metal known as stainless steel. These are generally highly resistant alloys to corrosion, relatively strong and widely applicable materials; as such, they have indeed become basic materials for many industries. Out of so many types of steel, 304 and 204 are ones that are always compared to one another. Let’s see which one is better.
What Is 304 Steel
Austenitic stainless steel includes 304 stainless steel. It is the “all-rounder” of the stainless steel world. Chemical composition: mainly 18 – 20% chromium, 8 – 11% nickel, balance iron. This combination of composition gives it excellent properties.
In terms of corrosion resistance, it performs very well. Whether it is a salt-filled marine environment or an acidic industrial environment, 304 Stainless Steel Composite Plate resists oxidation and corrosion very well. Besides, it has high temperature resistance, and though its magnetic properties are changed by exposure to higher temperatures, its strength and other mechanical properties remain unaltered; hence, it is applicable in high-temperature environment applications like in some furnace components.
304 stainless steel also strikes a good balance between strength and ductility. It is tough enough to withstand high levels of stress and wear, while also being easy to machine into a variety of shapes during the manufacturing process. In addition, its excellent weldability means that it can be easily joined to other components using most standard welding methods, increasing its versatility in the manufacturing process.
What Is 204 Steel
204 stainless steel is also an austenitic type of stainless steel, but it has distinctive features. The most notable difference from 304 stainless steel is its lower nickel content, usually around 2% or even as low as 0.5%. To compensate for the reduced nickel content, it has a higher manganese content, typically between 5 – 7.5% or 6.5 – 8.5%. This change in composition allows it to still maintain its austenitic structure and at a lower cost.
204 Stainless Steel Composite Plate has moderate corrosion resistance. It adapts well to normal indoor environments and is a good choice for application scenarios where the environment is not too harsh. However, it is not suitable for use in areas with high chloride exposure, such as near the ocean or in certain chemical plants. Another interesting property is that, unlike most austenitic stainless steels, it carries a weak magnetic property due to its low nickel content, which can help identify it in certain situations. In terms of cost-effectiveness, due to the low nickel content, it is a more economical choice for projects that do not require high grade corrosion resistance .
Comparative Analysis: Hardness and Applications
In terms of hardness, 304 stainless steel is usually superior. Due to its higher chromium and nickel content, it has a higher hardness and tensile strength. This means it is more durable and more resistant to wear and deformation. For example, in marine applications, where equipment is often subjected to seawater erosion and mechanical stress, 304 stainless steel composite plate is the material of choice. It can also be used in high-temperature industrial processes where stability and strength are important.
In contrast, 204 stainless steel, while strong enough for many applications, is not as hard as 304 stainless steel. It is better suited for less demanding environments. For example, in furniture manufacturing or the production of some simple kitchenware, 204 stainless steel composite plate can meet the requirements in terms of strength and appearance, and its lower cost is more advantageous.
How To Identify Stainless Steel 204 And 304
Distinguishing between 204 and 304 stainless steel is a bit tricky because they are very similar in appearance. One of the most reliable ways is to obtain a mill test report (MTR). These reports contain detailed information on the chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties of the alloy.
Another technique is X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). This is a fast and non-destructive method of analyzing the elemental composition of steel. By bombarding the steel with high-energy X-rays or gamma rays, it detects the characteristic fluorescent X-rays emitted by the different elements in the steel, allowing for precise identification. However, XRF equipment is costly.
There are also some simple on-site testing methods. For example, spark testing can provide some clues. Grinding with a grinder, due to the lower nickel content, 204 stainless steel plate will produce yellow-red sparks, while 304 stainless steel plate produces a more reddish spark, and 304 stainless steel sparks splash faster and farther. In addition, 204 stainless steel plate is slightly magnetic, so magnetic detection also helps to distinguish between the two, although this method is not completely accurate, because other factors can also affect the magnetic properties.
Grade 204 Vs 304 Corrosion Resistance
In terms of corrosion resistance, 304 stainless steel is significantly superior to 204 stainless steel. the higher chromium and nickel content of 304 stainless steel creates a more stable and protective oxide layer on its surface, making it highly resistant to corrosion in a variety of environments. It can be used in application scenarios like oil and gas pipelines that are exposed to corrosive substances for long periods of time.
Stainless steel 204 has relatively weak corrosion resistance due to its low nickel content. In environments containing chloride ions, it may show signs of corrosion more quickly. However, in less corrosive indoor environments or application scenarios where the risk of corrosion is low, 204 stainless steel can still be useful. For example, in the production of some indoor furniture or decorative items where its corrosion resistance is sufficient, the cost advantage is more prominent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the choice between 304 or 204 stainless steel depends on specific needs. If the application scenario requires high corrosion resistance, hardness and tolerance in harsh environments, 304 stainless steel composite plate is the better choice. It excels in marine, industrial and high temperature applications.
However, if cost is a major consideration and the environment in which it is used is not highly corrosive, 204 Stainless Steel Composite Plate is a more practical choice. It is suitable for less demanding scenarios such as furniture and some kitchenware. Each stainless steel grade has its advantages, and understanding the differences can help make the right decisions in a variety of manufacturing and construction projects.
If you’re not sure how to choose a material for your project, you can contact our team of experts today to help you decide.
