304 stainless steel is the most widely used stainless steel material at present. Its excellent corrosion resistance and good processing performance make it the preferred material in various industries. Whether it is building decoration, food processing equipment, or chemical equipment and household appliances, 304 stainless steel plays an irreplaceable role. However, there are also a large number of counterfeit 304 stainless steels on the market. The use of these inferior materials will not only affect product quality, but may even bring safety hazards. Therefore, learning how to identify the authenticity of 304 stainless steel is crucial to ensure product quality and safety of use.
What Is 304 Stainless Steel?
304 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel with excellent corrosion resistance and good mechanical properties. Its chemical properties and mechanical properties are shown below.
Chemical properties of SS 304:
|
Grade |
C |
Mn |
P |
S |
Si |
Cr |
Ni |
|
304 |
≤0.08 |
≤2.00 |
≤0.045 |
≤0.030 |
≤1.00 |
18.0–20.0 |
8.0-10.5 |
Mechanical properties of SS 304:
|
Grade |
UTSN/mm |
Yield N/mm |
Elongation% |
Hardness HRB |
Comparable DlN number |
|
|
wrought |
cast |
|||||
|
304 |
600 |
210 |
60 |
80 |
1.4301 |
1.4308 |
How To Identify 304 Stainless Steel?
There are many ways to identify 304 stainless steel. Here are some common and effective methods:
- Appearance inspection
By observing the surface finish and color of stainless steel, you can preliminarily determine whether it is 304 stainless steel. 304 stainless steel has a smooth surface and bright color, while fake stainless steel may have problems such as rough surface and dull color.
- Magnetic test
304 stainless steel is non-magnetic or weakly magnetic at room temperature, so it can be preliminarily identified by magnetic test. Test stainless steel with a small magnet. If there is no obvious attraction, it may be 304 stainless steel. However, it should be noted that 304 stainless steel that has been cold-processed may produce a certain degree of magnetism.
- Chemical reagent test
304 stainless steel can be quickly identified using special chemical reagents. For example, copper sulfate solution can be used for testing. If there is a discoloration or reaction, it means that the material is not 304 stainless steel.
- Spectral analysis
Spectral analysis is one of the most accurate methods. Through a spectroscopic instrument, the specific composition of stainless steel can be detected to determine whether it is 304 stainless steel.
- Other laboratory testing methods
Other precise laboratory testing methods include scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. Although these methods are more expensive, they can provide the most detailed and accurate analysis results.
Common identification misunderstandings in the market
In actual operation, many people are prone to some identification misunderstandings. For example, judging quality only by price, or relying on a single test method and ignoring multiple aspects of verification. In addition, ignoring the reputation and qualifications of the supplier is also an important reason for purchasing counterfeit 304 stainless steel.
How To Choose a Reliable 304 Stainless Steel Supplier?
Henan Jinbailai Industrial Co., Ltd., our company is a professional modern manufacturer specializing in the production of various types of stainless steel related products, specializing in the sales of various specifications of stainless steel plates, wear-resistant steel plates, high-strength steel plates, stainless steel pipes, tool steel, saw blade steel, band saw blade steel strip, chain steel, cold-drawn steel bars, with complete specifications, high quality and sufficient quantity.
