1. Introduce
– Composed of approximately 18% Cr and 8% Ni, hence the name 18-8 stainless steel
– Due to its low carbon content, it retains its strength even after heat treatment
– Ultra-low carbon version of 304 stainless steel, containing up to 0.030% carbon
– Better elasticity and weldability than 304 stainless steel due to low carbon content
– UNS S30403
* 18-8 Stainless Steel
– “18-8” : Part of the chemical composition (18 : Cr content, 8 : Ni content)
– Definition : 300 series grade stainless steel containing about 18% chromium and 8% nickel
– Types : 301, 302, 304 stainless steel
* Types of 304 stainless steel : related to carbon content
– 304L : A low carbon version of 304 stainless steel, containing up to 0.3% carbon
→ Due to its low carbon content, it is less likely to cause carbide precipitation when used at temperatures above 425°C and is used to improve weldability
– 304H : High carbon version of 304 stainless steel, containing approximately 0.04-0.1% carbon
→ Good corrosion resistance and resistance to temperature extremes
* Stainless Steel Comparison
| Type | Composition | Properties |
|---|---|---|
| 304 | 18%Cr, 8%Ni | – Excellent corrosion resistance and machinability, suitable for use in everyday environments (kitchen utensils, building materials, automotive parts, etc.), – Excellent high temperature properties, but corrosion occurs when used for a long time in the temperature range of 425~860℃ |
| 316 | 17%Cr, 10%Ni, and 2Mo (Similar composition to 304, but contains an additional 2-3% Mo) | Better corrosion resistance than 304, suitable for use in marine and chlorinated environments, Excellent performance at temperatures above 843°C and below 454°C |
| 200 Series | Reduced Ni content, increased Mn and N content | Reduced Ni content and increased Mn and N content for lower manufacturing costs, but reduced corrosion resistance compared to 304 and 316 |
* UNS
- Abbreviation for the Unified Numbering System for Metals and Alloys
- Unified unique numbering system for metals and alloys
- A representative number compatible with metals and alloys defined in several material-related codes, including ASTM, AISI, ASME, AWS, etc.
* S : Heat and corrosion resistant (stainless) steel
2. Property
– Corrosion resistance, intergranular corrosion resistance, weldability, excellent formability
| Element | Impact |
|---|---|
| Cr, Ni | Provides corrosion resistance |
[304L Chemical Composition (%)]
| C | Mn | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. 0.030 | Max. 2.00 | Max. 0.045 | Max. 0.030 |
| Si | Cr | Ni | N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. 0.75 | 18.0~20.0 | 8.0~12.0 | Max. 0.10 |
[304L Mechanical Properties]
| Tensile Strength (Mpa) | Yield Strength (Mpa) | Elongation (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Min. 485 | Min. 170 | Min. 40 |
[304L Physical Properties]
| Density (g/㎤) | Melting Range (℃) | Specific Heat (0-100℃), J/kg*℃ |
|---|---|---|
| 8.0 | 1400~1450 | 500 |
3. Standard & Specification
– Specification : UNS S30403
| ASTM | A182, A213, A240, A249, A269, A270, A312, A314 |
| DIN | 1.4306, 1.4307 |
| MIL | S-23195, S-4043, S-23196, A-23196 |
| Product Form | AMS | ASTM |
|---|---|---|
| Bar, Rod, Forgings | 5639, 5647 | – |
| Sheet, Strip | 5501, 5511, 5513 | – |
| Tube | 5560, 5565, 5566, 5567, 5569, 5575 | – |
| Powder | – | A276 |
4. Available Form
– Bar, Rod
– Plate, Sheet, Strip
– Coil, Wire
– Tube, Pipe
– Forgings
– Powder
5. Application & Product
– Medical, Construction, Chemical, Automotive, Food
| Application | Product |
|---|---|
| Medical | Surgical instruments, implants |
| Construction | Exterior wall cladding, handrails, door handles |
| Chemical | Storage tanks, pipelines |
| Automotive | Exhaust systems |
| Food | Kitchen utensils, cookware, food processing equipment |

(1) Implant / (2) Handrail / (3) Automotive exhaust system / (4) Storage tank / (5) Cookware


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