304 Stainless Steel

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304 stainless steel is one of the austenitic stainless steels. This material has particularly high corrosion resistance, so it is widely used in various fields such as kitchen utensils, food industry, and construction materials.

The main components of 304 stainless steel are 18% chromium (Cr) and 8% nickel (Ni). Because of this ratio, it is often referred to as '18/8 stainless steel'. Chromium plays a role in protecting stainless steel from air and water by forming a thin layer of chromium oxide on the surface, and nickel enhances the overall durability and shape stability of the metal.

Furthermore, 304 stainless steel has excellent moldability and weldability, so it can be processed into various shapes when manufacturing products. However, it is necessary to be careful because corrosion resistance may decrease slightly in environments with a lot of sulfide or extreme salinity.

Based on its high corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability, 304 stainless steel is used in various fields such as home appliances, building materials, and medical devices. However, when exposed to very high temperatures or chemicals, it may be more appropriate to use a different type of stainless steel.

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