Question

Describe applications of the Type 304L stainless steel (Fe) and explain beneficial effect of alloying with particular alloying elements (or change in microstructure) which change structure or properties

Answer 1

Alloy 304L are commonly seen as sheet, sheet coil, plates, bar and other products. It is generally used for home and commercial purposes. It contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Carbon content is very minimal of 0.030. it is known as 18/8 stainless steel. High corrosion resistance, high ease of fabrication, formability and durability.

Applications:-

• Food processing equipments
• Kitchen appliances, sink, equipments
• Architectural trimming
• Automotive and aeronautical use
• Construction
• Nuts, screws, bolts
• Screens in mining industry
• Orthodontic wires in dentistry

  Alloying elements

  Plain carbon steels consists of iron and carbon and less than 0.5% Mn and less than 0.5% Si.

  Low carbon steels contains less than 0.25% carbon

  High carbon steel consists of 0.6 – 1.4% carbon.

  The other principal elements used in alloying are Mn, Ni, Cr, Mo, W, V, Co, Si, B, Cu, Al, Ti, Nb. The alloy steels are of two types low alloy and high alloy steels

  The effects of alloying are

• Increase in harness
• No decrease in duct ability
• Reduced cooling velocity
• Formation or hard or stabilised carbides
• Graphitisation of iron carbide
• Corrosion resistance
• Rate of grain growth at high temperatures are affected
• Improve mechanical properties.