Hot Forming

For hot working processes, it is recommended to maintain working temperatures between 1562°F and 2102°F (850°C and 1150°C). This temperature range ensures the material remains pliable and suitable for shaping while preserving its mechanical properties. Proper temperature control during hot working is crucial for achieving the desired form without compromising the material's strength, toughness, or resistance to corrosion.Operating within this temperature range also helps to prevent issues such as cracking or excessive work hardening, which can occur if the material is processed outside its optimal temperature window. This makes the material particularly suited for applications in industries like aerospace, chemical processing, and power generation, where components often need to withstand extreme operational conditions while maintaining their structural integrity. Proper hot working techniques ensure a high-quality final product, enhancing both performance and longevity.

Cold Forming

904L stainless steel is relatively easy to form, thanks to its excellent ductility and malleability. However, due to the alloy's addition of molybdenum and nitrogen, which enhance its corrosion resistance and strength, more powerful processing equipment may be required compared to standard stainless steel grades. These alloying elements increase the material's toughness, making it more resistant to deformation, but also necessitating higher forces during forming operations such as bending, drawing, and shaping. While the enhanced strength and resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion make 904L ideal for challenging environments—such as those involving exposure to chlorides, acids, or seawater—the additional processing requirements mean that manufacturers must ensure their equipment is capable of handling the increased workload. This makes 904L particularly well-suited for critical applications in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and marine engineering, where both durability and corrosion resistance are paramount.

Welding

T904L stainless steel offers excellent weld-ability, making it suitable for various welding processes, including TIG, MIG, and SMAW. To achieve the best results, specialized welding consumables are recommended, specifically 20 25 CuL covered electrodes and 20 25 CuL welding wire. These consumables are designed to match the alloy composition of 904L, ensuring optimal corrosion resistance and mechanical properties at the welded joints.Using the appropriate consumables is particularly important in environments where 904L’s superior resistance to aggressive chemicals and chlorides is required, such as in chemical processing plants, seawater systems, and oil and gas industries.

NO.1

The NO.1 surface is achieved through heat treatment and pickling after hot rolling. It has a silver-white, matte appearance with a subtle sheen. This surface finish is ideal for applications where heat and corrosion resistance are crucial, but surface brightness is not a priority. It is commonly used in industries such as industrial storage tanks, chemical processing plants, and other environments that demand durability and resistance to harsh conditions.

2D

The 2D surface finish is produced through heat treatment and pickling after cold rolling, resulting in a silver-white appearance with a smoother yet matte texture. This surface is widely used in applications that require both durability and a refined appearance. Common uses include petrochemical production equipment, automotive parts, building materials, and water pipes, where strength and corrosion resistance are essential, but a highly polished surface is not necessary.

2B

Following the 2D treatment, the material undergoes a final light cold rolling process using a polishing roller to achieve a subtle gloss. The resulting surface is smooth, bright, and can be easily re-polished to enhance its shine further. This finish is commonly used in applications such as building materials and tableware, where an aesthetically appealing and easy-to-maintain surface is important.

NO.4

The NO.4 finish is achieved by grinding with a belt of grit size 150-180, resulting in a surface with improved gloss, finer lines, and more refined stripes compared to the rougher NO.3 finish typically used for polished and sanded stainless steel surfaces. This finish is widely applied in industries such as food processing equipment, household appliances, and medical equipment, where a smooth, aesthetically pleasing surface with enhanced durability is required.

BA

The BA (Bright Annealed) surface is produced through cold rolling and de-scaling, resulting in an excellent surface gloss and high reflectivity. Its extremely smooth finish makes it ideal for additional finishing processes like mirror polishing and chrome plating. Due to its superior appearance and durability, the BA surface is commonly used in applications such as catering equipment, where both functionality and aesthetic appeal are important.

HL

The HL (Hairline) finish is achieved by grinding with a polishing abrasive belt of suitable grit size (150-320 mesh), resulting in distinct, straight stripes on the surface. This finish provides an attractive appearance with a good texture, where scratches are less visible. It is known for its durability and wear resistance. Common applications for the HL finish include building decoration, elevators, and vehicle parts, where a stylish and resilient surface is required.

Mirror

The Mirror finish is achieved by polishing with progressively finer abrasives and extensively buffing the surface until all scratches from initial grinding are eliminated. This process results in the highest level of reflectivity. It is primarily used for both interior and exterior decorative materials in automobiles and buildings, where a high-gloss, reflective surface is desired.