Type 304 Channel
About Type 304 Channel
Type 304 stainless steel channel provides excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and superior weldability. Conforms to ASTM A276 specifications. Ideal for structural supports, framing, and architectural trim.
Quick Facts
- Material: 304/304L Stainless Steel
- ASTM Standard: A276
- Available Sizes: Available in standard mill sizes.
- Location: Los Angeles warehouse
- Services: Custom size, same-day pickup
Overview
Type 304 is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel, containing approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This composition gives it exceptional resistance to a wide range of atmospheric and chemical corrosives. Our Type 304 Channel is often dual-certified as 304L, which has a lower carbon content. This modification minimizes harmful carbide precipitation during welding, preserving its corrosion-resistant properties at the weld joints without requiring post-weld annealing.
As a structural shape, the C-profile of stainless channel provides significant strength and rigidity for load-bearing applications. It is well-suited for framing, braces, and supports where both structural integrity and environmental durability are critical. The material is typically supplied in a hot-rolled, annealed, and pickled (HRAP) finish, providing a clean, matte surface that is ready for fabrication or installation in demanding industrial and architectural environments.
Technical Specifications
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 73,200 | PSI |
| Yield Strength | 31,200 | PSI |
| Elongation | 70 | % |
| Hardness | 123 | HB |
Applicable Standards
- ASTM A276: Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes
Common Applications
- Food & Beverage: Equipment frames, conveyor system rails, and support structures due to its hygienic properties and resistance to food acids.
- Architectural & Construction: Structural framing, lintels, braces, and decorative trim where aesthetics and longevity are required.
- Chemical Processing: Supports for tanks, piping, and equipment in moderately corrosive environments.
- Marine: Brackets, frames, and supports in freshwater and mild saltwater environments.
- Wastewater Treatment: Structural components for weirs, gates, and support grids.
- Automotive & Aerospace: Framework, jigs, and fixtures requiring good strength and weldability.
- General Fabrication: Machine bases, mounting brackets, and structural supports for industrial machinery.
Working with Type 304 Channel
Machining
Type 304 stainless steel has fair machinability but is prone to work hardening. It is recommended to use slow speeds, heavy and constant feeds, sharp tooling, and a proper cutting fluid. Chip breakers are advised to manage the tough, stringy chips produced during machining.
Welding
304/304L stainless steel exhibits excellent weldability and is suitable for all common fusion and resistance welding methods. The use of 304L grade minimizes carbide precipitation, making post-weld annealing unnecessary for maintaining corrosion resistance in most applications. Filler metals like AWS E/ER308L are recommended.
Finishing
This material is typically supplied with a standard mill finish (hot-rolled, annealed, and pickled). For aesthetic applications, it can be mechanically polished to various finishes, including brushed or mirror polish. It is not heat-treatable for hardening.
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between 304 and 304L stainless steel?
A: 304L has a lower carbon content (0.03% max) compared to standard 304 (0.08% max). This lower carbon level minimizes chromium carbide precipitation during welding, which prevents intergranular corrosion. Most 304 products are dual-certified as 304/304L, offering the benefits of both grades.
Q: Is 304 stainless channel suitable for marine environments?
A: 304 stainless offers good corrosion resistance in freshwater and mild atmospheric conditions. For direct saltwater exposure or marine environments with high chloride concentrations, Type 316 stainless steel, which contains molybdenum, is the recommended choice for superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance.
Q: When should I use stainless steel channel instead of aluminum channel?
A: Use stainless steel channel when superior strength, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature performance are required. Aluminum channel is lighter and offers good corrosion resistance but has lower strength and is not suitable for high-stress or high-heat applications compared to stainless steel.
Stock & Custom Sizes
Available in standard mill sizes. Standard lengths are typically 20 ft.
Same-day cutting and Los Angeles pickup available.
View Sizes & PricingNeed Type 304 Channel? Contact Bobco Metals for availability and Los Angeles pickup.
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