Is 304 stainless steel a low carbon steel?

If you want to know the answer to the question “Is 304 stainless steel a low carbon steel?”, let’s analyze it in terms of carbon content, type, and scope of use.

1. Carbon content.

The carbon content of 304 stainless steel is about 0.07%. And we often say that the carbon content of low carbon steel is between 0.10 and 0.25%. According to the content, 304 stainless steel is actually stainless steel with low carbon content in stainless steel.

2. Type difference.

304 stainless steel is a kind of austenitic stainless steel, and low carbon steel is carbon steel with very low carbon content, also known as mild steel. The two do not belong to the same category of steel.

3. Features are different.

304 stainless steel is only a common type of stainless steel among many stainless sheets of steel, but it has the characteristics of good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, punching and bending properties and high toughness; low carbon steel has low strength and hardness, plasticity, toughness and weldability. Okay.

4. Classification of uses.

304 stainless steel is widely used in hardware products, home decoration, food and medical treatment, mechanical equipment and other fields; while low carbon steel is widely used in engineering structural parts without heat treatment, such as chains, rivets, bolts, shafts, etc.

5. Other types of stainless steel with low carbon content.

There are other materials in stainless steel with low carbon content, less than 0.03%, such as 304L, 316L, 317L, 301L and other low carbon stainless steel.

Therefore, 304 stainless steel is only low in carbon content, it is stainless steel with low carbon content, not low carbon steel.