A 304 Stainless Steel Shaft is a rotating machine element, usually circular in cross-section, which is used to transmit power from one part to another, or from side to side, or from a machine that produces energy to a machine that absorbs energy.
They are mostly classified into two types
- Driveshafts are used to transmit power between the source and the absorption power of the machine; for example countershafts and Line Shafts.
- The machine shafts are an integral part of the machine itself; for example. Crankshaft.
Features of SS 304 Properties
- Stainless Steel 304 Shaft is mostly used form of SS in the world, largely because of its excellent corrosion resistance and value. It contains between 16 & 24% chromium and up to 35% nickel, also small amounts of manganese and carbon.
- 304SS can withstand corrosion from most oxidizing acids. That durability makes 304 SS easy to sanitize, and that is why perfect for kitchen and food applications. It is also common in buildings, décor, and site furnishings.
- Chemical Composition. Type 304 grade stainless steel composition.
- SS304 Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties.
- Heat Resistance. Sensitization occurs when type 304 austenitic SS is heated between 425 and 815 °C.
Features of Stainless Steel 304 Shaft
- Corrosion Resistance: 304 stainless Steel Shafts are excellent in a wide range of atmospheric environments even when exposed to corrosive elements.
- Heat Resistance: Continuous use of SS 304 between 425-860⁰C is not recommended. Although it is resistant to precipitation of carbides and can be heated to high temperatures.
- Easy to weld with excellent weldability.
- Excellent strength and toughness in high temperatures.
- This austenitic kind of steel is easily weldable. (There is a possibility of chromium carbide formation during welding which could compromise corrosion resistance. In addition, the austenitic structure is prone to cracking during welding, which is counteracted by the addition of a small amount of ferrite during resolidification.
- It has high strength and toughness, even at very low temperatures (cryogenic).
- It has a smooth surface, which is easy to clean.
Application of Stainless Steel Shaft
- Chemical industry – Large storage tanks and containers for liquids and solids
- Food industry – food processing equipment like milking machines, storage tanks, hauling tanks, piping, valves, milk trucks, etc. Also used in breweries, wine-making, and the fruit juice industry.
- Domestic uses – 304 SS can resist the corrosive action of acids found in fruits, milk, meat, and vegetables, and is fairly resistant to abrasion. Hence, it is widely used in sinks, counters, stoves, refrigerators, cutlery, utensils and various other household appliances.
- Architectural uses – paneling, molding, railings, décor.
- Industrial applications – tools, bolts, nuts, screws, etc.
- Automotive and aerospace industries – fuel tanks, various structural components.
- Hospitals – surgical equipment.
- Commercial – sanitary fittings, pipes.
