304 Stainless Steel Pipe Annealing Requirements

Generally speaking, the main purpose of annealing is to eliminate residual stress, improve the plasticity of the material, and reduce the hardness. 304 stainless steel pipe is a common stainless steel pipe material. It is mainly made of 304 stainless steel alloy. This alloy is an austenitic stainless steel material, also known as 18-8 stainless steel. 304 stainless steel pipes usually require annealing to improve their mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and processability. The following are the general requirements for annealed 304 stainless steel pipe.

1. Temperature: Typically, the annealing temperature for 304 stainless steel pipe is between 1900°F (1038°C) and 2050°F (1121°C), depending on the specific alloy and requirements.

2. Holding time: The annealing time is usually between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the size and wall thickness of the pipe.

3. Cooling method: Air cooling is usually used. After reaching the annealing temperature, the stainless steel tube can be taken out of the furnace and allowed to cool naturally at room temperature. No rapid quenching is required.

4. Ambient atmosphere: Annealing is usually performed in an oxygen atmosphere. However, annealing can be performed under a controlled atmosphere to avoid oxidation based on specific requirements.

5. Treatment after cooling: After annealing, cleaning and deoxidation treatment are usually required to remove oxides and contaminants that may be generated during the annealing process.

Union Steel Industry is leading manufacturer of 304 stainless steel pipes in China. If you have any request, please contact: sales@union-steels.com