Datum FG (fine grain)
304 Stainless Steel

Datum FG 304 Stainless Steel is a fine grain, precision cold rolled full hard stainless steel with fine grain structure and superior stress relief annealing properties that is specifically designed for high density patterns and to remain flat post processing when laser cut or etched. The micro grain structure of 2 to 3 microns ensures super smooth aperture walls post cutting. The enhanced annealing properties ensure flatness is maintained following both laser cutting, step etching / milling and through etching.

Applications for 304 Stainless Steel

  • Domestic appliances e.g. refrigerators, dishwashers
  • Commercial food processing equipment
  • Fasteners
  • Storage vessels and pipes for corrosive liquids
  • Heat exchangers
  • Pharmaceutical equipment
  • Mining equipment
  • Hospital surgical equipment
  • Marine equipment
  • Valves
  • Cryogenic vessels

304 Stainless Steel: Attributes

  • Corrosion Resistance: 304 has excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of atmospheric environments and when in contact with different corrosive substances.
  • Heat Resistance: 304 has good resistance to oxidation and can be used at temperatures up to 870°C.
  • Machinability: 304 has superior machinability giving higher machining rates and lower tool wear in many operations. 304 stainless can be machined, folded or roll-formed into a variety of components for applications.
  • Weldability: Datum 304 stainless steel has excellent forming and welding characteristics both with and without fillers. Post-weld annealing is not required when welding thin sections.
  • Hardness Range: 3370-410HV.
  • Tensile: 1130 N/mm².

Typical Chemical Composition

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION%DATUM FG 304
Carbon (C) 0.08
Manganese (Mn)2.0
Silicon (Si)1.00
Phosphorous (P) 0.045
Sulphur (S) 0.030
Chromium (Cr) 18.00 - 20.00
Nickel (Ni) 8.00 - 10.50
Iron (Fe) Balance
Nitrogen (N) 0.10

Datum FG 304 Stainless Steel is produced with the tightest thickness tolerance on the market, the same as our Datum PhD 304 Stainless Steel, and is available in gauges from 0.08mm to 0.25mm from stock and widths up to 610mm and any sheet length or coil.

Datum FG 304 Stainless Steel is perfectly suited to laser cutting and chemical etching. The fine grain structure of this material ensures that cut edges are clean and precise, with a wall finish that is smoother than standard 304 Stainless material. The images opposite show the effect of different annealing process when the material is half etched.

Standard Cold Rolled 304SS

Standard Cold Rolled 304 Stainless Steel

Tension Annealed 304 Stainless Steel

Datum Fine Grain 304SS

Datum PhD 304 Stainless Steel

Quality Control

Our Quality Control department performs robust quality checks. Datum is ISO 9001 certified.

Why Choose Datum?

Quality

Oil, grease and scratch free foils and components, produced to tight tolerances

Experience

With decades of experience, Datum leads the way in innovation and technology development

Efficiency

Rapid prototyping and production, short lead times and fast delivery

Precision

Our tolerance controls ensure you receive precision foils and components