AISI 304Cu Stainless Steel Plate | 304Cu China steel mill-Direct Supply
What is AISI 304Cu Stainless Steel Plate?
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply and stainless steel plate supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present AISI 304Cu Stainless Steel Plate.
AISI 304Cu is a copper-alloyed variant of the classic AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel. The intentional addition of copper (typically 1.0–3.0% or according to specific requirements) improves cold formability, deep drawing performance and resistance to work hardening during severe forming operations. The grade retains the fundamental 18% chromium and 8–10% nickel composition, providing good corrosion resistance in mild to moderate environments.
AISI 304Cu is non-magnetic in the annealed condition and is particularly suitable for applications involving complex forming, deep drawing, spinning or cold heading. It is commonly used in kitchen equipment, sinks, hollowware, architectural components and other parts that require excellent formability.
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 304Cu as true China steel mill-Direct Supply, sourcing directly from major Chinese stainless steel mills. This model delivers competitive mill pricing, consistent quality, complete heat traceability and reliable delivery. SHH STEEL offers AISI 304Cu in plate and sheet form across a practical range of thicknesses and surface finishes.
AISI 304Cu is frequently compared with a240 304, a240 304l, a240 316l and a240 301 when projects require enhanced formability within the austenitic family. SHH STEEL provides technical support to help customers select the most suitable grade.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | AISI 304Cu / UNS S30430 | Confirmed |
| Related Standards | ASTM A240, ASME SA240, related national standards | Available |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Solution Annealed | Standard |
| Thickness Range | 0.4 mm – 50 mm (thicker available on request) | Custom sizes supported |
| Width | Up to 1500–2000 mm | Available |
| Length | Up to 6000 mm or coil / cut-to-length | Available |
| Surface Finish | 2B, BA, No.1, No.4, HL | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / Mill Test Certificate | Available |
SHH STEEL can supply AISI 304Cu dual-certified to relevant ASTM/ASME specifications when required by the project.
Chemical Composition
Typical Chemical Composition of AISI 304Cu:
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.00 – 19.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.00 – 10.00 |
| Copper (Cu) | 1.00 – 3.00 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The intentional copper addition is the key differentiating feature of AISI 304Cu. Copper reduces the work-hardening rate during cold forming, improves deep drawing performance and can enhance corrosion resistance in certain reducing environments. SHH STEEL carefully controls the copper content to ensure consistent formability and quality.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition (typical values)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 515 MPa (75 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 205 MPa (30 ksi) |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 40% |
| Hardness | ≤ 201 HB |
AISI 304Cu offers mechanical properties similar to standard 304 in the annealed condition, with the important advantage of lower work-hardening rate during cold forming. This makes it easier to perform deep drawing and complex forming operations. SHH STEEL supplies material with consistent properties suitable for demanding forming applications.
Physical Properties
Density is approximately 7.93–8.00 g/cm³. The grade is non-magnetic in the annealed condition. Melting range is approximately 1400–1450°C.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Key Alloying Addition | Formability | Corrosion Resistance | Strength Level | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 304 | None | Good | Excellent | Standard | General purpose |
| AISI 304L | Extra-low carbon | Good | Excellent | Slightly lower | Heavy welded constructions |
| AISI 304Cu | Copper | Better | Good to Excellent | Standard | Deep drawing & complex forming |
| AISI 316L | Molybdenum | Good | Superior (pitting) | Standard | Chloride environments |
| AISI 301 | Lower Ni | High (work hardens) | Good | High after forming | High-strength formed parts |
| AISI 201 | Mn + N, lower Ni | Good | Moderate | Higher | Economical applications |
AISI 304Cu is selected when improved cold formability and deep drawing performance are required compared with standard a240 304. When maximum weldability is the priority, SHH STEEL recommends a240 304l. For better pitting resistance, a240 316l is preferred.
Corrosion Resistance
AISI 304Cu offers good to excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, fresh water, food products and many mild chemical environments, similar to standard 304. The copper addition can improve performance in certain reducing acids and may slightly enhance resistance to stress corrosion cracking in some conditions.
In chloride-containing environments, AISI 304Cu remains susceptible to pitting. For such service, SHH STEEL recommends upgrading to a240 316l or a240 2205.
Weldability
AISI 304Cu has good weldability using standard fusion welding methods. Matching or 308-type filler metals are commonly used. The copper content should be considered when developing welding procedures.
For applications requiring maximum resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding, SHH STEEL recommends a240 304l.
Heat Treatment
AISI 304Cu is normally supplied in the solution-annealed condition by SHH STEEL.
Recommended solution annealing temperature range is 1010–1120°C, followed by rapid cooling (water quench preferred for thicker sections). Proper annealing restores ductility after cold working and optimizes corrosion resistance. SHH STEEL controls heat treatment to ensure consistent formability and performance.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | AISI 304Cu 2B – most common for forming applications |
| BA | Bright Annealed | AISI 304Cu BA – decorative and kitchen applications |
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | AISI 304Cu No.1 – industrial plate |
| No.4 | Brushed finish | AISI 304Cu No.4 – architectural surfaces |
| HL | Hairline finish | AISI 304Cu HL – decorative panels |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies AISI 304Cu in 2B and BA finishes, which are preferred for deep drawing and complex forming operations.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for AISI 304Cu Stainless Steel Plate supplied by SHH STEEL generally conform to ASTM A480 practices.
Typical available size range is thickness 0.4 mm – 50 mm, width up to 1500–2000 mm, and length up to 6000 mm or coil/cut-to-length. SHH STEEL provides precise dimensional control and can support tighter tolerances when required for forming applications.
Applications
AISI 304Cu is specifically chosen for applications requiring excellent cold formability and deep drawing performance. Typical applications of AISI 304Cu include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment (with keywords) |
|---|---|
| Kitchen & Food Equipment | AISI 304Cu sinks, deep-drawn pots, pans, kitchenware |
| Hollowware & Tableware | AISI 304Cu deep-drawn containers and decorative items |
| Architecture & Construction | AISI 304Cu complex formed panels and cladding |
| Automotive & Transportation | AISI 304Cu formed trim and components |
| General Fabrication | AISI 304Cu deep-drawn and spun parts |
| Household Appliances | AISI 304Cu formed housings and components |
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 304Cu for these forming-intensive applications with consistent quality. For related industry solutions, see our construction industry and equipment manufacturing pages. Supporting services include steel cutting services and steel bending and forming services.
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China steel mill-Direct Supply specializing in stainless steel plate and sheet. By working directly with major Chinese stainless steel mills, SHH STEEL supplies AISI 304Cu with the following advantages:
- Genuine China steel mill-Direct Supply pricing
- Consistent quality and complete heat traceability
- Full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1)
- Material optimized for improved cold formability and deep drawing
- Flexible dimensions and surface finishes (including AISI 304Cu 2B and AISI 304Cu BA)
- Technical support for selection among 304, 304L, 304Cu and other forming grades
- Value-added services including steel cutting services, steel bending and forming services and worldwide shipping service
For more information about our company and full product range, please visit China steel Mill Agent-SHH STEEL.
FAQ
- What is the main advantage of AISI 304Cu over standard AISI 304?The copper addition significantly improves cold formability and deep drawing performance by reducing the work-hardening rate. SHH STEEL recommends 304Cu for complex forming and deep-drawn components.
- How does AISI 304Cu compare with AISI 304L?AISI 304L focuses on weldability and intergranular corrosion resistance, while 304Cu prioritizes formability. SHH STEEL can help select the better grade based on the primary fabrication requirement.
- Is AISI 304Cu magnetic?Non-magnetic in the annealed condition. SHH STEEL supplies fully annealed material as standard.
- What is the density of AISI 304Cu?Approximately 7.93–8.00 g/cm³. SHH STEEL provides material certificates confirming physical and mechanical properties.
- Does SHH STEEL supply dual-certified AISI 304Cu material?Yes, SHH STEEL commonly supplies dual-certified material upon request.
Conclusion
AISI 304Cu Stainless Steel Plate is a copper-bearing austenitic grade designed for improved cold formability and deep drawing performance while retaining good corrosion resistance. It is an excellent choice for sinks, hollowware, complex formed architectural components and other parts that require severe cold forming.
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply, SHH STEEL provides high-quality AISI 304Cu Stainless Steel Plate with competitive pricing, full certification and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, surface finish options (including AISI 304Cu 2B and AISI 304Cu BA), or a competitive quotation.
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