Alloy 304 Stainless Steel Strips Thickness 0.1mm 0.12mm 0.15mm 0.18mm 0.2mm 0.3mm Bright Anneal 1/4H 1/2H 3/4H SS Strip

Alloy 304 Stainless Steel Strips – Precision Cold-Rolled in Thicknesses 0.1mm to 0.3mm with Bright Annealed Finish and Multiple Tempers (1/4H, 1/2H, 3/4H)

Alloy 304 stainless steel—also known as UNS S30400, AISI 304, SUS304 (JIS), or EN 1.4301—is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel globally due to its excellent corrosion resistance, formability, weldability, and mechanical properties. When manufactured into precision cold-rolled strips with thicknesses ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, it becomes an essential material for high-tech, miniaturized, and performance-critical applications across electronics, medical devices, automotive sensors, and precision engineering.

Key Product Specifications

• Material Grade: Alloy 304 (AISI 304 / SUS304 / 1.4301)
• Available Thicknesses:
  • 0.10 mm
  • 0.12 mm
  • 0.15 mm
  • 0.18 mm
  • 0.20 mm
  • 0.30 mm
• Widths: Typically 10 mm to 600 mm (custom slitting available)
• Surface Finish: Bright Annealed (BA) – mirror-like, smooth, oxide-free surface achieved through annealing in a controlled hydrogen-nitrogen atmosphere
• Tempers (Hardness Conditions):
  • 1/4 Hard (1/4H) – Moderate strength with good formability
  • 1/2 Hard (1/2H) – Higher strength, reduced elongation; suitable for spring-like applications
  • 3/4 Hard (3/4H) – High tensile strength, limited ductility; used where stiffness is critical
• Standards Compliance: ASTM A240/A666, JIS G4305, EN 10088-2
• Certification: EN 10204 3.1 Mill Test Certificate available upon request

Material Composition (Typical)

This composition ensures outstanding resistance to atmospheric corrosion, organic acids, and many inorganic chemicals—making it ideal for both indoor and mildly aggressive outdoor environments.

Mechanical Properties by Temper (Approximate)

Note: Actual values may vary slightly based on exact processing parameters and thickness.

Bright Annealed (BA) Finish: Why It Matters

The Bright Annealed finish is produced by annealing the strip in a protective atmosphere (typically H₂/N₂ mix) that prevents oxidation. This results in:

• A highly reflective, mirror-like surface without the need for post-rolling polishing
• No scale or decarburization, ensuring consistent surface chemistry
• Excellent flatness and surface integrity, critical for thin-gauge applications
• Reduced risk of contamination, making it suitable for cleanroom and medical environments

Unlike 2B or No.4 finishes, BA eliminates secondary finishing steps, reducing cost and lead time while enhancing performance in optical, electronic, and aesthetic applications.

Applications by Thickness & Temper

• 0.10–0.15 mm (Ultra-Thin):

  • Flexible circuits, battery tabs, EMI/RFI shielding
  • Medical micro-springs, catheter components
  • Watch springs, MEMS devices
  • Preferred temper: 1/4H or 1/2H for balance of flexibility and resilience

• 0.18–0.20 mm:

  • Connector contacts, sensor diaphragms
  • Precision shims, encoder disks
  • Appliance components (e.g., coffee machine parts)
  • Preferred temper: 1/2H for structural stability

• 0.30 mm:

  • Structural brackets in electronics
  • Spring clips, retaining rings
  • Automotive fuel injector components
  • Preferred temper: 3/4H for high load-bearing capacity

Packaging and Handling

Due to their thin gauge and high surface quality, these strips are typically supplied in:

• Horizontal or vertical coils with ID 200–508 mm (8"–20")
• Interleaved with paper or plastic film to prevent surface scratching
• Vacuum-sealed or VCI-wrapped for long-term storage and export
• Edge-condition options: Slit edge (standard), deburred, or rounded edge for automated feeding

Proper handling is essential to avoid kinking, edge damage, or surface marring—especially for BA-finished material.

Quality Assurance & Certification

Reputable suppliers provide full traceability via heat number tracking and issue EN 10204 3.1 certificates, which include:

• Actual chemical analysis (OES or ICP results)
• Mechanical test data per batch
• Conformance to ordered specifications (e.g., ASTM A666 Type 304)
• Manufacturer’s quality stamp and authorized signature

This documentation is crucial for ISO-certified manufacturers, pressure equipment directives (PED), and aerospace or medical device compliance (e.g., AS9100, ISO 13485).

Conclusion

Precision Alloy 304 stainless steel strips in thicknesses from 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm, finished with Bright Anneal and available in 1/4H, 1/2H, and 3/4H tempers, offer unmatched versatility for advanced engineering applications. Their combination of corrosion resistance, surface perfection, and tunable mechanical properties makes them indispensable in industries where reliability, miniaturization, and performance intersect. When sourced with proper certification and handled with care, these strips deliver consistent, high-value performance throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.