Premium 304F Stainless Steel Polished Bar for Smooth Surface Finishes

Premium 304F Stainless Steel Polished Bar for Smooth Surface Finishes

Products Specification

Premium 304F Stainless Steel Polished Bar for Smooth Surface Finishes

Product Overview

The 304F Stainless Steel Polished Bar is a high-quality stainless steel product engineered for precision applications where a smooth surface finish, excellent corrosion resistance, and high machinability are essential. As a sulfur-enhanced variant of standard 304 stainless steel, 304F combines the corrosion resistance and durability of austenitic stainless steel with improved machinability, making it a preferred material for fasteners, shafts, medical instruments, and automotive components.

Unlike standard 304 bars, the polished version of 304F offers a visually superior surface and tighter dimensional tolerances, reducing the need for secondary finishing processes. The smooth polished finish not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also improves functionality, particularly in applications where low friction and hygiene are critical, such as food processing and medical equipment.

Technical Specifications

The following table summarizes the key technical parameters of 304F Stainless Steel Polished Bars:

Chemical Composition

The alloy composition of 304F stainless steel provides a balance of corrosion resistance, strength, and machinability:

The sulfur content enhances machinability without significantly compromising corrosion resistance, making 304F an ideal choice for precision machining applications.

Key Features

1. Polished Surface Finish
   The polished finish provides a visually attractive surface with low roughness, which minimizes friction and reduces the risk of contamination in hygiene-sensitive environments such as food and medical applications.

2. High Machinability
   The sulfur-enhanced 304F grade ensures excellent machinability for high-speed turning, milling, drilling, and threading operations. Tool wear is reduced, resulting in longer tool life and higher production efficiency.

3. Corrosion Resistance
   304F retains the corrosion resistance of standard 304 stainless steel, making it suitable for exposure to atmospheric conditions, mild chemicals, and water. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications where rust prevention is required.

4. Durable and Strong
   With a tensile strength of 505 MPa and a yield strength of 210 MPa, 304F stainless steel polished bars provide reliable structural performance under mechanical stress.

5. Non-Magnetic in Annealed State
   304F stainless steel is non-magnetic when annealed, which is ideal for applications that require magnetic neutrality, such as electronic components, sensors, and medical devices.

6. Precision and Consistency
   The polished bar is manufactured to strict dimensional tolerances, ensuring consistent performance in critical machining and assembly applications.

Standards and Certification

The 304F stainless steel polished bar meets the following international standards:

• ASTM A276 – Stainless steel bars and shapes

• ASTM A479 – Stainless steel bars for pressure vessels

• UNS S30420 – Unified Numbering System for 304F stainless steel

• ISO 9001:2015 – Quality management system compliance

• ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental management standards

Applications

304F stainless steel polished bars are widely used across industries requiring precision, smooth surfaces, and corrosion resistance. Common applications include:

• Automotive Industry: Shafts, bolts, nuts, pins, and fasteners for high-performance vehicles

• Aerospace: Precision pins, bushings, and small structural components

• Medical and Healthcare: Surgical instruments, implants, and connectors that require sterilization and corrosion resistance

• Food Processing Equipment: Parts for pumps, valves, and conveyors where hygiene and smooth surfaces are essential

• Tooling and Machinery: High-precision components like gears, spindles, and dies

• Electronics: Non-magnetic parts, connectors, and housings for sensitive electronic devices

• Chemical Industry: Components exposed to mild corrosive chemicals

Packaging and Transportation

Proper packaging and transportation are essential to protect polished 304F stainless steel bars:

• Packaging: Each bar is carefully wrapped with protective plastic or foam to prevent scratches during handling. Wooden crates or pallets are used for bulk orders. Custom packaging is available upon request.

• Labeling: All packages are labeled with specifications, diameter, length, grade, and batch number for traceability.

• Transportation: We offer global logistics solutions via sea, air, and road. All shipments are handled according to international shipping standards to prevent damage and ensure timely delivery.

Advantages of Using 304F Polished Bars

• Reduces post-machining finishing operations due to smooth polished surfaces

• High-speed machining with minimal tool wear

• Reliable corrosion resistance in diverse environments

• Non-magnetic properties ideal for electronics and medical applications

• High dimensional precision for consistent component performance

Similar Grades and Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What distinguishes 304F from standard 304 stainless steel?
A1: 304F contains additional sulfur to improve machinability, allowing faster cutting speeds, reduced tool wear, and higher precision in machining.

Q2: Can 304F polished bars be welded?
A2: Yes, 304F can be welded, though care must be taken due to its sulfur content. Appropriate filler material and pre/post-weld treatments improve weld quality.

Q3: What surface finish is achievable on 304F polished bars?
A3: The bars are available in mirror and satin finishes, with a surface roughness typically below 0.8 µm, ideal for low-friction or hygiene-sensitive applications.

Q4: Is 304F suitable for food and medical applications?
A4: Yes, 304F stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, biocompatible, and easy to clean, making it ideal for food processing and medical equipment.

Q5: Can 304F bars be heat-treated?
A5: As an austenitic stainless steel, 304F is not hardenable by heat treatment, but it can be annealed to relieve stress or soften for forming.

Conclusion

The 304F Stainless Steel Polished Bar is a premium, high-precision material that combines smooth surface finishes, excellent corrosion resistance, and superior machinability. Its polished surface reduces post-machining operations, improves component aesthetics, and ensures reliable performance in automotive, aerospace, medical, food processing, and tooling industries. With customizable diameters, lengths, and finishes, along with international standard compliance and careful packaging for safe transportation, 304F polished bars are an ideal solution for industries requiring precision, durability, and high-quality finishes.