304 Stainless Steel Cold Working & Formability

1. What cold-working processes can 304 stainless steel undergo? Bending, rolling, stamping, deep drawing, and cold rolling.

2. What is the maximum cold deformation for 304 before annealing? 15-20% deformation; beyond that, annealing is needed to restore ductility.

3. Can 304 be cold-rolled into thin sheets? Yes, it can be cold-rolled down to 0.1mm thickness with intermediate annealing.

4. Does cold working affect 304's corrosion resistance? Properly annealed cold-worked 304 retains full corrosion resistance; unannealed parts may have slightly reduced resistance.

5. What lubricants are suitable for cold working 304? Mineral oil-based lubricants or synthetic fluids to reduce friction and surface scratches.