What is grade 904L stainless steel?
Alloy 904L (UNS N08904) is a superaustenitic stainless steel that is designed for moderate to high corrosion resistance in a wide range of process environments. The combination of high chromium and nickel content, coupled with additions of molybdenum and copper, assure good to excellent corrosion resistance.
What is better 316L or 904L?
Type 904L contains more chromium, molybdenum and nickel then 316L, plus also some copper, manganese and silicon, which makes it more corrosion resistant than 316L. But the main issue with 904L, besides its extremely high price, is that it is still harder to process than 316L.
Can 904L steel rust?
904L stainless steel is harder and does not machine well than other steels used in watches. In addition to higher rust, corrosion, and pitting resistance, 904L polishes quite well with the correct tools and know-how.
Is 904L steel more scratch resistant?
The real deal here is that 904L steel offers a different shine – more interesting and brilliant – than 316L steel, which tends to look a little more dull. And yes – what Francis Jacquerye has said in his answer is true: 904L scratches more easily than 316L.
How strong is 904L steel?
Mechanical Properties
| Grade | Tensile Strength (MPa) min | Hardness |
|---|---|---|
| Brinell (HB) | ||
| 904L | 490 | 150 |
Is 904L super duplex?
The corrosion resistance of 904L is equivalent to most super duplex stainless steels (SDSS) across a wide range of applications. At low temperatures, 904L will retain good impact toughness, and it is not at risk of forming deleterious intermetallic phases at higher temperatures.
What did Rolex use before 904L?
For many years Rolex used the popular stainless steel grade 316L, which is the standard for round 95% of the watch industry. In 2001 however, they changed from using 316L to 904L and are currently the only watchmaker in the world to use this grade for their watchcases.
Why does Rolex use 904L steel?
Since salt is generally the culprit behind rusting and pitting, Rolex decided to make the switch to 904L. The material is actually more resistant to all chemicals (not just chloride.) Switching to 904L allowed them to offer a better product that was could handle serious stress.
Does Omega use 904L steel?
Omega utilize 316L stainless steel, which is the industry standard, yet Rolex utilize 904L stainless steel, which offers greater resistance to corrosion and can resist polishing extremely well, making it easier to maintain in the long term.