The wear resistance of stainless steel 304 handles is at a medium level, which is suitable for general household and low-frequency commercial scenarios, but its performance is limited in high-intensity friction or harsh environments. The following is the specific analysis:
I. Wear resistance performance of 304 stainless steel handle
1. Basic parameters
- Hardness: Vickers hardness HV≈200-250 (annealed state), lower than high carbon steel (such as HV≥580 at 440C)
- Wear resistance mechanism: rely on the passive protection of chromium oxide layer (Cr2O3), rather than high hardness wear resistance
- Actual measurement data (Taber wear resistance test, CS-10 round, 500g load):
- After 1000 cycles: visible scratches appear on the surface, and the gloss decreases by 15-20%
- After 5000 cycles: the scratch deepens, but does not penetrate the substrate
II. 304 stainless steel wear-resistant short plate
1. Insufficient hardness:
- Mohs hardness is only 4-4.5 (comparison: quartz is 7, key metal is about 5.5), which is easily scratched by keys and metal ornaments.
2. Unhardened layer:
- The original surface is not protected by plating/coating, and is directly exposed to the friction contact surface.
3. The synergistic effect of corrosion and wear:
- Rust in a humid environment will form surface defects, further reducing wear resistance (such as shortening the life of coastal areas by more than 50%).
III. User suggestions
1. Household/low wear scene:
- Choose the 304 brushed model and wipe it regularly for maintenance.
2. Public places/high frequency use:
- Must choose 304+PVD coating or directly upgrade to 316 stainless steel.
3. Avoid misunderstandings:
- ✘ It is believed that "stainless steel = never wears out" → The actual material needs to be selected according to the environment.
- ✘ Ignore the installation angle → The vertically installed handle wears 30% less than the horizontally installed handle.
Summary: 304 stainless steel handles are wear-resistant enough in conventional use, but if you need higher durability, it is recommended to solve it by surface plating or material upgrading. For users with limited budgets, 304 is still a more reliable choice than 201.
