Published 11 September 2025
Common Issues in Cutting and Welding of 304 Stainless Steel Plates and Their Solutions
Due to its excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and moderate mechanical properties, 304 stainless steel plates are widely used in various fields such as architectural decoration, food processing, chemical equipment, medical devices, and kitchen equipment. However, in actual processing, cutting and welding are critical forming processes—improper operation can easily lead to a series of quality issues, which not only affect the appearance and performance of products but also may shorten their service life. Therefore, gaining an in-depth understanding of the common problems and their causes during the cutting and welding of 304 stainless steel plates, and adopting effective preventive measures, is crucial for ensuring processing quality. I. Common Problems in Cutting 304 Stainless Steel Plates 1. Oxidation and Discoloration in the Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) When using thermal cutting methods such as plasma cutting, flame cutting, or laser cutting, high temperatures heat the metal near the cutting edge, forming a heat-affected zone (HAZ). At high temperatures, 304 stainless steel easily reacts with oxygen in the air, causing surface oxidation and the formation of a blue, purple, or black oxide layer. This not only affects aesthetics but also reduces the corrosion resistance of the area, as the oxide layer damages the original...
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