SS 304 application

SS 304 melting point is 1250°C....

https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=2867

"Temperature Tolerances for Grade 304 Stainless Steel

One of the key properties of any stainless steel alloy is its resistance to oxidation. High temperatures can compromise the the oxidation resistance of steel alloys, leading them to become rusted and weakening their structural integrity.

As stated by AZO Materials, grade 304 stainless steel possesses “good oxidation resistance in intermittent service to 870 °C and in continuous service to 925 °C.” However, they warn that “continuous use of 304 in the 425-860 °C range is not recommended if subsequent aqueous corrosion resistance is important.”

In other words, you can expose grade 304 alloy steel to temperatures of up to 1,598 °F for short periods of time without ill effect, and for extended periods of time in temperatures of up to 1,697 °F. However, this can compromise the corrosion resistance of the metal, making it more susceptible to corrosion damage from exposure to moisture.

As noted in an AK Steel data sheet on 304 stainless steel, the alloy reaches its melting point at the 2,550 °F – 2,650 °F (1399 °C – 1454 °C) range. Naturally, the closer the steel is to its melting point, the more tensile strength it loses."

https://www.marlinwire.com/blog/what-is-the-temperature-range-for-304-stainless-steel-vs-316-vs-330

Bear in mind that as the temperature nears melt point there is a loss of tensile strength....

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2238785415000605

There might be a better choice for this application depending on specifics...either on tray design or environmental circumstances...

https://www.marlinwire.com/blog/picking-stainless-steel-for-high-temperature-applications

https://www.neonickel.com/neonickel-news/choosing-the-right-alloys-for-high-temperature-service/

https://www.haynesintl.com/tech-briefs/high-temperature-alloys/high-temperature-alloy-applications/high-temperature-alloys-for-industrial-applications-(H-3116)

High temp trays

Sure - so long as the temperature-induced distortion in them isn't an issue, such things being impossible to see from here.

Depends what you using it for… but not recommended, Stainless warps, even at that temperature…

I designed conveyorized ovens, stainless on the exterior cladding, but internal, I used galvanized steel… the recommended temperature was no higher then 700F.

I had to put I upper limits on the HMI because the customer jacked it up to 900F. At this temps the galvanized started to warp.

I also design Oxidizers where I’d used steel plates for impingement plates… temperature were a lot higher,…

You need to consider the strength of the material required at that temperature

Consider using trays made of 309 or 310.

Thank you for your suggestion. We can make the tray of say SS 309 grade but the holding structure of trays are made of SS 304 angles , as such angles of SS309 or SS310 grade are not available in the market. So even if we make the trays of SS309 we will still have to use 304 angles for the holding structure. Will this structure remain intact or bend at high temperature?

What is the maximum amount of force that the sides would be expected to endure ?

"2. Properties at elevated temperatures
All these values refer to grade 304 only.
Grade 304L values are not given because its strength decreases markedly above 425^oC.
Time Elevated Temperature Tensile Strength

• Temperature, °C
• Tensile Strength, MPa

• 600
• 380

• 700
• 270

• 800
• 170

• 900
• 90

• 1000
• 50

https://askzn.co.za/stainless-steel/tech-grade-304.htm

https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/metals-metal-products/all-about-304-steel-properties-strength-and-uses/

Consider using 316 angle for the structure.in place of 304. It is more expensive, but it is heat tolerant over a little wider temperature range as well as being more corrosion resistant. Depending on specific conditions the additional expense of 316 could pay off with a significantly longer service life.