HEAT TREATMENTS
Type 304 is non-hardenable by heat treatment.
Annealing: Heat to 1900 - 2050°F
(1038 - 1121°C), then cool rapidly. Thin
strip sections may be air cooled, but
heavy sections should be water
quenched to minimize exposure in the
carbide precipitation region.
Stress Relief Annealing: Cold worked
parts should be stress relieved at 750°F
(399°C) for 1/2 to 2 hours.