Stainless Steel, Austenitic
304 Stainless Steel (S30400)
The most versatile and widely used chromium-nickel (18/8) austenitic stainless steel.
Stainless steel types 1.4301 and 1.4307 are also known as grades 304 and 304L respectively. Type 304 is the most versatile and widely used stainless steel. It is still sometimes referred to by its old name 18/8 which is derived from the nominal composition of type 304 being 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
Type 304 stainless steel is an austenitic grade that can be severely deep drawn. This property has resulted in 304 being the dominant grade used in applications like sinks and saucepans.
Type 304L is the low carbon version of 304. It is used in heavy gauge components for improved weldability. Some products such as plate and pipe may be available as “dual certified” material that meets the criteria for both 304 and 304L.
304H, a high carbon content variant, is also available for use at high temperatures.
304 stainless steel is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel, known for its excellent corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties, and versatile fabrication capabilities. It is often used in industrial, architectural, and household applications.
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Range
| Product Form | Description | Metric Sizes | Imperial Sizes |
| Round Bar | Bright Drawn H9 | 2.0mm - 25.0mm | 1⁄8" - 1" |
| Round Bar | Smooth Turned H9/H10 | 25.0mm - 60.0mm | 1" - 3" |
| Flat Bar | Rolled Edge | 12mm x 3mm - 100mm x 12mm | |
| Square Bar | 304S11/S31 | 12mm x 12mm - 50mm x 50mm | |
| Angle | 304S31 | 20mm x 20mm x 3mm - 100mm x 100mm x 10mm | |
| Welded Ornamental Tube | Mirror Polished 600 Grit | 30mm - 50mm | 1⁄2" - 4" |
| Welded Tube | Satin Polished 320 Grit | 16mm - 50mm | 1⁄2" - 2" |
| Square Tube | Welded, Dull Polished | 12.7mm x 12.7mm - 10mm - 100mm | |
| Handrail Section | Welded, Unannealed, Dull Polished | 42.40mm - 60.30 (2.5mm wall) | 1 1⁄2" - 4 " (3mm wall) |
| Square Tube | Welded, Unpolished | 12.7mm x 12.7mm - 250mm x 250mm | |
| Rectangular Tube | Welded, Unpolished | 80mm x 40mm - 250mm x 150mm | |
| Rectangular Tube | Welded, Dull Polished | 20mm x 10mm - 150mm x 100mm |
Sheet
| Product Type | Sheet Size | Thicknesses |
| Sheet 2B Finish | 2000 x 1000 | 0.5mm - 3.0mm |
| Sheet 2B Finish | 2500 x 1250 | 0.5mm - 6.0mm |
| Sheet 2B Finish | 3000 x 1500 | 0.9mm - 3.0mm |
| Sheet 2R (BA) Finish | 2000 x 1000 | 0.5mm - 2.0mm |
| Sheet 2R (BA) Finish | 2500 x 1250 | 0.5mm - 2.0mm |
| Polished Sheet 240 Silicon | 2000 x 1000 | 0.6mm - 3.0mm |
| Polished Sheet 240 Silicon | 2500 x 1250 | 0.7mm - 6.0mm |
| Polished Sheet 240 Silicon | 3000 x 1500 | 1.0mm - 3.0mm |
| Perforated Sheet (Round Holes) | 2000 x 1000 | 1.0mm - 1.5mm |
| Perforated Sheet (Round Holes) | 2500 x 1250 | 0.7mm - 1.5mm |
| Perforated Sheet (Square Holes) | 2000 x 1000 | 1.5mm |
| CPP Plate ID Finish | 2000 x 1000 | 3.0mm - 6.0mm |
| CPP Plate ID Finish | 2500 x 1250 | 3.0mm - 12.0mm |
| CPP Plate ID Finish | 3000 x 1500 | 3.0mm - 12.0mm |
| CPP Plate ID Finish | 4000 x 2000 | 2.0mm - 12.0mm |
| Qaurto Plate ID Finish | 5" - 125" | - |
| Welded Mesh | 90" x 48" | - |
| Treadplate | 3000 x 1000 | 3.0mm |
| Traedplate | 3000 x 1250 | 4.5mm - 8.0mm |
PLEASE NOTE
If you do not see what you are looking for, please contact your local service centre with your specific requirements.
Related Specifications
Stainless steel grade 1.4301/304 also corresponds to the following designations but may not be a direct equivalent:
- S30408
- SUS 304
- STS 304
- S30400
- X5CrNi 18-10
- 08Х18Н10
- 1.4301
- 304S15
Properties
Chemical Composition
| Chemical Element | % Present |
| Carbon (C) | 0.00 - 0.20 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.00 - 1.00 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.00 - 1.00 |
| Phosphorous (P) | 0.00 - 0.04 |
| Sulphur (S) | 0.00 - 0.03 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 15.00 - 17.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 1.25 - 2.50 |
Mechanical Properties
| Mechanical Property | Value |
| Elongation A50 mm | 11 % |
| Tensile Strength | 850-1000 MPa |
| Proof Stress | 665 MPa |
| Hardness Brinell | 248-302 HB |
General Physical Properties
| Physical Property | Value |
| Density | 7.8 g/cm³ |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 200 GPa |
| Thermal Conductivity | 20.2 W/m.K |
Applications of 304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel known for its excellent corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties, and versatile formability. It is widely used across industrial, household, food, and architectural applications.
1. Food and Beverage Industry
Food processing equipment, tanks, and containers
Brewing, dairy, and pharmaceutical machinery
Piping, valves, and fittings requiring hygienic surfaces
2. Chemical and Petrochemical Industry
Chemical processing equipment and storage tanks
Heat exchangers, condensers, and piping systems
Components exposed to acids, alkalis, and other corrosive environments
3. Household and Kitchen Applications
Sinks, kitchen appliances, and utensils
Decorative trims, handrails, and architectural hardware
4. Industrial and Manufacturing Applications
Pumps, valves, and fasteners in corrosive environments
Machinery and equipment exposed to moisture or mild chemicals
Structural components requiring durability and corrosion resistance
5. Medical and Pharmaceutical Applications
Surgical instruments and medical devices
Laboratory benches and components requiring sterilization
Equipment where hygiene and corrosion resistance are critical
Summary
304 stainless steel is highly versatile, providing excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and formability. Its applications span food processing, chemical, household, medical, and industrial sectors, making it ideal for environments where durability and hygiene are essential.
Characteristics of 304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel widely used for its excellent corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties, and versatile formability. It is suitable for a broad range of applications in industrial, household, and architectural environments.
1. Chemical Composition
Contains chromium (18–20%) and nickel (8–10.5%).
Low carbon content ensures good corrosion resistance and weldability.
Trace elements like manganese, silicon, and phosphorus enhance mechanical stability.
2. Corrosion Resistance
Excellent resistance to oxidation, atmospheric corrosion, and mild acids.
Performs well in indoor, outdoor, and mildly corrosive environments.
Notably resistant to rust and staining, making it ideal for hygiene-critical applications.
3. Mechanical Properties
High tensile strength and yield strength.
Excellent ductility and toughness, even at low temperatures.
Maintains properties over a wide range of temperatures.
4. Fabrication and Formability
Excellent cold working and forming characteristics, suitable for deep drawing, bending, and stamping.
Can be welded easily with minimal risk of intergranular corrosion.
Machinable, though slightly less so than 303 stainless steel.
5. Heat and Temperature Resistance
Performs well at moderate temperatures, with intermittent service up to 870°C (1600°F).
Continuous service temperatures should remain below 925°C (1700°F).
6. Applications
Food and beverage processing equipment
Chemical and pharmaceutical machinery
Kitchen appliances, sinks, and household items
Architectural components, handrails, and decorative trims
Summary
304 stainless steel is characterized by excellent corrosion resistance, good mechanical strength, high ductility, and versatile formability. Its combination of properties makes it ideal for industrial, household, chemical, and architectural applications, particularly where durability, hygiene, and corrosion resistance are important.
Additional Information
Fabrication
Fabrication of 304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel is a widely used austenitic stainless steel known for its excellent corrosion resistance and formability. Its fabrication characteristics make it suitable for a wide range of industrial, architectural, and household applications.
1. Forming
Cold Working: 304 can be bent, drawn, stamped, or deep-drawn in the annealed condition.
Hot Working: Suitable for hot forging, rolling, or extrusion at controlled temperatures (approx. 1010–1120°C / 1850–2050°F).
Work hardens moderately during forming, which may require intermediate annealing for complex shapes.
2. Machining
Machinable with appropriate cutting tools and speeds, though less machinable than 303 stainless steel.
Produces smooth finishes with careful selection of cutting fluids and tool materials.
3. Welding
Excellent weldability using TIG, MIG, or resistance welding.
Low carbon content (≤0.08%) minimizes carbide precipitation, reducing the risk of intergranular corrosion in welded areas.
Post-weld annealing or passivation can further enhance corrosion resistance.
4. Surface Finishing
Can be polished, brushed, or passivated to improve aesthetics and corrosion resistance.
Suitable for both functional and decorative applications.
5. Advantages of 304 Stainless Steel Fabrication
Versatile forming options (cold or hot working)
Good weldability for assembly of components
Can achieve high-quality surface finishes
Maintains corrosion resistance after fabrication
6. Applications
Kitchen and food processing equipment
Architectural panels, handrails, and decorative features
Tanks, piping, and industrial equipment
Medical and pharmaceutical instruments
Summary
304 stainless steel is highly versatile for fabrication, offering excellent formability, weldability, and surface finish options. These characteristics make it ideal for industrial, architectural, and household applications requiring durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
Weldability
Weldability of 304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel widely used for its excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. One of its key advantages is superior weldability, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial, architectural, and household applications.
1. General Welding Characteristics
Easily weldable using standard methods: TIG (GTAW), MIG (GMAW), spot welding, and resistance welding.
Low carbon content (≤0.08%) reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone.
Produces strong, corrosion-resistant welds without significant loss of mechanical properties.
2. Welding Techniques
TIG (GTAW): Provides precise control and high-quality welds, ideal for thin sheets and critical applications.
MIG (GMAW): Efficient for thicker materials and high-volume production.
Spot and resistance welding: Suitable for sheet metal assemblies.
3. Filler Materials
Commonly use 304 or 308 stainless steel filler rods/wires to maintain corrosion resistance and mechanical integrity.
Selection depends on the specific application and service environment.
4. Preheating and Post-Weld Treatment
Preheating is generally unnecessary due to low carbon content.
Post-weld annealing or passivation can enhance corrosion resistance and restore surface finish if required.
5. Advantages
Excellent weld quality with minimal distortion or cracking.
Maintains corrosion resistance and mechanical strength in welded areas.
Suitable for both thin sheets and thick sections.
6. Applications Benefiting from Weldability
Kitchen equipment, sinks, and countertops
Piping, tanks, and pressure vessels
Architectural panels, handrails, and decorative structures
Medical and pharmaceutical instruments
Summary
304 stainless steel is highly weldable, offering strong, corrosion-resistant, and aesthetically acceptable welds. Its low carbon content ensures minimal intergranular corrosion risk, making it ideal for industrial, architectural, and household applications requiring both durability and weld integrity.
Machinability
Machinability of 304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel well-known for its excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. However, compared to 303 stainless steel, its machinability is moderate, requiring careful tooling and process control.
1. Machining Characteristics
304 stainless steel work hardens rapidly during machining, which can increase tool wear.
Produces tough, continuous chips, which may require chip breakers or special tooling.
Standard machining speeds must be reduced compared to carbon steels to avoid excessive heat.
2. Tooling Recommendations
Tool materials: High-speed steel (HSS), carbide, or coated carbide tools are recommended.
Cutting speeds: Lower than mild steel; increase feed rate gradually to reduce heat buildup.
Coolant/Lubrication: Use cutting fluids to reduce friction, dissipate heat, and improve surface finish.
3. Machining Operations
Turning: Requires slower speeds and frequent tool changes; good surface finish achievable.
Milling: Use sharp tools and moderate depth of cut; avoid overheating.
Drilling and Tapping: Pre-drill larger holes and use proper lubricants to prevent galling.
4. Advantages
Can produce high-quality, corrosion-resistant components with proper machining practices.
Suitable for precision parts in industrial, food, and chemical processing equipment.
5. Limitations
Less machinable than 303 stainless steel due to the absence of sulfur.
Requires careful tool selection, speed, and lubrication to avoid excessive wear and work hardening.
6. Applications Benefiting from Machinability
Food and beverage processing machinery
Piping, valves, and fittings
Industrial and chemical processing components
Medical and pharmaceutical instruments
Summary
304 stainless steel has moderate machinability, requiring appropriate tooling, cutting speeds, and lubrication to achieve precise components. While not as easily machined as 303 stainless steel, it offers excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, making it ideal for industrial, medical, and food-processing applications.
Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion Resistance of 304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel known for its excellent corrosion resistance, making it one of the most widely used stainless steels in industrial, architectural, and household applications.
1. General Corrosion Resistance
Highly resistant to oxidation and atmospheric corrosion.
Performs well in indoor and outdoor environments.
Maintains integrity in humid and mildly corrosive conditions.
2. Resistance to Chemicals
Excellent resistance to food acids, alkaline solutions, and many industrial chemicals.
Suitable for food processing, chemical equipment, and pharmaceutical applications.
Less resistant than 316 stainless steel in chloride-rich or marine environments.
3. Stress and Intergranular Corrosion
Low carbon content (≤0.08%) minimizes carbide precipitation during welding.
Resistant to intergranular corrosion even after welding when properly fabricated.
Sensitive to chloride-induced pitting or crevice corrosion in high-salinity environments.
4. Surface Treatment
Can be polished or passivated to improve corrosion resistance.
Surface finishing enhances both appearance and longevity.
5. Applications Benefiting from Corrosion Resistance
Kitchen appliances, sinks, and cookware
Food and beverage processing equipment
Architectural panels, handrails, and decorative structures
Tanks, piping, and industrial machinery
Medical and pharmaceutical instruments
Summary
304 stainless steel exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of environments, including industrial, food processing, and architectural applications. Its low carbon content ensures weldability without compromising corrosion resistance, making it ideal for durable and long-lasting components.
Cold Working
Cold Working of 304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel widely used for its excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and formability. It responds well to cold working, which can improve strength and hardness but also increases work hardening.
1. Cold Working Characteristics
Can be bent, drawn, stamped, or deep-drawn in the annealed condition.
Cold working increases strength and hardness due to strain hardening.
Excessive deformation may reduce ductility and requires careful control.
2. Techniques
Bending and forming: Suitable for moderate bends; sharp bends may require intermediate annealing.
Deep drawing: Excellent, especially in thin sheets, due to good ductility.
Rolling or stamping: Can achieve complex shapes with proper tooling and process control.
3. Advantages
Cold working improves tensile strength and hardness without heat treatment.
Enables production of precision components and complex shapes.
Maintains corrosion resistance when proper annealing and passivation are applied after severe deformation.
4. Limitations
Work hardens quickly, which may require intermediate annealing for extensive forming operations.
Excessive cold working can increase internal stresses, potentially leading to distortion or cracking in subsequent processes.
5. Applications Benefiting from Cold Working
Architectural panels, handrails, and decorative structures
Food and beverage processing equipment
Tubing, piping, and pressure vessels
Automotive and aerospace components requiring high precision
Summary
304 stainless steel can be effectively cold worked to produce strong, precision components. Cold working enhances strength and hardness while retaining corrosion resistance, making it ideal for industrial, architectural, and household applications requiring durable and precisely formed parts.
Heat Treatment
Heat Treatment of 304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel widely used for its excellent corrosion resistance and formability. While 304 cannot be hardened by conventional heat treatment, it can undergo annealing or stress-relief treatments to improve ductility, reduce internal stresses, and restore properties after cold working or welding.
1. Annealing
Purpose: Relieves internal stresses, softens the material for forming, and restores ductility.
Process:
Heat to 1010–1120°C (1850–2050°F).
Hold at temperature long enough to ensure uniform heating.
Cool rapidly in air, water, or quenching medium to avoid carbide precipitation.
Restores corrosion resistance and workability after cold working.
2. Stress Relief
Purpose: Reduces residual stresses caused by forming, machining, or welding.
Process:
Heat to 450–650°C (840–1200°F).
Hold for 1–2 hours depending on part thickness.
Cool slowly to room temperature.
Minimizes distortion, warping, or cracking during subsequent processing.
3. Hardening
304 stainless steel cannot be hardened by heat treatment.
Strengthening is achieved primarily through cold working rather than quenching or tempering.
4. Surface Treatment Post Heat-Treatment
Passivation can be applied to enhance corrosion resistance and remove free iron from the surface.
Polishing and surface finishing improve durability and aesthetics.
5. Applications
Components requiring stress relief after welding or forming
Cold-worked sheets or strips needing restored ductility
Industrial and architectural parts requiring corrosion resistance and formability
Summary
304 stainless steel has limited heat treatment options. Annealing and stress relief are the primary treatments used to restore ductility, relieve internal stresses, and maintain corrosion resistance. Unlike martensitic steels, 304 relies on cold working rather than heat treatment for strength enhancement, making it ideal for industrial, architectural, and household applications.
Heat Resistance
Heat Resistance of 304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel known for its excellent corrosion resistance, mechanical properties, and versatility. It also offers good heat resistance, making it suitable for moderate temperature applications.
1. Temperature Limits
Continuous service: Up to approximately 870°C (1600°F).
Intermittent service: Can withstand up to 925°C (1700°F).
Prolonged exposure above these temperatures may reduce mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.
2. Oxidation Resistance
Resists oxidation and scaling in air at moderate temperatures.
Performs well in non-oxidizing or mildly oxidizing atmospheres.
Not suitable for continuous high-temperature service in strongly oxidizing environments, where 309 or 310 stainless steel is preferred.
3. Mechanical Properties at Elevated Temperatures
Maintains tensile strength and toughness at moderate temperatures.
Extended exposure to high heat may cause loss of ductility and potential grain growth.
4. Applications Benefiting from Heat Resistance
Industrial equipment exposed to moderate heat
Heat exchangers and furnace components in non-extreme environments
Kitchen appliances and food processing equipment
Architectural components exposed to sunlight or moderate heat
5. Practical Considerations
Avoid prolonged service above 925°C (1700°F) to maintain corrosion resistance.
Consider higher-temperature stainless steels (e.g., 309, 310, 321) for applications exceeding these limits.
Heat treatment and surface finishing can help preserve properties at elevated temperatures.
Summary
304 stainless steel has good heat resistance suitable for moderate-temperature applications, maintaining strength and corrosion resistance. It is ideal for industrial, architectural, and household applications where temperatures remain within its recommended limits.
Hot Working
Hot Working of 304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel is an austenitic stainless steel known for its excellent corrosion resistance and formability. It can be hot worked effectively under controlled conditions to produce complex shapes or large deformations.
1. Hot Working Characteristics
Suitable for forging, rolling, extrusion, and hot bending.
Hot working reduces work hardening, allowing easier shaping compared to cold working.
High ductility allows for large deformations without cracking.
2. Recommended Temperature Ranges
Annealed temperature range: 1010–1120°C (1850–2050°F) for hot forming operations.
Avoid overheating above 1120°C (2050°F) to prevent grain growth and reduced corrosion resistance.
Controlled cooling after hot working helps maintain mechanical properties.
3. Advantages
Enables formation of large and complex components.
Reduces internal stresses compared to cold working.
Preserves corrosion resistance when properly processed.
4. Limitations
Surface scaling may occur at high temperatures, requiring descaling or passivation post-processing.
Not intended for strengthening via heat treatment, as 304 is austenitic and non-hardenable.
Requires controlled temperature and deformation rates to avoid defects.
5. Applications
Forged or rolled components requiring subsequent machining
Industrial equipment, piping, and tanks
Architectural and decorative elements with complex shapes
Automotive and aerospace structural components
Summary
304 stainless steel can be hot worked effectively to create complex and large parts. Hot working reduces work hardening, facilitates forming, and maintains corrosion resistance, making 304 ideal for industrial, architectural, and household applications requiring durability and precision.
