304 Stainless Steel
304 is the most widely specified austenitic stainless steel for general industrial use. Buyers choose it for reliable corrosion resistance, strong forming performance, and straightforward welding in most fabrication lines.
- Food and beverage tanks, pipelines, and processing equipment
- Architectural cladding, trim, and interior panels
- Medical and clean equipment structures where surface cleanliness matters
- General fabrication: brackets, housings, enclosures, and assemblies
- For high chloride exposure, 316/316L is often the safer option
- For heavy welding or thick sections, 304L may reduce weld-related corrosion risk
- For high-volume machining, 303 can cut faster than 304
- Surface finish and cleaning practices strongly affect real service performance
304 stainless steel is often treated as the baseline grade for stainless procurement. Its chromium and nickel balance supports clean forming, stable welds, and a surface that is easy to maintain in many industries.
It is widely used for hygienic equipment and architectural applications, where appearance and cleanability are part of the requirement. For aggressive chloride exposure (salt spray, coastal sites, brine), many projects move to 316/316L for higher margin of safety.
| Standard system | Designation |
|---|---|
| ASTM / AISI | 304 |
| UNS | S30400 |
| JIS | SUS304 |
| EN (W.-Nr.) | 1.4301 |
| DIN symbol | X5CrNi18-10 |
| GOST | 08Х18Н10 |
| GB | 06Cr19Ni10 |
Values vary slightly by standard and product form. Confirm limits in your purchase specification.
| Grade | Reference | C | Cr | Ni | Mn | Si | P | S | N | Mo | Fe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 / S30400 | ASTM A240 (typ.) | ≤0.08 | 18.0–20.0 | 8.0–10.5 | ≤2.0 | ≤0.75 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.03 | ≤0.10 | — | Balance |
| 1.4301 | EN 10088 (typ.) | ≤0.07 | 17.5–19.5 | 8.0–10.5 | ≤2.0 | ≤1.0 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.015 | ≤0.10 | — | Balance |
| SUS304 | JIS G4304/4305 (typ.) | ≤0.08 | 18.0–20.0 | 8.0–10.5 | ≤2.0 | ≤1.0 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.03 | — | — | Balance |
| Grade | Condition | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 (ASTM) | Annealed | ≥ 515 MPa | ≥ 205 MPa | ≥ 40% | ≤ 201 HBW |
| 1.4301 (EN) | Annealed | ≥ 520 MPa | ≥ 210 MPa | ≥ 45% | ≤ 215 HBW |
| SUS304 (JIS) | Annealed | ≥ 520 MPa | ≥ 205 MPa | ≥ 40% | ≤ 187 HBW |
If your drawings specify hardness in HRB, HRC, or HV, the Hardness Conversion page can help your team standardize inspection reporting.
- Balanced performance: strong general corrosion resistance with good strength and ductility.
- Forming friendly: suitable for bending, stamping, and deep drawing in many production lines.
- Welding friendly: typically welds well with standard processes; 304L is often used for heavy welding cases.
- Clean and maintainable surface: commonly selected for hygienic equipment and visible architectural parts.
- Practical limit: chloride-rich exposure can cause localized corrosion; grade selection should match environment.
304 is widely used for cold forming, including press brake bending and deep drawing. In production, plan for work hardening and springback during precision forming.
304 is commonly welded using TIG and MIG, as well as resistance welding in thin gauges. For thick sections, frequent welding, or when post-weld corrosion risk is a concern, 304L is often specified.
304 can be cut by common methods used in fabrication shops. For machining, use sharp tools and stable feeds to reduce work hardening.
Typical finishes include 2B, BA, brushed finishes such as No.4 and HL, and mirror finishes for decorative requirements. Passivation or electropolishing can be used when surface cleanliness and corrosion margin are critical.
304 is available across flat products, tubular products, and long products. Provide your standard, size, finish, quantity, and destination port for an executable offer.
Thickness: 0.3–6.0 mm
Thickness: 3–100 mm
Thickness: 0.3–6.0 mm
Thickness: 3–14 mm
Thickness: 0.3–10 mm
WT: 1–100 mm
WT: 1–100 mm
Length: 100–12000 mm
Thickness: 3–60 mm
Thickness: 3–35 mm
Thickness: 4–20 mm
Thickness: 6–40 mm
| Item | 304 | 304L | 316L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best fit | General fabrication | Welding-heavy jobs | Chloride-rich exposure |
| Corrosion resistance | High (general) | High (general) | Very high (chlorides) |
| Weld-related corrosion risk | Standard | Lower risk in many welded builds | Low risk (plus better chloride margin) |
| Cost level (typical) | $$ | $$ | $$$ |
Is 304 stainless steel magnetic?
In the annealed condition it is generally non-magnetic. After cold working, slight magnetism may develop.
Can 304 stainless steel rust?
304 resists corrosion in most common environments, but localized rust can occur in high-chloride exposure, with poor cleaning, or where surface contamination is present. If chloride exposure is expected, 316/316L is often evaluated.
What does “18/8” mean?
“18/8” is a common nickname for 304, referring to the nominal chromium and nickel levels (about 18% Cr and 8% Ni).
Is 304 suitable for food-contact equipment?
304 is widely used in food processing and commercial kitchens because it is cleanable and resistant to staining in typical service. Always confirm the finishing, cleaning routine, and compliance requirements for your market.
How can I specify 304 clearly in an RFQ?
Include the grade and standard (304 / S30400 / SUS304 / 1.4301), product form, size, tolerance, finish, quantity, inspection, and packing requirements.
Send your grade, size, quantity, finish, and destination. We will reply with a workable offer and lead time.