Stainless Steel
Stainless Steel 304 (UNS S30400) — Composition, Properties & Supply
Stainless 304 (UNS S30400) is the most widely used 18-8 austenitic stainless with 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It offers good corrosion resistance, formability and weldability, making it the standard for food equipment, kitchenware, chemical vessels and architectural decoration.
What is the chemical composition of Stainless Steel 304?
| Element | Symbol | Content (wt%) |
|---|---|---|
| Fe | Fe | Balance |
| Cr | Cr | 18.0–20.0 |
| Ni | Ni | 8.0–10.5 |
| Mn | Mn | ≤ 2.00 |
| Si | Si | ≤ 1.00 |
| C | C | ≤ 0.080 |
| P | P | ≤ 0.045 |
| S | S | ≤ 0.030 |
Values are typical specification limits. Actual heat analysis is reported on the EN 10204 3.1 mill test certificate supplied with each shipment.
What are the mechanical properties of Stainless Steel 304?
| Property | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ≥ 515 MPa | Room temperature |
| Yield strength (0.2% offset) | ≥ 205 MPa | Room temperature |
| Elongation | ≥ 40 % | Gauge length 50 mm / 4D |
| Hardness | ≤ 201 HB | Brinell / Rockwell |
What are the physical properties of Stainless Steel 304?
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.93 g/cm³ |
| Melting range | 1398–1454 °C |
| Thermal conductivity | 16.2 W/m·K |
| Elastic modulus | 193 GPa |
| Maximum service temperature | 870 °C |
What are the key characteristics of Stainless Steel 304?
- The 18-8 workhorse — most widely used austenitic grade
- Good formability and weldability
- Resists atmosphere, fresh water and food media
- More prone to pitting than 316 in chloride service
Where is Stainless Steel 304 used?
- Food processing and kitchen equipment
- Architectural decoration and cladding
- Atmospheric chemical vessels and piping
- Drinking and domestic water systems
- Household appliances and tableware
Which standards and specifications cover Stainless Steel 304?
What product forms are available?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between 304 and 304L?
304L reduces carbon from ≤0.08% to ≤0.03%, so chromium carbides do not precipitate at grain boundaries during welding or high-temperature (450–850 °C) service. Intergranular corrosion resistance is markedly better than 304 and post-weld annealing is normally unnecessary. Strength is slightly lower but ductility and toughness are higher. Prefer 304L for pressure equipment and welded structures.
Need Stainless Steel 304 bar, tube, plate or forgings?
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