Stainless Steel 304

Stainless Steel 304 is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel grade, accounting for more than 50% of all stainless steel production worldwide. Its exceptional corrosion resistance, excellent formability, and superior weldability make it the go-to material for applications across food processing, chemical, pharmaceutical, and architectural industries. The addition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel provides a stable austenitic microstructure that delivers outstanding ductility and impact resistance even at cryogenic temperatures. 304 is often referred to as "18/8" stainless, a reference to its nominal chromium and nickel content.

Mechanical Properties

• Density: 8.00 g/cm³
• Tensile Strength: 515 MPa
• Yield Strength: 205 MPa
• Elongation at Break: 40%
• Reduction of Area: 60%
• Hardness: HRB 70–88
• Modulus of Elasticity: 193 GPa
• Thermal Conductivity: 16.2 W/m·K
• Melting Point: 1400–1450 °C
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 17.3 × 10⁻⁶ /°C

Advantages

✔ Excellent corrosion resistance in most environments — ideal for outdoor and marine exposure

✔ Outstanding formability and deep drawing capability — easy to fabricate into complex shapes

✔ Superior weldability using all standard welding methods (TIG, MIG, spot welding, etc.)

✔ Retains ductility and toughness at cryogenic temperatures down to −198 °C

✔ Non-magnetic in annealed condition — suitable for sensitive magnetic applications

Machining & Manufacturing

Common Applications