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Struggling to find the right stainless steel material? 304 stainless steel sheet might be the answer you're looking for.
304 stainless steel sheet is an austenitic alloy with 18% chromium and 8–10.5% nickel, known for its corrosion resistance, strength, and wide industrial applications.
Looking for more details to help you decide? Here's what you need to know about this popular material.
What Is a 304 Stainless Steel Sheet?
Confused about what makes a 304 stainless steel sheet different? Let's simplify the facts.
A 304 stainless steel sheet is a flat-rolled stainless steel product known for its excellent corrosion resistance and workability.
Overview and Material Basics
- It's an austenitic stainless steel1, part of the 300 series.
- Contains about 18–20% chromium and 8–10.5% nickel.
- Offers excellent formability and weldability.
"304 stainless steel is the most versatile and widely used stainless steel available." — ASM International
What Is the Chemical Composition of 304 Stainless Steel Sheets?
You need precision when sourcing materials. Let's look at what's inside.
304 stainless steel typically contains 18–20% chromium, 8–10.5% nickel, and ≤ 0.08% carbon.
Elemental Breakdown Table
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Chromium | 18.0 – 20.0 |
| Nickel | 8.0 – 10.5 |
| Carbon | ≤ 0.08 |
| Manganese | ≤ 2.00 |
| Silicon | ≤ 0.75 |
| Phosphorus | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur | ≤ 0.030 |
| Iron | Balance |
What Are the Mechanical Properties of 304 Stainless Steel Sheets?
Worried about strength? Here's what the data shows.
304 stainless steel has tensile strength of 520–750 MPa2 and yield strength around 205–230 MPa, with elongation ≥ 40%.
Key Mechanical Specs
- Tensile Strength: 520–750 MPa
- Yield Strength: 205–230 MPa
- Elongation: ≥ 40–45%
- Modulus of Elasticity3: ~193 GPa
How Does 304 Stainless Steel Sheet Perform in Corrosion Resistance?
Is your environment corrosive? Let's find out if 304 is up to the task.
304 stainless steel resists corrosion in most environments but is vulnerable to chloride-induced pitting corrosion4 and stress corrosion cracking.
Resistance Analysis
- Excellent for general and industrial use
- Not ideal for chloride-rich environments5 or marine environments
- Stress corrosion cracking may occur above 60°C
What Are the Common Applications of 304 Stainless Steel Sheets?
Not sure where it fits? These industries rely on it every day.
304 stainless steel sheets are used in food processing equipment6, kitchen equipment, architecture, and chemical containers.
Industry Uses
- Food and Beverage: prep tables, tanks, sinks
- Construction: wall panels, facades
- Industrial: pressure vessels, pipelines
- Automotive: trims, covers, exhaust parts
How Is 304 Stainless Steel Sheet Manufactured and Finished?
Surface matters. Here's what goes into the process.
304 stainless steel sheets are hot or cold rolled, annealed for stress relief7, and surface-finished (mill, brushed, or polished).
Process Summary
- Hot or cold rolling
- Annealing to relieve stress and improve formability
- Surface finishes:
- 2B: dull polished
- BA: bright annealed
- No.4: brushed
- Mirror: high polish
What Are the Typical Sizes and Thicknesses Available for 304 Stainless Steel Sheets?
Need custom sizing? Here's the range.
304 stainless steel sheets typically come in 0.4 mm to 6 mm thicknesses and in various standard or custom sizes.
Size Table (Common Stock)
| Thickness (mm) | Width (mm) | Length (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.4 – 6.0 | 1000–1500 | 2000–3000 |
How Does 304 Stainless Steel Sheet Compare to Other Stainless Steel Grades?
Choosing between 304 and others? Here's what you should know.
Compared to 316, 304 is less resistant to chlorides but more affordable and easier to fabricate.
Comparison with Other Grades
| Grade | Corrosion Resistance | Cost | Weldability | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | High | Moderate | Excellent | General use |
| 316 | Very High | Higher | Excellent | Marine/Chloride |
| 430 | Moderate | Low | Good | Decorative |
What Are the Welding and Fabrication Characteristics of 304 Stainless Steel Sheets?
Need to shape or weld it? No problem.
304 stainless steel offers excellent weldability using TIG or MIG8 and formability; 304L is preferred for welded applications.
Fabrication Tips
- Use TIG or MIG welding
- 304L minimizes carbide precipitation
- Easily sheared, punched, or formed
- Post-weld annealing not usually required
What Standards and Certifications Govern 304 Stainless Steel Sheets?
Want assurance on quality? Check the specs.
304 stainless steel sheets conform to ASTM A240 specifications9, EN 1.4301, and UNS S30400 standards.
Key Standards
- ASTM A240 – Standard for flat-rolled SS sheets
- EN 10088 – European standard
- ISO 15510 – International material identification
Conclusion
304 stainless steel sheet offers strength, corrosion resistance, and versatility—ideal for countless industrial and consumer applications.
FAQ
What is 304 stainless steel sheet used for?
It's used in food, construction, automotive, and industrial applications for its corrosion resistance and strength.
What is the chemical composition of 304 stainless steel sheet?
Contains 18–20% chromium, 8–10.5% nickel, and ≤ 0.08% carbon.
How strong is 304 stainless steel sheet?
Tensile strength ranges from 520 to 750 MPa.
Is 304 stainless steel sheet corrosion resistant?
Yes, but it can corrode in chloride-rich environments.
Can 304 stainless steel sheets be welded?
Yes, and 304L is ideal for welding due to lower carbon content.
What are the thicknesses available?
Typically from 0.4 mm to 6 mm.
How does 304 compare to 316?
304 is more affordable but less resistant to chlorides.
What industries use it?
Food processing, architecture, chemical, automotive, and home appliances.
What finishes are available?
Mill, brushed, polished, mirror.
How is it maintained?
Clean with mild detergent and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives.
Footnotes:
-
Austenitic stainless steels like 304 have a face-centered cubic crystal structure stabilized by nickel, providing excellent corrosion resistance, non-magnetic properties, and superior formability for diverse industrial applications. ↩
-
The tensile strength of 515-750 MPa represents the maximum stress 304 stainless steel can withstand before fracturing, making it suitable for structural components, pressure vessels, and demanding manufacturing applications. ↩
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The modulus of elasticity around 193 GPa measures 304 stainless steel's stiffness and resistance to elastic deformation, indicating how well it maintains its shape under load in structural and engineering applications. ↩
-
Chloride-induced pitting corrosion occurs when chloride ions penetrate the passive oxide layer at imperfections, creating localized galvanic cells that accelerate corrosion in 304 stainless steel, particularly in marine and high-chloride environments. ↩
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Chloride concentrations above 100 ppm can initiate pitting and crevice corrosion in 304 stainless steel, especially when crevices are present, requiring grade 316 with molybdenum for higher chloride resistance in severe conditions. ↩
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304 stainless steel meets FDA food-grade requirements with its 18% chromium content exceeding the 16% minimum standard, making it safe for direct food contact in processing equipment, storage tanks, and preparation surfaces. ↩
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Annealing heat treatment involves heating 304 stainless steel to 1050-1120°C followed by controlled cooling to relieve internal stresses, improve ductility, and restore optimal mechanical properties after cold working or fabrication. ↩
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304 stainless steel exhibits excellent weldability with TIG and MIG processes using 308L filler material, requiring minimal preheating and typically no post-weld annealing due to its austenitic structure and balanced composition. ↩
-
ASTM A240 specification defines chemical composition and mechanical property requirements for chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips used in pressure vessels, architectural applications, and general industrial use. ↩
