304
304 (UNS S30400) is a widely used austenitic stainless steel containing chromium and nickel. It is renowned for excellent corrosion resistance, good mechanical properties, and outstanding formability. It maintains stability in moderate temperature environments (up to 870 °C) and is cost-effective, making it ideal for general-purpose industrial and civilian applications..
- UNS
- S30400
- Density
- 7.93 g/cm³
- Melting range
- 1398 – 1454 °C
- Delivery
- Annealed and pickled, or cold-rolled bright; cut to length.
What the spec says
Chemical composition in weight per cent and the standards we routinely certify to. Governing values are those printed on the EN 10204 certificate for your heat.
| Element | % |
|---|---|
| C | ≤ 0.08 |
| Cr | 18.0-20.0 |
| Ni | 8.0-12.0 |
| Si | ≤ 0.75 |
| Mn | ≤ 2.00 |
| P | ≤ 0.045 |
| S | ≤ 0.03 |
| Fe | Balance |
| N | ≤ 0.10 |
| Form | Standard |
|---|---|
| Certified to the ASTM / AMS / EN edition named on your purchase order. | |
Behaviour that matters in service
- Corrosion Resistance — Excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion, fresh water, neutral salts, weak acids, and organic acids; suitable for most general corrosive environments..
- Oxidation Resistance — Good oxidation resistance at temperatures up to 870 °C; forms a protective chromium oxide film on the surface to prevent further oxidation..
- Mechanical Strength — Balanced tensile strength and yield strength at room and moderate temperatures; good toughness and ductility, avoiding brittle fracture..
- Superior Formability — Easy to process via cold working (rolling, stamping, bending) and hot working (forging, extrusion); can be fabricated into complex shapes for diverse applications..
- Excellent Weldability — Compatible with standard welding methods (TIG, MIG, arc welding); welded joints retain good corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, ensuring structural integrity..
Typical applications
- Food Processing Industry — Used in food production equipment, kitchen utensils, beverage pipelines, and stainless steel tableware due to its hygiene and corrosion resistance..
- Chemical & Pharmaceutical Industry — Applied to chemical storage tanks, pipeline systems, pharmaceutical reaction vessels, and sterile equipment for handling mild corrosive media..
- Architecture & Decoration — Widely used in building facades, handrails, elevators, and interior decoration for its aesthetic appearance and weather resistance..
- Mechanical Manufacturing — Used in machine parts, fasteners, pumps, and valves requiring corrosion resistance and mechanical stability..
- Medical Equipment — Employed in medical instruments, surgical tools, and hospital furniture due to its non-toxicity, corrosion resistance, and easy sterilization.
How we ship 304
Melted in our own furnaces, tested in our own laboratory, and released with a certificate that matches the stamping on the bar or plate.
Forms
Round bar from 6 mm, plate, strip, seamless tube, open-die forgings and drawn wire.
Condition
Annealed and pickled, or cold-rolled bright; cut to length.
Documents
EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2, with chemistry, mechanical results and heat number traceability.
Inspection
SGS, BV, Intertek or your own inspector — welcomed before shipment.
Send the grade, the size, the quantity.
We will quote 304 against your specification — including lead time, inspection level and documents.