Type 304 stainless steel is a T 300 Series Stainless Steel austenitic. It has a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, combined with a maximum of 0.08% carbon. It is defined as a Chromium-Nickel austenitic alloy. Grade 304 is the standard "18/8" stainless that you will probably see in your pans and cookery tools.
Type 304L is the low-carbon version of 304. It is used in heavy gauge components for improved weldability. Some products such as plates and pipes may be available as “dual certified” material that meets the criteria for both 304 and 304L. 304H, a high carbon content variant, is also available for use at high temperatures.
Type 304 Stainless Steel Properties
Both 304 and 316 stainless steels (as well as other 300-series grades) use nickel to maintain an austenitic composition at lower temperatures. Austenitic steels ensure a versatile balance of strength, workability, and corrosion resistance. Some of the positive qualities of 304 stainless steel include:
- Exemplifies the corrosion resistance and aesthetic attraction that stainless steel is known for
- Extremely easy to clean and maintain
- Easier to weld than many other types of stainless steel
- Even more resistant to heat than other stainless steel types
- Attractive and classy appearance
- Properly cared for and cleaned stainless steel presentsa low maintenance cost
Alloy Designations of 304 stainless steel
Stainless steel 304 also corresponds to the following standard designations and specifications:
| Grade Series | Steel Grade | Standard | Delivery State |
| 304 Stainless steel | 06Cr19Ni10 | GB/T4237-2007 | Annealed and Pickled |
| 07Cr19Ni10 | GB/T4237-2007 | ||
| SUS403(304) | JIS G 4304 | ||
| S30409(304H) | ASTM A240/A240MASME SA-240/SA-240M | ||
| X5CrNi18-10(1.4301) | EN 10088-2 |
Chemical Composition of 304 stainless steel
| Type 304 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition | |||||||||
| Standard | AISI (UNS) | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | Ni | N |
| ASTM A276/A276M | 304 (S30400) | ≤0.07 | ≤2.00 | ≤0.045 | ≤0.030 | ≤0.75 | 17.5-19.5 | 8.0-10.5 | ≤0.10 |
Mechanical Properties of 304 stainless steel
| Tensile Strength
(MPa) | Yield Strength
(MPa) | Elongation
(%) | Toughness | Density | Melting Point |
| ≥515-1035 | ≥205 | ≥40 | ≤210 | 7.93 | 1398~1454 |
Popular Finish Options
A comprehensive collection of finishes is also available from QINGHE STEEL when purchasing stainless steel plate. Popular finish options include:
- Also cold-rolled, the 2D finish has a matte surface with low reflectivity.
- HR / No.1 . This hot-rolled finish has a scaled appearance and so is ideal where the final aesthetic is not an important concern.
- BA / 2R. Cold rolled and annealed in a controlled atmosphere to retain a highly reflective finish. This highly-reflective finish is achieved by annealing the alloy in a carefully controlled atmosphere.
- Smooth finish, reflective grey sheen. Most widely used surface finish. The most popular surface finish, 2B offers a smooth appearance with a grey, reflective sheen.
