304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel is an alloy in the T-300 series, which has a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. 304 is the standard alloy that is most commonly found in kitchens and in a variety of residential and commercial applications. This stainless steel is versatile and resists corrosion very well. Its formability is excellent, and it is also one of the most weldable of the high-alloy steels.

At Bergsen Metals, our inventory of 304 stainless steel includes hex bars, square bars, and rolled flat bars. We are your full-service center for steels, so please let us know if you have a special requirement.

Features of 304 Stainless Steel

Manufacturers use 304 stainless steel because it has favorable features, such as corrosion resistance and weldability. Read more about these features:

Corrosion Resistance. 304 stainless steel resists moderately aggressive organic acids. This capability is due to its nickel content. Corrosion resistance is a key feature of 304, and it is often the reason it is used for specific applications. When you need a durable part or tool, 304 stainless steel may be the best choice.
Heat Resistance. If used intermittently, it has good oxidation resistance to 1,600° F. We do not recommend using 304 stainless steel in the 800-1,580° F range, especially when used continuously.
Welding. The 304 alloy contains approximately 18% chromium and 10% nickel, making it excellent for welding using any of the arc welding processes, including TIG, MIG, MMA, and SA.
Machinability. Overall, 304 offers good formability and manufacturing precision. When using a cutting machine on 304, the cutting edges must be kept sharp. Excess work hardening can result from trying to cut with dull edges. The cuts should be light, but be sure to cut deep enough to prevent work hardening from riding on the surface of the material. Use chip breakers to ensure swarf remains clear of the work. Use large quantities of coolants and lubricants because 304 has a low thermal conductivity, which means the heat will concentrate at the cutting edges.
Other features. 304 is malleable, doesn’t chip or crack, is not magnetic, doesn’t stain, and is hygienic. So many great features make 304 stainless steel a very versatile metal.

Applications of 304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel is a popular alloy, and you can find it in many applications in residential, commercial, industrial, and even medical areas. For example, you may find it in:

Kitchen appliances and equipment, including sinks, benches, troughs, bowls, and saucepans
Chemical containers
Beverage processing equipment, such as used in milk plants, wineries, and breweries
Food production equipment
Pharmaceutical production equipment
Heat exchangers
Trim and moldings on exterior of buildings
Woven or welded screens used in mining, quarrying, and water filtration
Structural parts in cars and airplanes
Fasteners in the marine environment, including nuts, bolts, and screws
Construction material for large buildings
Equipment in the dyeing industry

Chemical Composition of 304 Stainless Steel

Carbon (C): 0.07%
Chromium (Cr): 17.50 – 19.50%
Manganese (Mn): 2%
Silicon (Si): 1%
Phosphorous (P): 0.045%
Sulfur (S): 0.015%
Nickel (Ni): 8.00 – 10.50%
Nitrogen (N): 0.10%:
Iron (Fe): Balance

Mechanical Properties of 304/304L Stainless Steel

304

Tensile Strength: 500 – 700 MPa
Proof Stress: 190 MPa
Elongation A50 mm: 45 Min %
Hardness Brinell: 215 Max HB

304L

Tensile Strength: 500 – 700 MPa
Proof Stress: 175 MPa
Elongation A50 mm: 45 Min %
Hardness Brinell: 215 Max HB