Understanding 304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel (UNS S30400) is an 18/8 austenitic stainless steel containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel as its primary alloying elements. This composition gives 304 its signature corrosion resistance while maintaining good mechanical properties and weldability.

Key Chemical Composition

Mechanical Properties of 304 Stainless Steel

The balanced composition of 304 stainless steel delivers excellent mechanical characteristics:

• Tensile Strength: 515 MPa (75 ksi)
• Yield Strength: 205 MPa (30 ksi)
• Elongation: 40% in 50mm
• Hardness: 201 HB (Brinell)
• Density: 8.0 g/cm³

Why Choose 304 Stainless Steel?

Superior Corrosion Resistance

304 offers excellent resistance to:

• Atmospheric corrosion
• Most oxidizing acids
• Food processing environments
• Freshwater and mild chemical exposures

Excellent Formability & Weldability

The austenitic structure allows for:

• Deep drawing capabilities
• Easy bending and forming
• All standard welding methods (TIG, MIG, spot)

Common Applications of 304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel serves diverse industries due to its versatility:

Food Processing Equipment

Used for:

• Brewery tanks
• Dairy processing equipment
• Food preparation surfaces
• Commercial kitchen equipment

Architectural & Construction

Ideal for:

• Building facades
• Elevator panels
• Handrails
• Structural components

Industrial Applications

Widely used in:

• Chemical containers
• Heat exchangers
• Pharmaceutical equipment
• Automotive trim

304 vs 316 Stainless Steel: Key Differences

Purchasing Considerations for 304 Stainless Steel

When sourcing 304 stainless steel products:

• Verify material certifications (ASTM A240)
• Consider surface finish requirements (2B, BA, No.4)
• Evaluate thickness tolerances
• Check for proper packaging to prevent contamination

Why Choose Rigang Metal for Your 304 Stainless Steel Needs?

Shandong Rigang Metal Products Co., Ltd. offers premium 304 stainless steel products with:

• Strict quality control from raw materials to finished products
• Competitive pricing with large inventory availability
• Custom processing services (cutting, bending, welding)
• Global shipping capabilities with on-time delivery
• Technical support for material selection

Contact our sales team today to discuss your 304 stainless steel requirements and receive a customized quotation.