About 304 Series Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel is the most common form of stainless steel used around the world, largely due to its excellent corrosion resistance and value. 304 is the most versatile and most widely used stainless steel, available in the widest range of products, forms and finishes. It has excellent forming and welding characteristics. It contains between 16 and 24% chromium and up to 35% nickel, as well as small amounts of carbon and manganese. 304 stainless steel has good oxidation resistance in intermittent service up to 870 °C and in continuous service up to 925 °C.

Characteristics

304 grade steels are known for their excellent welding and forming properties. Less electrically and thermally conductive than carbon steel and is essentially non-magnetic.

Applications

Chemical equipment, coal hopper linings, cooking equipment, railings, paneling, trim, cooling coils, cryogenic vessels, dairy equipment, evaporators, flatware utensils, feedwater tubing, flexible metal hose, food processing equipment, hospital surgical equipment, hypodermic needles, kitchen sinks, marine equipment and fasteners, oil well filter screens, refrigeration equipment, pots and pans, pressure vessels, sanitary fittings, valves, shipping drums, spinning, still tubes, tubing..

Technical Specifications

The guaranteed minimum mechanical properties of 304 Stainless Steel are tabulated below.