304 stainless steel is the most widely used and versatile chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel alloy in the world. Known for its excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and durability, it serves as the fundamental material for industries ranging from food processing and architecture to chemical equipment and medical devices.
At Huaxiao Metal Manufacturer, we supply premium-quality 304 and 304L stainless steel in sheet, plate, coil, bar, and tube forms—fully compliant with international standards and tailored to meet your most demanding specifications.
Key Properties and Advantages of 304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel (UNS S30400) is an austenitic stainless steel containing 18-20% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel. This composition creates a metallurgical structure that is non-magnetic (in annealed condition), highly durable, and exceptionally resistant to a wide range of atmospheric and chemical corrosives.
Its low carbon variant, 304L (UNS S30403), contains a maximum of 0.03% carbon, making it ideal for welding applications where preventing carbide precipitation is critical.
Chemical Composition (Typical, wt.%)
| Grade | C (max) | Cr | Ni | Mn (max) | Si (max) | P (max) | S (max) | N (max) | Fe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 0.08 | 18.0–20.0 | 8.0–10.5 | 2.00 | 1.00 | 0.045 | 0.030 | 0.10 | Balance |
| 304L | 0.030 | 18.0–20.0 | 8.0–12.0 | 2.00 | 1.00 | 0.045 | 0.030 | 0.10 | Balance |
Common Standards & Product Forms
Standards:
Plate/Sheet/Coil: ASTM A240/A480
Welded Pipe: ASTM A312 / A358 / A554 (decorative)
Seamless Tube: ASTM A213 / A269
Bar/Rod: ASTM A276 / A479
Fittings/Flanges: ASTM A403 / A182
Forms We Supply: Sheet, plate, coil, strip, foil, bar, wire, welded/seamless pipe & tube, fittings, flanges, and custom fabrications.
Surface Finishes:
2B: Workhorse cold-rolled matte for fabrication.
BA (Bright Annealed): Smooth, reflective for appliances/architectural.
No.4 / Hairline: Brushed finishes for decorative panels.
No.1 / Hot-rolled, pickled: For structural/tank applications.
8K Mirror: High reflectivity for premium aesthetics.
| Property | Description | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent resistance to a wide range of atmospheric, chemical, and organic contaminants. | Ideal for kitchens, food processing, and outdoor architectural applications. |
| Formability & Weldability | Exhibits excellent ductility and can be easily deep-drawn, stretched, or welded using all standard methods. | Reduces fabrication time and cost for complex parts. |
| Hygiene & Cleanability | Non-porous, smooth surface prevents bacterial growth and is easy to sterilize. | The standard choice for medical, pharmaceutical, and food-grade equipment. |
| High-Temperature Resistance | Maintains strength and oxidation resistance up to ~870°C (1600°F). | Suitable for exhaust systems, heat exchangers, and boiler parts. |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Accepts a wide variety of finishes (2B, BA, No. 4, No. 8) for functional or decorative use. | Used in appliances, elevators, and architectural trim. |
304 vs. 304L Stainless Steel: What's the Difference?
The primary difference lies in the carbon content:
304 (UNS S30400): Max Carbon 0.08%
304L (UNS S30403): Max Carbon 0.03% (“L” stands for “Low Carbon”)
Why it matters: During welding, carbon can combine with chromium to form chromium carbides along the grain boundaries, a phenomenon known as sensitization. This depletes chromium from the surrounding areas, reducing corrosion resistance at the weld zone.
Choose 304L when:
Your project involves heavy welding or welding of thick sections.
The finished component will be used in a corrosive environment that could attack sensitized areas.
Post-weld annealing is not feasible.
Standard 304 is often sufficient for:
Light gauge materials that cool quickly after welding.
Applications where corrosion risk is minimal.
General-purpose components not subject to welding.
Common Applications of 304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel is the good quality and the shape is various in China, welcome to inquire and ask for the price.
Food & Beverage Industry: Tanks, piping, brewing equipment, fermentation vats, storage silos.
Architectural & Construction (AEC): Wall cladding, roofing, handrails, elevator panels, trim.
Kitchen & Hospitality: Sinks, countertops, refrigerators, cookware, commercial appliances.
Chemical Processing: Tanks, piping, and valves for handling mild corrosives.
Medical Equipment: Surgical trays, sterilization equipment, hypodermic needles, dental instruments.
Automotive: Exhaust systems, trim, nuts, bolts, and springs.
Why Source Your 304 Stainless Steel from Huaxiao Metal Supplier?
As a global leader in specialty metals distribution, we provide more than just material—we deliver certified performance and technical expertise. Welcome to inquiry and contact us for the lastest price for sale.
1. Uncompromising Material Quality
Full Traceability: Every sheet and coil is supplied with a Mill Test Report (MTR) certified to ASTM A240, ASME SA-240, and other international standards (EN 1.4301/1.4307).
Broad Inventory: We maintain extensive stock of 304/304L in all forms and gauges, from thin shim stock to heavy plate.
Multiple Finishes: Available in 2B, No. 4 (Brushed), BA (Bright Annealed), #8 Mirror, and more.
2. Precision Processing Capabilities
Custom Slitting & Shearing: Our advanced processing centers can slit wide coil to your exact width specifications with tight tolerances and burr-free edges.
Cut-to-Length: We deliver precision-cut blanks, reducing your labor and material waste.
Leveling & Surface Treatment: We provide tension-leveled coil and sheet for superior flatness, along with pickling and passivation services.