Grade 304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Fabrication and Applications
Grade 304 Stainless Steel: Properties,
Fabrication and Applications
Sponsored by Aalco - Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Stockist May 18 2005
Stainless steel types 1.4301 and 1.4307 are also known as grades 304 and 304L
respectively. Type 304 is the most versatile and widely used stainless steel.
Stainless Steel Grades Explained
It is still sometimes referred to by its old name 18/8 which is derived from the nominal
composition of type 304 being 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
304 Stainless Steel
Stainless steel 304 is an austenitic grade that can be severely deep drawn. This property
has resulted in 304 being the dominant grade used in applications like sinks and
saucepans.
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Grade 304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Fabrication and Applications
304L Stainless Steel
Type 304L is the low carbon version of Stainless steel 304. It is used in heavy gauge
components for improved weldability. Some products such as plate and pipe may be
available as “dual certified” material that meets the criteria for both 304 and 304L.
304H Stainless Steel
304H, a high carbon content variant, is also available for use at high temperatures.
Property data given in this document is typical for bar products covered by EN 10269:2013.
ASTM, EN or other standards may cover products sold. It is reasonable to expect
specifications in these standards to be similar but not necessarily identical to those given in
this datasheet.
Chemical Composition of Stainless Steel 304
Table 1. Chemical composition for 304 stainless steel alloys
% 304 304L 304H
C 0.0 - 0.07 0.0 - 0.03 0.04 - 0.08
Mn 0.0 - 2.0 0.0 - 2.00 0.0 - 2.0
Si 0.0 - 1.00 0.0 - 1.00 0.0 - 1.0
P 0.0 - 0.05 0.0 - 0.05 0.0 - 0.04
S 0.0 - 0.03 0.0 - 0.02 0.0 - 0.02
Cr 17.50 - 19.50 17.50 - 19.50 17.00 - 19.00
Ni 8.00 - 10.50 8.00 - 10.50 8.00 - 11.00
Fe Balance Balance Balance
N 0.0-0.11 0.0-0.11 0.0 - 0.10
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Grade 304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Fabrication and Applications
Properties of Stainless Steel 304
Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel 304
Table 2a. Mechanical properties for 304 stainless steel alloys - sheet up to 8 mm thick
Grade 304 304L 304H
Tensile Strength (MPa) 540 - 750 520 - 700 -
Proof Stress (MPa) 230 Min 220 Min -
Elongation A50 mm 45 Min % 45 Min % -
Table 2b. Mechanical properties for 304 stainless steel alloys - plate from 8 - 75 mm thick
Grade 304 304L 304H
Tensile Strength (MPa) 520 - 720 500 - 700 -
Proof Stress (MPa) 210 Min 200 Min -
Elongation A5 45 Min % 45 Min % -
Table 2c. Mechanical properties for 304 stainless steel alloys - bar and section up to 160
mm diameter / thickness
Grade 304 304L 304H
Tensile Strength (MPa) 500 - 700 500 - 700 500 - 700
Proof Stress (MPa) 190 175 Min 185 Min
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Grade 304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Fabrication and Applications
Elongation A50 mm 45 Min % 45 Min % 40 Min %
Hardness Brinell 215 Max HB 215 Max HB -
Physical Properties of Stainless Steel 304
Table 3. Physical properties for 304 stainless steel alloys
Property Value
Density 8.00 g/cm3
Melting Point 1450 °C
Modulus of Elasticity 193 GPa
Electrical Resistivity 0.72 x 10-6 Ω.m
Thermal Conductivity 16.2 W/m.K
Thermal Expansion 17.2 x 10-6/K
Alloy Designations
Stainless steel 304 also corresponds to the following standard designations and
specifications:
Euronorm UNS BS En Grade
304S15
1.4301 S30400 304S16 58E 304
304S31
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Grade 304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Fabrication and Applications
1.4306 S30403 304S11 - 304L
1.4307 - 304S11 - 304L
1.4311 - 304S11 - 304L
1.4948 S30409 304S51 - 304H
Corrosion Resistance of Stainless Steel 304
Stainless steel 304 has excellent corrosion resistance in a wide variety of environments and
when in contact with different corrosive media. Pitting and crevice corrosion can occur in
environments containing chlorides. Stress corrosion cracking can occur at temperatures
over 60°C.
Heat Resistance of Stainless Steel 304
Stainless steel 304 has good resistance to oxidation in intermittent service up to 870°C and
in continuous service to 925°C. However, continuous use at 425-860°C is not
recommended if corrosion resistance in water is required. In this instance 304L is
recommended due to its resistance to carbide precipitation.
Where high strength is required at temperatures above 500°C and up to 800°C, grade
304H is recommended. This material will retain aqueous corrosion resistance.
Fabrication of Stainless Steel 304
Fabrication of all stainless steels should be done only with tools dedicated to stainless steel
materials. Tooling and work surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned before use. These
precautions are necessary to avoid cross contamination of stainless steel by easily
corroded metals that may discolour the surface of the fabricated product.
Cold Working of Stainless Steel 304
Stainless steel 304 readily work hardens. Fabrication methods involving cold working may
require an intermediate annealing stage to alleviate work hardening and avoid tearing or
cracking. At the completion of fabrication a full annealing operation should be employed to
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Grade 304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Fabrication and Applications
reduce internal stresses and optimise corrosion resistance.
Hot Working of Stainless Steel 304
Fabrication methods, like forging, that involve hot working should occur after uniform
heating to 1149-1260°C. The fabricated components should then be rapidly cooled to
ensure maximum corrosion resistance.
Heat Treatment of Stainless Steel 304
Stainless steel 304 cannot be hardened by heat treatment.
Solution treatment or annealing can be done by rapid cooling after heating to 1010-1120°C.
Machinability
Stainless steel 304 has good machinability. Machining can be enhanced by using the
following rules:
Cutting edges must be kept sharp. Dull edges cause excess work hardening.
Cuts should be light but deep enough to prevent work hardening by riding on the
surface of the material.
Chip breakers should be employed to assist in ensuring swarf remains clear of the
work
Low thermal conductivity of austenitic alloys results in heat concentrating at the
cutting edges. This means coolants and lubricants are necessary and must be used in
large quantities.
Welding of Stainless Steel 304
Fusion welding performance for Stainless steel 304 is excellent both with and without fillers.
Recommended filler rods and electrodes for stainless steel 304 is grade 308 stainless steel.
For 304L the recommended filler is 308L. Heavy welded sections may require post-weld
annealing. This step is not required for 304L. Grade 321 may be used if post-weld heat
treatment is not possible.
Applications of Stainless Steel 304
Stainless steel 304 is typically used in:
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Grade 304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Fabrication and Applications
Sinks and splashbacks
Saucepans
Cutlery and flatware
Architectural panelling
Sanitaryware and troughs
Tubing
Brewery, dairy, food and pharmaceutical production equipment
Springs, nuts, bolts and screws
Supplied Forms
Stainless steel 304 is typically supplied by Aalco in a range of finishes in the following
forms:
Sheet
Strip
Tube
Quarto plate
Bar
Fittings & Flanges
Pipe
Plate
DISCLAIMER
This Data is indicative only and must not be seen as a substitute for the full specification
from which it is drawn. In particular, the mechanical property requirements vary widely with
temper, product and product dimensions. The information is based on our present
knowledge and is given in good faith. However, no liability will be accepted by the Company
is respect of any action taken by any third party in reliance thereon.
As the products detailed may be used for a wide variety of purposes and as the Company
has no control over their use; the Company specifically excludes all conditions or
warranties expressed or implied by statute or otherwise as to dimensions, properties and/or
fitness for any particular purpose.
Any advice given by the Company to any third party is given for that party’s assistance only
and without liability on the part of the Company. Any contract between the Company and a
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Grade 304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Fabrication and Applications
customer will be subject to the company’s Conditions of Sale. The extent of the Company’s
liabilities to any customer is clearly set out in those Conditions; a copy of which is available
on request.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Aalco
- Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals Stockist.
For more information on this source, please visit Aalco - Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
Stockist.
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Grade 304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Fabrication and Applications
Aalco - Ferrous and Non-
Ferrous Metals Stockist
Address
Parkway House, 6 Parkway Industrial Estate
Pacific Avenue, Wednesbury
West Midlands, WS10 7WP
United Kingdom
Phone: +0 121 728 5500
Visit Website
Aalco, Delivering Customer Service, Investing in Capability
Aalco's, customers from every sector of the UK manufacturing and engineering industry,
whether small local businesses or large multinational corporations, benefit from:
An inventory spanning aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze and nickel
alloys in all semi-finished forms
Comprehensive processing services providing items cut and/or finished to customer
requirements
Eighteen centres bringing local service to every corner of the UK
Ongoing investments in technology and logistics to ensure on-time delivery
Please visit the Aalco web site for full information about the range of products and services
plus Download files of product literature.
The Company
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Grade 304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Fabrication and Applications
Aalco is the UK's largest independent multi-metals stockholder, with an extensive inventory
spanning aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze and nickel alloys in all semi-
finished forms.
Aalco provides customers with a cost-effective single source for all their metals
requirements, together with a comprehensive processing service offering all stock in
standard sizes or cut to customer’s instructions as well as finishing and coating.
No order is too large or too small and Aalco offers a responsive and competitive service for
supplying anything from single item orders to major JIT contracts, tailoring this service to
the individual needs of every customer from small local businesses to major multinational
corporations.
The Aalco inventory spans aluminum, stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze and nickel
alloys in all semi-finished forms, covering a wide range of grades/alloys, shapes and sizes -
both industry standards and special or bespoke items for particular applications or
individual customers.
With eighteen service centres nationwide, plus ongoing investments in technology and
logistics, Aalco delivers on-time to every corner of the UK. Every Aalco service centre holds
stocks to meet the immediate needs of customers in their local area, backed up by bulk
stocks held at a central warehouse.
Whatever your requirement, in whatever quantity, it will pay to discuss your needs with your
local Aalco service centre.
For a quotation, for further information, more extensive technical information, advice on
product selection or to place an order, please contact your your local Aalco service centre.
Standard Stock & "Specials"
In providing customers with a cost-effective single source for all their metals requirements,
over 50% of Aalco sales comprise non-standard products.
Thus, as well as the 10,000 item standard stock range, Aalco also holds a significant range
of non-standard products as well as special items for particular industries and individual
customers. In fact, around 40% of the stock at individual service centres falls into this
category.
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Grade 304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Fabrication and Applications
This combines with a comprehensive processing service offering items cut to customer's
instructions as well as finishing and coating. In addition, Aalco regularly arranges sub-
contract processing using a range of approved suppliers.
People
Exceptional customer service starts with people. Flexible people, whom customers can
trust and reply upon to provide quality advice and informed product knowledge in a friendly
manner.
Aalco attracts, develops and retains high quality people. Continuous development of their
skills includes an in-house product training programme giving them a complete
understanding of the full range. This enables customers to benefit from assistance in
materials selection and choice of the most cost effective processing options.
In addition, Aalco regularly arranges other services for customers on a sub-contract basis.
Quality
Aalco takes great care when selecting manufacturing sources for its products. Every mill is
subjected to careful scrutiny and must meet a schedule of quality control requirements. All
products supplied by Aalco conform to the relevant BS or international standard and a
certificate of conformity or analysis can be supplied on request.
Aalco service centres operate a quality manual designed to ISO9000/2000 requirements.
Many vendor approvals and bespoke quality control systems are operated through
individual Aalco service centres, including aerospace release materials from Southampton
and Hull.
Primary Activity
Material Manufacturer
Services
Processing Services
Processed metals save time and money and so many customers have a need for cutting
services. Understanding this, Aalco is committed to providing an effective response and
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Grade 304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Fabrication and Applications
thus made major investments in a wide range of advanced processing equipment at both
local service centres and central facilities.
Most service centres have on-site bar sawing, protective PVC coating of sheet and a
guillotine. Central facilities include plate saws, polishing of sheet and coil, and plasma
profiling, as well as coil processing, spanning, decoiling, levelling, slitting and blanking.
Service
The most comprehensive stock range; the highest investment in processing equipment;
local service centres nationwide; helpful, friendly, knowledgeable staff and the industry's
biggest fleet of delivery vehicles - it all adds up to unbeatable service.
Aalco has maintained market leadership over many years through an absolute dedication to
flexible, responsive customer service - a service level that is continuously monitored and
improved through key performance indicators.
That's why, for reliable, on-time delivery of exactly what you want, when and where you
need it, whether it's a small one-off item or a complex JIT contract, Aalco is the obvious first
choice.
Product Literature
Aalco has a selection of product literature including a 72 page brochure and a handy
stocklist. These are all available for Download as pdf files on the Aalco web site. Hard
copies can be obtained by contacting the local branch.
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