304 stainless steel is also known as 304 ss, 304ss steel, SUS 304, and 1.4301 stainless steel. It is the most common type of stainless steel and belongs to the austenitic group. It is widely used in both everyday life and industry.
304 stainless steel composition
Element | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Ni | Fe |
Content | ≤0.08% | ≤1.00% | ≤2.00% | ≤0.045% | ≤0.03% | 18.00% – 20.00% | 8.00% – 11.00% | Balance |
Common grades of 304 stainless steel
The names of 304 stainless steel vary in different countries. Here are the grades of 304 in some common countries and regions.
Country/Region | 304 | 304L |
China | New Designation: 06Cr19Ni10 | New Designation: 022Cr19Ni10 |
China | Old Designation: 0Cr18Ni9 | Old Designation: 00Cr19Ni10 |
United States | Standard Designation: 304 | Standard Designation: 304L |
United States | UNS Designation: S30400 | UNS Designation: S30403 |
Japan | SUS304 | SUS304L |
Germany | Numeric Designation: 1.4301 | Numeric Designation: 1.4307 |
Germany | Standard Designation: X5CrNi18-9 | Standard Designation: X2CrNi18-9 |
United Kingdom | 304S15 | 304S12 |
France | Z2CN18.09 | Z5CN18.09A2 |
International Standard | ISO Standard: X5CrNi18-9 | ISO Standard: X2CrNi18-9 |
International Standard | EU Standard: 1.4301 | EU Standard: 1.4307 |
Physical Properties of 304 Stainless Steel
Specific Property | Data |
Density | Approximately 7.93g/cm³ |
Melting Point | 1398℃ – 1454℃ |
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (20 – 100°C) | Approximately 17.3×10⁻⁶/°C |
Thermal Conductivity (100°C) | Approximately 16.3W/(m·K) |
Mechanical Properties of 304 Stainless Steel
Specific Property | Data |
Tensile Strength | ≥515MPa |
Yield Strength | ≥205MPa |
Elongation | ≥40% |
Hardness | HBW≤201, HRB≤92, HV≤210 |
Properties of 304 Stainless Steel
Specific Property | Data |
Tensile Strength | ≥515MPa |
Yield Strength | ≥205MPa |
Elongation | ≥40% |
Hardness | HBW≤201, HRB≤92, HV≤210 |
Outstanding Corrosion Resistance
One of the most attractive features of 304 stainless steel is its corrosion resistance. It resists most common acids, alkalis, salts, and other corrosive substances. Therefore, it is ideal for use in humid, salty, or acidic environments.
For example, kitchen items such as pots, knives, and utensils, as well as some medical devices, are often made from 304 stainless steel. Even if it is placed in a damp area, 304 stainless steel will not rust as easily as iron.
High Temperature Resistance
304 stainless steel also has excellent high-temperature resistance. It can work in high-temperature environments without easily deforming or losing strength.
The temperature range for 304 stainless steel is about from -196°C to 870°C, making it ideal for use in hot water pipelines, ovens, or chemical equipment.
Strong Mechanical Properties
Although 304 stainless steel is relatively soft, it has enough strength to handle many industrial applications. It has excellent performance in tension and pressure, and even under high loads, it remains stable and does not break easily.
304 stainless steel is particularly suitable for high-strength environments, such as the production of machine parts or load-bearing structures.
Good Processability
304 stainless steel is not only strong but also easy to process. It is easy to weld, cut, bend, or even punch into various shapes.
This makes it efficient to work with during production, reducing processing difficulty and time. Whether you are making precision small parts or large industrial equipment, 304 stainless steel can handle the job and maintain product quality.
Wear Resistance
304 stainless steel is highly resistant to wear. Its surface hardness is high, making it difficult to wear or scratch.
Even with repeated friction against other metals or objects, it can maintain its appearance and performance. This makes it ideal for applications where wear resistance is needed, such as kitchen knives or industrial machine gears.
Anti-Soil and Easy to Clean
The surface of 304 stainless steel is smooth and nearly pore-free, so dirt and oil are hard to stick to it. This makes cleaning very easy.
Even after long use, its surface can still maintain a shiny appearance. A simple wipe will remove most stains.
This feature is particularly useful in kitchens, medical equipment, or food processing.
Stable Chemical Resistance
In addition to common acid and alkali corrosion, 304 stainless steel also performs well in environments with common chemicals.
In the chemical industry, 304 stainless steel can withstand most organic chemicals, making it suitable for equipment that requires high corrosion resistance, such as storage tanks, pipelines, and reactors.
304 vs 304L vs 304H
304L and 304H share most of the same characteristics as 304 stainless steel, with the main differences lying in carbon content, which affects their mechanical and heat resistance properties.
304L Stainless Steel
304L is a low-carbon version of 304 stainless steel. Its main feature is that the carbon content is less than 0.03%, which gives 304L better welding performance, especially for applications that require welding.
Because of the low carbon content, 304L is less prone to carbide precipitation during welding, reducing the risk of corrosion, especially in high-temperature environments.
304L’s corrosion and heat resistance are similar to those of 304, making it widely used in chemical processing, food processing, marine equipment, and other fields that require welding or high-temperature durability.
304H Stainless Steel
304H is a high-carbon version of 304 stainless steel, with a carbon content typically between 0.04% and 0.10%. Due to its higher carbon content, 304H has better high-temperature strength and durability.
304H is particularly suitable for high-temperature work environments, such as petroleum, chemical engineering, and high-temperature boilers.
304H can withstand more stress at high temperatures than 304 and 304L, making it more common in equipment that needs to handle both high temperatures and pressures.
In short, 304L is ideal for situations that require good welding performance and low-temperature corrosion resistance, while 304H is better for high-temperature and high-pressure work environments.
Applications of 304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel, with its excellent corrosion resistance, high temperature resistance, and good mechanical properties, is widely used in many industries and fields. Whether in everyday items like kitchenware or complex industrial machinery, 304 stainless steel plays a vital role. Here are some common applications:
Kitchenware and Tableware
The most common application of 304 stainless steel is in kitchenware and tableware. Examples include pots, knives, spoons, forks, dish racks, microwave racks, oven racks, etc.
Medical Devices
304 stainless steel is widely used in the medical field. It is used to make surgical instruments, medical equipment, and implants.
For example, it is also used in surgical knives, injection needles, medical catheters, and other devices.
Building Decoration
304 stainless steel is also widely used in the construction industry. It is used for building facades, window frames, door frames, handrails, and railings.
Food Processing Equipment
304 stainless steel is essential in the food processing and storage industry. It is used to make food processing equipment such as mixers, ovens, and storage tanks.
Chemical Industry
The chemical industry requires materials with high resistance to corrosion. 304 stainless steel is widely used in the chemical industry for storage and handling chemicals. For example, it is used in reactors, storage tanks, and pipelines.
Automotive and Aerospace Industry
304 stainless steel is also widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries. Parts such as exhaust systems in cars, certain parts of car exteriors, and parts of aircraft are made from 304 stainless steel.
Home Appliances
304 stainless steel is commonly used in the appliance industry. It is found in household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and microwave ovens, used for both outer shells and internal components.
Marine Equipment
Due to its excellent corrosion resistance, 304 stainless steel is particularly suitable for marine environments. It is used in ships, offshore platforms, and diving equipment.
Power Equipment
304 stainless steel is also used in power industry equipment. It is used in boilers, steam generators, and cooling equipment in power plants. These devices need to work in high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosive environments. 304 stainless steel’s strength, high-temperature resistance, and corrosion resistance make it the ideal material for these devices.
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
You might not expect it, but 304 stainless steel is also used in the production of cosmetics and personal care products. For example, high-end cosmetic bottles, pumps, and sprayers are made from 304 stainless steel.
From the kitchenware we use every day to chemical plants, food factories, and high-end medical and aerospace industries, 304 stainless steel is everywhere. It is undoubtedly one of the most common and practical materials in modern society
