Introduction

Type 304 stainless steel is a T300 Series Stainless Steel austenitic. It has a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, combined with a maximum of 0.08% carbon. It is defined as a Chromium-Nickel austenitic alloy. Grade 304 is the standard "18/8" stainless that you will probably see in your pans and cookery tools.

Type 304L is the low-carbon version of 304. It is used in heavy gauge components for improved weldability. Some products such as plates and pipes may be available as “dual certified” material that meets the criteria for both 304 and 304L. 304H, a high carbon content variant, is also available for use at high temperatures. 

Type 304 Stainless Steel Properties

Both 304 and 316 stainless steels (as well as other 300-series grades) use nickel to maintain an austenitic composition at lower temperatures. Austenitic steels ensure a versatile balance of strength, workability, and corrosion resistance. Some of the positive qualities of 304 stainless steel include:

• Exemplifies the corrosion resistance and aesthetic attraction that stainless steel is known for
• Extremely easy to clean and maintain
• Easier to weld than many other types of stainless steel
• Even more resistant to heat than other stainless steel types
• Attractive and classy appearance

• Properly cared for and cleaned stainless steel presents a low maintenance cost

Chemical Composition

Type 304 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition

Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel 304

Common Uses

304 stainless steel is used in a huge variety of applications, including:

• Home and commercial kitchen equipment
• Structural elements for large commercial and industrial buildings
• Food and beverage manufacturing equipment
• Livestock processing equipment
• Aerospace and automotive equipment
• Lab equipment for chemical handling
• Electrical enclosures for sensitive electrical equipment

Conclusion

It can maintain a neat and beautiful appearance. On the 304 stainless steel sheet, people can perform many surface treatments. For example, No. 4 surface, No. 8 mirror, 2B type surface. People can compose it into energy-saving and environmentally-friendly composite board materials. Because of its good performance and low cost, it is already one of the most widely used stainless steels.