The most commonly used stainless steel alloy in the world, 304 stainless steel is primarily made up of iron, chromium, and nickel, with trace amounts of other alloys sometimes present. 304 stainless steel is another austenitic stainless steel grade offering high versatility and key features that contribute to its popularity; it is known for its excellent corrosion resistance, weldability, and durability and is an economical option.
There are varies of 304-grade stainless steel: 304L and 304H. The former has a lower carbon content for better weldability and a lower risk of corrosion after welding, while the latter is better for high temperatures. Due to its strong corrosion resistance to chemicals, heat tolerance, and weldability, it is a top choice for cookware, chemical processing, appliances, medical instruments, and aircraft structures.
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Austenitic Stainless Steel | UNS S30400 |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm³ | 0.289 lb/in³ |
| Melting Point | ~1,400–1,450°C | ~2,550–2,650°F |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ~123–201 HB | Annealed condition |
| Tensile Strength | ~505–735 MPa | ~73,000–106,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | ~215 MPa | ~31,000 psi |
| Elongation at Break | ~40–60% | High ductility |
| Modulus of Elasticity | ~193 GPa | ~28 x 10⁶ psi |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | General corrosion resistance; less than 316 in chloride environments |
| Magnetism | Non-magnetic (Generally) | Can become slightly magnetic with cold working |
| Heat Treatment | Not Hardenable by Heat Treatment | Strengthened by cold working |
| Machinability | Fair | Better than 316; slower than carbon steels |
| Weldability | Excellent | No post-weld heat treatment usually needed |
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