Stainless Steel 304 is the standard "18/8" stainless; it is the most common of all the stainless steel alloys. Stainless Steel 304 also has excellent welding characteristics; and post welding annealing is not required when welding thin sections. Also reffered to as A2, in accordance with ISO (International Orginization for Standardization).

Stainless Steel Grade 304L, the low carbon version of Stainless Steel 304, does not require post welding annealing and is used extensively in heavy gauge components (over 6mm). Stainless Steel Grade 304H is the higher carbon version, and finds application at elevated temperatures.

Typical compositional ranges for Stainless Steel grade 304 are given in the table below.

	Grade C Mn Si P S Cr Mo Ni N 304 min - - - - - 18.0 - 8.0 - max 0.08 2.0 0.75 .045 .030 20.0 - 10.5 0.10 304L min - - - - - 18.0 - 8.0 - max 0.03 2.0 0.75 .045 .030 20.0 - 12.0 0.10 304H min 0.04 - - - - 18.0 - 8.0 - max 0.10 2.0 0.75 045 .030 20.0 - 10.5 -

Typical mechanical properties for Stainless Steel grade 304 are given in the table below.

	Tensile Yield Strength Elongation Rockwell Brinell Strength 0.2% Proof (% in 50mm) B (HR B) (HB) Grade (MPa) min (MPa) min min max max 304 515 205 40 92 201 304L 485 170 40 92 201 304H 515 205 40 92 201

Stainless Steel 304 Applications

Typical application include:

• Food processing equipment, particularly in beer brewing, milk processing and wine making.
• Kitchen benches, sinks, troughs, equipment and appliances.
• Architectural paneling, railings and trim.
• Chemical containers, including for transport.

Stainless Steel 304 Physical Properties

Density: 8,000 kg
Elastic Modulus: 193 GPa
Specific Heat: 500 J/kg.K
Electrical Resistivity: 720 nW.m

Stainless Steel 304 Corrosion Resistance

Excellent in a wide range of atmospheric environments and many corrosive media. Subject to pitting and crevice corrosion in warm chloride environments, and to stress corrosion cracking above about 60°C. Considered resistant to potable water with up to about 200mg/L chlorides at ambient temperatures, reducing to about 150mg/L at 60°C.

Stainless Steel 304 Heat Resistance

Good oxidation resistance in intermittent service to 870°C and in continuous service to 925°C. Continuous use of 304 in the 425-860°C range is not recommended if subsequent aqueous corrosion resistance is important. Grade 304L is more resistant to carbide precipitation and can be heated into the above temperature range.