304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel is the most commonly used stainless steel grade in the world, accounting for more than half of all stainless steel produced globally. Its popularity comes from an excellent balance of corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, formability, and cost. 304 is suitable for a wide range of environments and is the default choice for most stainless steel applications that do not require the enhanced chloride resistance of 316 stainless steel.

304 Stainless Steel Composition

304 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel alloy containing 18–20% chromium and 8–10.5% nickel, which is why it is commonly referred to as 18/8 stainless steel. The chromium content forms a self-healing passive oxide layer on the surface that protects the underlying metal from corrosion. The nickel content stabilizes the austenitic crystal structure, giving 304 its characteristic non-magnetic behavior, excellent toughness at both high and cryogenic temperatures, and superior formability compared to ferritic and martensitic grades.

304 vs. 304L Stainless Steel

304L is the low-carbon version of 304, with a maximum carbon content of 0.03% compared to 0.08% for standard 304. The reduced carbon in 304L prevents carbide precipitation (sensitization) in the heat-affected zone during welding. Sensitization weakens the grain boundaries and can lead to intergranular corrosion in service. For this reason, 304L is the preferred choice for welded fabrications, particularly when post-weld heat treatment is not practical. In non-welded applications, 304 and 304L perform identically. Shaw Stainless carries both 304 and 304L across our full product line.

304 Stainless Steel Properties

• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent resistance to a wide range of atmospheric, organic, and mildly acidic environments. Resists oxidation in intermittent service up to 1500°F and in continuous service up to 1700°F. Not recommended for prolonged exposure to chloride solutions or marine environments — use 316 stainless steel for those applications.
• Temperature Range: Maintains strength and oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures. Retains excellent impact toughness down to cryogenic temperatures, making it suitable for both high-heat and low-temperature service.
• Strength: Typical tensile strength of 73,200 PSI (505 MPa) and yield strength of 31,200 PSI (215 MPa) in the annealed condition.
• Non-Magnetic: Austenitic structure is non-magnetic in the annealed condition. Cold working can induce a mild magnetic response.
• Weldability: Outstanding weldability by all standard methods. 304L is recommended for welded constructions to prevent sensitization.
• Formability: Excellent formability and ductility, making 304 well suited for deep drawing, bending, spinning, and roll forming.

Common ASTM Specifications for 304 Stainless Steel

Shaw Stainless stocks 304 and 304L products conforming to the following ASTM standards:

• A213 / A269 — Seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel tubing
• A312 — Seamless, welded, and heavily cold-worked austenitic stainless steel pipe
• A240 — Chromium-nickel stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip
• A276 / A479 — Stainless steel bars and shapes
• A182 — Forged or rolled alloy and stainless steel flanges, fittings, and valves
• A403 — Wrought austenitic stainless steel butt-welding fittings
• A351 — Austenitic steel cast fittings and valves
• A270 — Seamless and welded austenitic stainless steel sanitary tubing
• A554 — Welded stainless steel mechanical tubing

304 Stainless Steel Applications

304 stainless steel is used across virtually every industry due to its versatility, availability, and cost-effectiveness:

• Food & Beverage: Processing tanks, conveyors, kitchen equipment, dairy systems, and brewery components built with 304 sanitary tube, sanitary weld fittings, and sanitary clamp fittings
• Industrial & Process Piping: Water treatment, HVAC, compressed air, and general process systems using 304 pipe, tube, and flanges
• Architectural & Ornamental: Interior and exterior railings, platforms, and stairs, facades, elevator panels, column covers, and decorative trim
• Chemical Processing: Storage tanks, heat exchangers, and process equipment for mildly corrosive environments
• Automotive & Transportation: Exhaust components, trim, fasteners, and structural elements
• Medical & Laboratory: Equipment housings, work surfaces, and instrument components
• Structural: Beams, channel, angle, and bar for frameworks, supports, and platforms

304 vs. 316 Stainless Steel

304 and 316 stainless steel share a similar austenitic structure, but 316 contains 2–3% molybdenum, which gives it significantly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments. For applications involving marine exposure, saltwater, chlorinated solutions, or aggressive chemicals, 316 is the better choice. For everything else — indoor environments, freshwater, food contact surfaces without heavy chloride exposure, architectural applications, and general industrial use — 304 delivers equivalent corrosion resistance at a lower cost. For more detail on all available alloys, see our stainless steel grades reference.

In addition to stocking 304 stainless steel products, Shaw Stainless offers custom fabrication services including laser cutting, polishing, pipe threading, and electropolishing & passivation for 304 and 304L materials.

Contact us today and speak to one of our representatives about your 304 stainless steel product needs.