Stainless Steel 304

Material Data Sheet
Stainless Steel 304

Stainless steel type 304 is the most versatile and widely used stainless steel. It is still sometimes referred to by its old name 18/8 which is
derived from the nominal composition of type 304 being 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Type 304 stainless steel is an austenitic grade that can
be severely deep drawn. This property has resulted in 304 being the dominant grade used in applications like sinks and saucepans. Type 304L is
the low carbon version of 304. It is used in heavy gauge components for improved weldability. Some products such as plate and pipe 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. Properties given in this data sheet are typical for flat rolled products covered by ASTM A240/A240M. It is reasonable to
expect specifications in these standards to be similar but not necessarily identical to those given in this data sheet.
Application
• Saucepans
• Springs, screws, nuts & bolts
• Sinks & splash backs
• Architectural panelling
• Tubing
• Brewery, food, dairy and pharmaceutical production equipment
• Sanitary ware and troughs
Supplied Forms
▪ Sheet
▪ Strip
▪ Plate
▪ Pipe
▪ Bar
▪ Tube
▪ Fittings & flanges
Corrosion Resistance
304 has excellent corrosion resistance in may environments and when in contact with different corrosive media. Pitting and crevice corrosion can
occur in environments containing chlorides. Stress corrosion cracking can occur above 60°C.
Heat Resistance
304 has good resistance to oxidation in intermittent service up to 870°C and in continuous service to 925°C. However, continuous use at
425-860°C is not recommended. In this instance 304L is recommended due to its resistance to carbide precipitation. Where high strength is
required at temperatures above 500°C and up to 800°C grade 304H is recommended. This material will retain aqueous corrosion resistance.
Fabrication
Fabrication of all stainless steels should be done only with tools dedicated to stainless steel materials. Tooling and work surfaces must be
thoroughly cleaned before use. These precautions are necessary to avoid cross contamination of stainless steel by easily corroded metals that may
discolour the surface of the fabricated product.
Cold Working
304 stainless steel readily work hardens. Fabrication methods involving cold working may require an intermediate annealing stage to alleviate work
hardening and avoid tearing or cracking. At the completion of fabrication a full annealing operation should be employed to reduce internal stresses
and optimise corrosion resistance.
Hot Working
Fabrication methods like forging, that involving hot working should occur after uniform heating to 1149-1260°C. The fabricated components should
then be rapidly cooled to ensure maximum corrosion resistance.
Machinability
304 has good machinability. Machining can be enhanced by using the following rules: Cutting edges must be kept sharp. Dull edges cause excess
work hardening. Cuts should be light but deep enough to prevent work hardening by riding on the surface of the material. Chip breakers should be
employed to assist in ensuring swarf remains clear of the work. Low thermal conductivity of austenitic alloys results in heat concentrating at the
cutting edges. This means coolants and lubricants are necessary and must be used in large quantities.
01/2018
Material Data Sheet
Stainless Steel 304

Machinability
304 has good machinability. Machining can be enhanced by using the following rules: Cutting edges must be kept sharp. Dull edges cause excess
work hardening. Cuts should be light but deep enough to prevent work hardening by riding on the surface of the material. Chip breakers should be
employed to assist in ensuring swarf remains clear of the work. Low thermal conductivity of austenitic alloys results in heat concentrating at the
cutting edges. This means coolants and lubricants are necessary and must be used in large quantities.
Heat Treatment
304 stainless steel cannot be hardened by heat treatment. Solution treatment or annealing can be done by rapid cooling after heating to
1010-1120°C.
Weldability
Fusion welding performance for type 304 stainless steel is excellent both with and without fillers. Recommended filler rods and electrodes for
stainless steel 304 is grade 308 stainless steel. For 304L the recommended filler is 308L. Heavy welded sections may require post-weld annealing.
This step is not required for 304L. Grade 321 may be used if post-weld heat treatment is not possible.
Chemical Compositiona)
Element % Present
Carbon (C) 0.07
Chromium (Cr) 17.50 - 19.50
Manganese (Mn) 2.00
Silicon (Si) 1.00
Phosphorous (P) 0.045
Sulphur (S) 0.015b)
Nickel (Ni) 8.00 - 10.50
Iron (Fe) Balance
Nitrogen (N) 0.10
a)
Maximum values unless otherwise stated.
b)
For machinability a controlled sulphur content of 0.015 - 0.030% is recommended and permitted.
Mechanical Properties
Property Value
Comprehensive Strength 210 MPa
Proof Stress 210 Min MPa
Tensile Strength 520 to 720 MPa
Elongation 45 Min %
01/2018
Material Data Sheet
Stainless Steel 304
Physical Properties
Property Value
Density 8,000 Kg/m3
Melting Point 1450 °C
Thermal Expansion 17.2 x 10-6 /K
Modulus of Elasticity 193 GPa
Thermal Conductivity 16.2 W/m.K
Electrical Resistivity 0.072x 10-6 Ω .m
Important Note
Information given in this data sheet about the condition or usability of materials respectively products are no warranty for their properties, but act as
a description.
The information, we give on for advice, comply to the experiences of the manufacturer as well as our own. We cannot give warranty for the results
of processing and application of the products.
01/2018

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Material Data Sheet