304 Stainless Steel — Properties & Applications
The workhorse stainless steel — food-grade, weldable, corrosion-proof.
Density
0.29 lb/in³
Yield Strength
30 ksi
Tensile Strength
75 ksi
Machinability
Fair
Weldability
Excellent
About 304 Stainless Steel
Most common stainless steel grade. Excellent corrosion resistance and weldability — the workhorse of food, beverage, and architectural applications.
Why Choose 304?
304 stainless is the most versatile stainless steel — it resists corrosion from most food products, organic chemicals, and natural environments. FDA-compliant for food contact, it welds cleanly and is available in the widest range of forms and finishes.
Applications
Commercial kitchen equipment, food processing, architectural trim, chemical containers, brewing equipment, pharmaceutical equipment, automotive trim, exhaust systems
Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Yield Strength | 30 | ksi |
| Tensile Strength | 75 | ksi |
| Elongation | 40 | % |
| Hardness | 92 HRB | |
| Machinability | Fair | |
| Weldability | Excellent | |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | |
| Formability | Good | |
| Magnetic | Slightly |
Chemical Composition
| Element | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Fe | Balance |
| Cr | 18.0–20.0 |
| Ni | 8.0–10.5 |
| C | 0.08 max |
| Mn | 2.0 max |
| Si | 0.75 max |
| P | 0.045 max |
| S | 0.030 max |
Applicable Specifications
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