Type 304 stainless steel contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel and is the most commonly specified stainless steel used throughout the world. Type 304 is a versatile, general purpose stainless steel with good resistance to atmospheric corrosion, and to many chemicals and food and beverages. These grades can be specified in the annealed condition where they have very good formability. Higher nickel versions can be specified to enhance multi-stage deep drawing characteristics. Type 304 is non-magnetic in the annealed condition but may become slightly magnetic as a result of cold working.
In addition to its corrosion resistance and formability, Type 304 stainless steel offers a well-balanced combination of strength, ductility, and ease of fabrication, making it suitable for a wide range of processing methods. It can be readily welded, machined, and formed, which contributes to its widespread use across industries such as chemical processing, food and beverage, and general fabrication. Type 304 also performs well in moderately oxidizing environments and is commonly selected for applications where cleanliness, durability, and resistance to contamination are important. While not intended for highly aggressive chloride exposure, where pitting or crevice corrosion may occur, it remains a reliable choice for many general-purpose applications where a consistent, cost-effective stainless material is required.
Type 304 can be dual certified as 304L when the composition meets the lower carbon limit of 304L and the slightly higher strength levels of 304. Type 304L should be specified for welded applications as the low carbon version eliminates chromium carbide precipitation and enhances the corrosion resistance in the as-welded condition.
Stainless Type 304 Chemical Composition
Chemical Composition (wt%) limits as specified in ASTM A276 and ASME SA276*
| Carbon | 0.08 | Silicon | 1.00 |
| Chromium | 18.0-20.0 | Phosphorus | 0.045 |
| Nickel | 8.0-11.0 | Sulfur | 0.030 |
| Manganese | 2.00 |
*Maximum, unless range is indicated
Stainless Type 304 Physical Properties
| Density, lb/in3 | 0.285 |
| Modulus of Elasticity, psi | 28 x 106 |
| Coefficient of Thermal Expansion, 68-212˚F, /˚F | 9.2 x 10-6 |
| Thermal Conductivity, Btu/ft hr ˚F | 9.4 |
| Specific Heat, Btu/lb ˚F | 0.12 |
| Electrical Resistivity, Microhm-in | 28.3 |
Stainless Type 304 Mechanical Properties
Mechanical property requirements for hot finished product as specified in ASTM A276 and ASME SA276
| Yield Strength, min. (ksi) | 30 |
| Tensile Strength, min. (ksi) | 75 |
| Elongation, min. (%) | 40 |
Stainless Type 304 Standards
Typical standards for Type 304
| ASTM A276 |
| ASTM A479 |
| ASME SA276 |
| ASME SA479 |
Your Source for Stainless Type 304
At Double Eagle Alloys, we supply Stainless Type 304 in long bar, flanges, pipe, sheet, gaskets, fittings and header plugs engineered for these demanding services. Contact our team to learn how Stainless Type 304 can support long-term performance and reliability.
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Data shown are typical and provided for informational purposes only. Values should not be considered minimums or maximums for specification or final design. Actual product data may vary, and information may be revised without notice.