Table of content
Introduction
304 is one of the common stainless steel materials. What does 304 mean? Where is it commonly used? What is the difference between it and other stainless steels? Below we will give a detailed introduction to 304, hoping to help you understand this material.
What is 304 Stainless Steel?
304 stainless steel is one of the austenitic stainless steels and is also a common type. It is mainly an alloy steel made of iron, chromium (18%) and nickel (8%). In addition to these three metal elements, it also contains other metal elements in smaller amounts. This material has high corrosion resistance, durability and easy molding. It is mostly used in some cars, kitchen supplies, construction and medical tools.
304 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition
The specific chemical composition of 304 stainless steel is as follows:
| Element | Percentage Range | Purpose |
| Chromium | 18–20% | Corrosion resistance |
| Nickel | 8–10.5% | Ductility, toughness, corrosion resistance |
| Carbon | ≤ 0.08% | Strength without brittleness |
| Manganese | ≤ 2.0% | Improves strength and formability |
| Silicon | ≤ 1.0% | Deoxidizer during production |
| Iron | Balance | Primary base material |
The combination of these chemical components makes 304 stronger, more ductile and has strong corrosion resistance. But it is mostly used indoors or in dry environments.
What is 304 Stainless Steel Used For?
304 stainless steel has high performance and medium price. Therefore, it is widely used.
Common applications include:
Kitchen equipment, food processing machines, automobiles, medical tools and some chemical containers.
Is 304 Stainless Steel Food Grade?
Yes. 304 stainless steel is food grade stainless steel, also often called
18/8 stainless steel (18% chromium, 8% nickel)
SAE 304 / SS 304 in engineering circles
Why it’s food-safe:
Because there are no harmful substances in the base chemical composition
Easy to clean and disinfect
Can withstand the acid in food
High temperature resistance
304 vs 316 Stainless Steel: What’s the Difference?
Both are stainless steel and both belong to austenitic stainless steel. The main difference is that 316 contains the element molybdenum, which is not found in 304.
| Feature | 304 Stainless Steel | 316 Stainless Steel |
| Chromium Content | 18–20% | 16–18% |
| Nickel Content | 8–10.5% | 10–14% |
| Molybdenum | None | 2–3% |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good | Excellent (in saltwater) |
| Food Grade? | Yes | Yes |
Conclusion:
304 is mostly used indoors or in dry environments.
316 is mostly used in marine or corrosive chemical environments.
What Are the Properties of 304 Stainless Steel?
Its properties are mainly determined by its mechanical properties and physical characteristics. Here are some specific performance data of 304:
| Property | Value |
| Tensile Strength | ~505 MPa |
| Yield Strength | ~215 MPa |
| Elongation at Break | ~40% |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ~201 HB |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm³ |
| Magnetic? | No (in annealed state) |
| Weldability | Excellent |
| Workability | Excellent |
These properties make it more durable and easy to form.
What Are the Disadvantages of 304 Stainless Steel?
Although 304 is widely used, it is not perfect. There are still some limitations.
For example:
It is not available in chloride corrosion resistance.
It is more prone to rust when used in marine environments.
It has a softer surface and is easy to scratch.
It is more expensive than carbon steel.
304 vs 304L: What’s the Difference?
Where L stands for low carbon. The main differences are as follows:
| Feature | 304 SS | 304L SS |
| Carbon Content | ≤ 0.08% | ≤ 0.03% |
| Weldability | Good | Better (less carbide precipitation) |
| Strength | Slightly higher | Slightly lower |
| Use Case | General | Welded applications, pressure vessels |
304L has higher corrosion resistance than 304.
Is 304 Stainless Steel Magnetic?
In the annealed state, 304 stainless steel is not magnetic.
It is slightly magnetic during cold working (such as bending or rolling).
Compared with other 430 or some grades with more iron, it has less magnetism.
What is the Price of 304 Stainless Steel?
| Product Type | Price Range (USD/lb) |
| Sheet/Plate | $2.50 – $3.50 |
| Tube/Pipe | $3.00 – $4.00 |
| Bar/Rod | $2.75 – $4.25 |
The price varies according to the market and the amount of purchase. But relatively speaking, the price of 304 is lower than that of 316 stainless steel.
Common Grades Related to 304
| Grade | Description |
| 304 | Standard food-safe stainless steel |
| 304L | Low carbon version for welding |
| 18/8 | Another name for 304 (18% Cr / 8% Ni) |
| 18/10 | Slightly more nickel for shinier finish |
| SAE 304 | Society of Automotive Engineers designation |
Summary
To sum up, there are several reasons why 304 stainless steel is popular and widely used:
Composition: It is mainly made of three metal elements: iron, chromium and nickel.
Performance: Corrosion resistance, not easy to rust, easy to form, etc.
Application: It is mostly used in kitchens, construction, medical equipment and automobiles, etc.
Price: The price is lower than that of 316 stainless steel.
Therefore, in some dry or indoor environments, most people will give priority to 304 stainless steel. But whether to choose 304 should also consider your budget. If the budget is sufficient, 316 is of course a better choice.
