304 Stainless Steel
304 Stainless Steel accounts for more than 50% of all stainless steel production.
One of the most versatile and commonly used stainless steels available, Type 304 stainless steel is the most widely used alloy of this type. We stock both Type 304 and Type 304L stainless steel in Bar, Wire, Sheet, Strip and Billets.
Type 304 has excellent welding and deep drawing properties, making it ideal for fabrication, easy to clean and it’s asthetically pleasing looks make it ideal for many applications. Contact us today for the best prices.
304 Stainless Steel Bar Grinding Services
- 304 stainless steel is basically the same as Type 302 except for a higher chromium and lower carbon content. Its lower carbon minimizes chromium carbide precipitation due to welding and its susceptibility to intergranular corrosion.
- Its lower carbon minimizes chromium carbide precipitation due to welding and its susceptibility to intergranular corrosion.
- In many instances, Type 304 can be used in the “as welded” condition while Type 302 must be annealed in order to retain adequate corrosion resistance.
- Type 304 has the same excellent combination of strength, corrosion resistance and workability as Type 302, and it costs the same. Consequently this type is widely used and is more popular than type 302.
Available Forms
Types 304 and 304L stainless steel are available in:
- Bar
- Wire
- Sheet
- Strip
- Billets
Typical Applications
- Low carbon Content of 304 and 304L is more conducive to welding than type 302
- Applications include architectural moldings and trim and kitchen equipment
- Alloys are widely used for welded components of processing equipment for textile
304L Stainless Steel
- Type 304L is an extra low carbon variation of Type 302. The .03% maximum carbon content eliminates carbide precipitation due to welding.
- Consequently, the alloy can be used in the “as welded” condition even in severe corrosive conditions. In many cases it eliminates the necessity of annealing weldments except for applications where stress relief is specified.
- Type 304L has slightly lower mechanical properties than Type 304.
Specifications
Sheets and Plates
- MIL-S-5059
- AMS 5513
- ASTM A 167
- ASTM A 240
Bars, Wire, and Billets
- MIL-S-7720
- QQ-S-763
- AMS A 276
- ASTM A 276
- ASTM A 479
Type 304 Composition & Properties
Properties
Type 304%
Carbon
.08 max
Manganese
2.00 max
Phosphorus
.045 max
Sulfur
.030 max
Silicon
1.00 max
Chromium
18.0 – 20.0
Nickel
8.0 – 12.0
Type 304L Composition & Properties
Properties
Type 304L%
Carbon
.03 max
Manganese
2.00 max
Phosphorus
.045 max
Sulfur
.030 max
Silicon
1.00 max
Chromium
18.0 – 20.0
Nickel
8.0 – 12.0
304 Stainless Steel
Properties
Sheet & Strip
Bar & Wire
Ultimate Tensile Strength, psi
85,000
85,000
.2% Yield strength, psi
35,000
35,000
Elongation, % om 2″
55
60
Rockwell Hardness
B80
B80
Reduction of area %
NA
70
Impact Strength, Izod V Notch, ft-lbs
NA
100-120
Endurance Limit, psi
NA
34,000
304L Stainless Steel
Properties
Sheet & Strip
Bar & Wire
Ultimate Tensile Strength, psi
80,000
80,000
.2% Yield strength, psi
30,000
30,000
Elongation, % om 2″
55
60
Rockwell Hardness
N75
B75
Reduction of area %
NA
70
Impact Strength, Izod V Notch, ft-lbs
NA
100-120
Endurance Limit, psi
NA
34,000
Machinability
- When machined, Types 304 and 304L will work-harden.
- Therefore tools must not ride or glaze the surface without cutting.
- Heavy feeds and slow speeds are recommended
Formability
- 304 stainless steel and 304L stainless steel have very good drawability.
- Their combination of low yield strength and high elongation permits successful forming complex shapes.
- However,these grades work harden rapidly.
- To relieve stresses produced in severe forming spinning, parts should be full annealled or stress-relief annelaed as soon as possible after forming.
Corrosion Resistance
- Like Type 302, Types 304 and 304L stainless steel have excellent resistance to a wide range of corrosive media and to atmospheric exposures.
- The low carbon content of Type 304 and especially 304L, by reducing or eliminating carbide precipitation due to welding, makes these types of stainless suitable for a much wider range of corrosive service than Type 302.
Weldability
- Both these stainless steels are readily welded by most welding processes such as TIG, MIG and resistance welding.
- However, all arc welding not using a shielded gas should have the filler rods coated.
- Type 308 and 308L welding rods are suggested for best results.
If you don’t have 100% confidence in your current supplier or you are looking for a new one, let’s talk.
When you partner with Wisconsin Metal Tech for your metal machining and supply needs you can count on quick turn around times, consistently on-time deliveries, and quality products.
We take pride in always going the extra mile for our customers because we are invested in your success.