Grade 304 Stainless Steel
Grade 304 stainless steel is the most versatile and the most widely used of all stainless steels. Its chemical composition, mechanical properties, weldability and corrosion/oxidation resistance provides the best all-round performance at a relatively low cost. It also has excellent low temperature properties and responds well to hardening by cold working. If intergranular corrosion in the heat affected zone is a high probability, it is suggested that CS 304L be used.
Chemical Composition
Grade 304 stainless is composed of different elements at varying percentages. The two dominant elements are Chromium and Nickel. The minimum amount of Chromium you’ll find in 304 stainless is 18%, while Nickel accounts for 8% at the minimum. This is what informs the denotation “18/8” stainless steel. Other elements present in 304 stainless steel include carbon (0.098%), Nitrogen (.10%), Sulphur (.030%), Phosphorus (.045%), Silicon (.75%), and Manganese (2.00%).
Corrosion Resistance
Grade 304 has excellent corrosion resistance properties although it may be replaced with 316 stainless steel in extremely corrosive environments especially when severe pitting and crevice corrosion are an issue and marine applications. However Grade 304 stainless remains the go-to solution for engineers and manufacturers worldwide.
Typical Applications
Grade 304 stainless steel is used in a wide array of applications for industrial, domestic and commercial industries. It is typically used in: sinks and splashbacks, saucepans, cutlery and flatware, architectural paneling, balustrading and gates, sanitary ware and troughs, breweries, dairy, food, medical and pharmaceutical production equipment as well for springs, nuts, bolts and screws.
Contact Euro Steel
At Euro Steel we keep Grade 304 stainless steel in sheet, plate and coil form and long products in most commercially available sections such as round, flat and angle bar, tubes as well as pipes and fittings. Please contact your nearest branch for more information and pricing.
