Stainless Type 304 is one of the most versatile and commonly used grades of stainless steel. It is a Chromium-Nickel austenitic alloy containing a minimum of 18% Chromium and 8% Nickel with a max of 0.08% Carbon. It cannot be hardened by heat treatment but cold working can produce higher tensile strengths. The Chromium and Nickel alloy provide Type 304 with corrosion and oxidation resistance far superior to steel or iron. It has lower carbon content than 302 which enable it to minimize chromium carbide precipitation due to welding and intergranular corrosion. It has excellent forming and welding characteristics.

Type 304 has an ultimate tensile strength of 51,500 psi, yield strength of 20,500 psi and 40% elongation in 2”. Stainless steel type 304 comes in many different sizes and shapes including bar, angle, rounds, plate, channel and beams.This steel is used in many industries for many different purposes. Some examples are food processing equipment, kitchen equipment and appliances, paneling, trims, chemical containers, fasteners, springs, etc.