Type 304 is:

Austenitic. Type 304 is the most versatile and frequently used chromium nickel stainless steel. It is an all-purpose alloy with a multitude of benefits. It has good corrosion and oxidation resistance, performs well in terms of formability and weldability and is easy to clean. Because this material offers a superb combination of high strength and light weight, about half of the stainless produced in the United States is type 304.
Used in a variety of applications: Some of the typical uses of grade 304 include appliances, cladding, consumer and industrial products, flanges and valves, handrails, hardware and fasteners, HVAC, kitchen, food and beverage equipment, medical equipment, oil and gas parts, pipes and tubes, plumbing supplies, storage tanks and window frames.
Able to be processed in many ways: Metal processors and fabricators stamp, form, draw, bend, cut and weld alloy 304 to produce various parts. Cold working will increase strength and hardness.
Available in many variants: Different levels of carbon and nickel primarily define the different variants of this alloy. Type 304L is a lower carbon variant to type 304 that offers excellent welding characteristics. Type 304H is the higher carbon variant to type 304 and is generally specified when increased mechanical properties are desired. Type 304 is also available with increased levels of nickel, which makes the alloy softer and easier to form often times beneficial for deep drawn processes. Each variant may offer benefits or drawbacks depending on the specific application.

304L Stainless Steel Alloy Data coil

Industries supplied include: Process equipment in mining, chemical, cryogenic, food, dairy, and pharmaceutical industries. 304 grade stainless has excellent welding and formability characteristics and is one of the most utilized stainless steels. 304L is an extra low carbon grade with a 0.03% max carbon content that eliminates carbide precipitation due to welding.
Nominal Composition
C: 0.030 max
Mn: 2.0 max
P: 0.045 max
S: 0.030 max
Si: 0.75 max
Cr: 17.5 – 19.5
Ni: 8.0 – 12.0
N: 0.10 max
Fe: BAL
Physical Properties
At 70°F (At 20°C)
Density
0.29 lb./in3 / (8.03 g/cm3)
Modulus of Elasticity (E)
28.0 x 103 ksi / (193 x 103MPa)
Coefficient of Expansion
9.4 x 10-6 microinches/in.-°F (70-600°F) / (16.9 μm/m-°C) (20-300°C)
Electrical Resistivity
28.4 μ ohm.in / (72 μ ohm.cm)
Thermal Conductivity
9.4 Btu-in./ft.2hr.-°F / (16.2 W/m-K)
Applicable Specifications
AMS 5513, ASTM A313, ASTM A240, ASTM A580, ASTM A666, AMS 5511
Typical Mechanical Properties – Typical Room Temperature Mechanical Properties
Typical mechanical properties are based on ASTM A240

Product Parameters