Due to its excellent corrosion resistance and outstanding value, 304 stainless steel is the most widely used stainless steel in the world. 304 stainless steel can also be referred to as standard 18/8 grade, since the 304 consists of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Stainless steel alloy 304 is easy to clean, while providing low maintenance costs and an attractive finish. However, 304 should not be used with chloride solutions or within high saline environments, which can create a pitting effect within the stainless steel. These environments can penetrate the chromium barriers of the stainless steel, which can ultimately compromise the internal structure of the steel.
304 Stainless Steel Physical Properties
Grade 304 stainless steel maintains excellent corrosion resistance and heat resistance. Grade 304L stainless steel is often used to avoid sensitization corrosion within welded components, while 304H is stronger due to its higher carbon content but should not be used for the same applications as 304L.
Stainless Steel 304 Corrosion Resistance
Within many environments grade 304 stainless steel has excellent corrosion resistance. It resists commonplace rusting in numerous types of architectural applications. It is also resistant to most food processing environments, can be easily cleaned, and resists several types of organic chemicals, dyes and inorganic chemicals.
Stainless Steel 304 Heat Resistance
Stainless steel alloy 304 provides good oxidation resistance in temperatures up to 870
oC and in continuous service to 925
oC. Continuous use of 304 in the 425-860
oC range is not recommended if it will be used in a room temperature environment for a period following the extended high temperature exposure. However, 304 often performs well in temperatures fluctuating above and below these ranges.
In addition, grade 304L is more resistant to carbide precipitation and can be used in the above temperature range. Where high temperature strength is important, higher carbon values are required. These heat resistant qualities are often the reason why 304 is so well regarded.
Advanced Benefits of Stainless Steel Alloy 304
There are several distinct benefits that stainless steel affords its users, these include:
- Extreme corrosion resistance
- Heat resistant
- Aesthetic appeal
- Low maintenance
- Stain resistant
- And more
Stainless Steel Alloy 304 Product Options
M&K Metals provides a wide range of product options for your project requirement needs. Our stainless steel 304 products provide the premium quality that you need to get your job done right the first time. Our selection of 304 stainless steel includes the following products:
304 Stainless Steel Square Bar
304
stainless steel square bar is ideal for a wide range of applications that require increased strength and superior corrosion resistance. It is often used for supports, shaft, frames and more. This product is also extremely easy to weld, cut, form and machine.
304 Stainless Steel Rectangle Bar
There are many industrial uses related to 304
stainless steel rectangle bar. Due to its attractive appearance, material longevity, corrosion resistance and many other beneficial features, this stainless steel product can be used for a bevy of industrial applications.
304 Stainless Steel Round Bar
This highly beneficial steel bar product maintains a lot of the same beneficial qualities as other
stainless steel bar products. However, due to its round shape, 304 stainless steel round bar can be easily machined, cut and formed for applications that are not appropriate for other stainless steel bar shapes.
304 Stainless Steel All Thread
The threading of
304 stainless steel all thread rod products allows for nuts, bolts and other fasteners to easily screw onto the rod for additional versatility and functionality. These products are often used in construction, marine, automotive, plumbing and manufacturing industries.
304 Stainless Steel Angle
This stainless steel product is ideal for radial applications such as frame work, braces, supports and more that require increased strength and corrosion resistance. 304
stainless steel angle is also easy to cut, weld, machine and form.
304 Stainless Steel Channel
Hot rolled 304
stainless steel channel maintains a durable dull, grainy mill finish that is widely used for all types of fabrication projects that are exposed to the elements. 304 stainless steel channel is ideal for marine, fresh water and salt water environments.
304 Stainless Steel Expanded
Expanded stainless steel is a metal product that has been slit and stretched to provide numerous diamond shape openings. This type of design ultimately saves on weight and the amount of metal that is needed to furnish the end product. 304
stainless steel expanded is often used for flooring, walkways, window protection, security, sifting and other similar types of applications.
304 Stainless Steel Pipe
Since it is hollow, this type of stainless steel product is extremely easy to cut, weld, form or machine. 304
stainless steel pipe provides increased strength and corrosion resistance over other types of metals and can be used for a wide range of construction related applications.
304 Stainless Steel Square & Rectangle Tube
The inside and outside of stainless steel rectangle tube and square tube provides inside and outside radium corners that are ideal for frame work, brace, support and other types of construction related applications. In addition, 304
stainless steel square tube and rectangle tube is very easy to weld, machine or form.
304 Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate
Stainless steel sheet and plate are highly corrosion resistant and provide increased strength over other metals. 304
stainless steel sheet and plate is used for numerous applications including: food and beverage, product handling, dairy, sanitary hospital equipment and more.
304 Stainless Steel Diamond Plate
This stainless steel plating/tread product has a diamond pattern that allows for increased traction and skid resistance for a wide variety of applications. 304
stainless steel diamond plating is used for: ramps, walkways, truck and trailer bed flooring, platforms, stair treads and more.
Differences Between 304 & 316 Stainless Steel
One of the main differences between 304 and 316 stainless steels is that 304 contains more chromium and less nickel than 316. Stainless steel 316 also contains 2% molybdenum, which 304 does not. Due to its molybdenum content, 316 stainless is often used over 304 in highly corrosive applications since it will not decay as quickly. Stainless steel 304 is more commonly used for corrosion resistant indoor applications such as: kitchen equipment, hose clamps, storage tanks and more. While 316 stainless is used for applications that regularly encounter sea water, brine solutions and other ultra-corrosive environments.
Contact M&K Metals for 304 Stainless Steel Products Today
Contact us for more information regarding our stainless steel alloy 304 products, or
request a quote for an in-depth price analysis today. With M&K Metal you can purchase a partial piece, making it easier to complete any size job.
