Specification of Stainless Steel 304

In this article, experts from Mirach Metallurgy Co.,Limited share the detail information of stainless steel 304. If you are looking for stainless steel 304 and related products, contact Mirach Metallurgy Co.,Limited for detail.

Chemistry by Weight

Element
	Type 302	Type 304	Type 304L	Type 305

Fe	64.99-74%
Cr	17%	18%	18%	17%
Ni	8%	8%	8%	10.50%
Mn	2%	2%	2%	2%
N	0.10%	0.10%	0.10%	–
S	0.03%	0.03%	0.03%	0.03%
C	0.15%	0.08%	0.03%	0.12%
Si	0.75%	0.75%	0.75%	0.75%
P	0.045%	0.045%	0.045%	0.045%

Possible Alternative Grades

Possible alternative grades to grade 304 stainless steels are given in table 5.

Possible alternative grades to 304 grade stainless steel

Grade	Why it might be chosen instead of 304
301L	A higher work hardening rate grade is required for certain roll formed or stretch formed components.
302HQ	Lower work hardening rate is needed for cold forging of screws, bolts and rivets.
303	Higher machinability needed, and the lower corrosion resistance, formability and weldability are acceptable.
316	Higher resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion is required, in chloride environments
321	Better resistance to temperatures of around 600-900°C is needed…321 has higher hot strength.
3CR12	A lower cost is required, and the reduced corrosion resistance and resulting discolouration are acceptable.
430	A lower cost is required, and the reduced corrosion resistance and fabrication characteristics are acceptable.