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E: enquiry@qilumetal.com
E: enquiry@qilumetal.com
No. 18 Xiangfu Middle Road,Yuhua District, Changsha City
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304
Qilu
AISI 304 stainless steel is a premium austenitic stainless steel. Renowned as the most widely used and versatile stainless steel grade globally, it stands out for its exceptional combination of corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, durability, formability, weldability, and temperature resistance. Whether you’re looking for a reliable material for automotive components, medical equipment, or food processing machinery, AISI 304 stainless steel delivers consistent performance and value. You could find the equivalent from different steel standard. Such as X5CrNi18-10/1.4301 from Europe standard EN10083-3, 06Cr19Ni10/0Cr18Ni9 from China standard GB/T1220, SUS304 from Japan standard JIS G4303, 08X18H10T from Russia standard GOST 5632-76 etc.
In terms of physical and mechanical properties, 304 stainless steel offers outstanding toughness, ductility, and non-magnetic characteristics. It can be welded using conventional methods without requiring post-weld heat treatment and provides excellent polishability and surface finish quality. The material retains good mechanical properties even at low temperatures and is suitable for a wide temperature range, from cryogenic conditions up to approximately 870°C for intermittent use.
Different regions and countries have established their own standards for classifying stainless steel, but AISI 304 has direct equivalents that meet the same core performance requirements. Below is a comprehensive table of its key equivalents:
Country | USA | EN | China | Japan | Russia |
Standard | ASTM A276/276M | EN10088-3 | GB/T1220 | JIS G4303 | GOST 5632-76 |
Grade | 304 | X5CrNi18-10/ 1.4301 | 06Cr19Ni10/ 0Cr18Ni9 | SUS304 | 08X18H10 |
This cross-standard compatibility ensures that AISI 304 and its equivalents can be seamlessly integrated into global supply chains, allowing manufacturers and buyers to source materials with confidence regardless of geographic location.
The superior performance of AISI 304 and its equivalents is rooted in their precise chemical composition. Each element plays a critical role in enhancing specific properties, from corrosion resistance (chromium and nickel) to workability (manganese and silicon). Below is the detailed chemical composition:
Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Ni | N |
304 | 0.08Max | 1.00Max | 2.00Max | 0.045Max | 0.030Max | 18.00-20.00 | 8.00-11.00 | / |
X5CrNi18-10/ 1.4301 | 0.07Max | 1.00Max | 2.00Max | 0.045Max | 0.030Max | 17.50-19.50 | 8.00-10.50 | 0.11Max |
0Cr18Ni9 | 0.08Max | 1.00Max | 2.00Max | 0.045Max | 0.030Max | 18.00-20.00 | 8.00-11.00 | / |
SUS304 | 0.08Max | 1.00Max | 2.00Max | 0.045Max | 0.030Max | 18.00-20.00 | 8.00-10.50 | / |
08X18H10 | 0.08Max | 0.80Max | 2.00Max | 0.040Max | 0.030Max | 17.00-19.00 | 9.00-11.00 | / |
AISI 304 stainless steel exhibits excellent mechanical properties that make it suitable for both structural and functional applications. The properties vary slightly by standard and processing condition (annealed, cold-worked), but all meet strict industry requirements for strength, ductility, and hardness.
Mechanical properties for 06Cr19Ni10/0Cr18Ni9 from standard GB/T1220 and SUS304 from JIS G4303.
Grade | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Alongation | Area of reduction | Hardness |
0Cr18Ni9 | 520Mpa Min | 205Mpa Min | 40% Min | 60% Min | HBW187Max |
SUS304 | 520Mpa Min | 205Mpa Min | 40% Min | 60% Min | HBW187Max |
Mechanical properties for X5CrNi18-10/1.4301 from standard EN10088-3.
Steel grade | Size range | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Alongation | Impact value at RT/J | Hardness /HBW | ||
L | Tr | L | Tr | |||||
X5CrNi18-10 /1.4301 | d≤160 | 500-700Mpa | 190Mpa Min | 45% Min | / | 100J Min | / | 215Max |
160＜d≤250 | 500-700Mpa | 190Mpa Min | / | 35% Min | / | 60J Min | 215Max | |
Cold working enhances the strength of AISI 304, making it suitable for applications requiring higher load-bearing capacity.
Steel grade | Tensile strength level | 0.2% proof strength | Tensile strength/Rm | Elongation |
X5CrNi18-10 /1.4301 | C700 | 350Mpa Min | 700-850Mpa | 20% Min |
C800 | 500Mpa Min | 800-1000Mpa | 12% Min |
AISI 304 maintains reliable strength at elevated temperatures, making it ideal for high-heat applications such as industrial furnaces, exhaust systems, and boiler components.
Steel garde | HT condition | Minimum 0.2% proof strength at a temperature of: | |||||||||
100℃ | 150℃ | 200℃ | 250℃ | 300℃ | 350℃ | 400℃ | 450℃ | 500℃ | 550℃ | ||
X5CrNi18-10 /1.4301 | AT | Mpa or N/mm2 | |||||||||
155 | 140 | 127 | 118 | 110 | 104 | 98 | 95 | 92 | 90 | ||
Minimum 1% proof strength at a temperature of: | |||||||||||
100℃ | 150℃ | 200℃ | 250℃ | 300℃ | 350℃ | 400℃ | 450℃ | 500℃ | 550℃ | ||
Mpa or N/mm2 | |||||||||||
190 | 170 | 155 | 145 | 135 | 129 | 125 | 122 | 120 | 120 | ||
Note: AT = Solution Annealed (standard heat treatment for austenitic stainless steels)
We offer AISI 304 stainless steel in a wide range of product forms and sizes to meet the needs of diverse applications. Our strict tolerance controls ensure consistent quality and compatibility with your manufacturing processes.
Product type | Size range | Length |
Hot rolled bar | Φ10-Φ130mm | 5000-7000mm |
Hot forged bar | Φ140-Φ600mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot rolled plate/sheet | T:2-60mm; W:310-810mm | 6000-12000mm |
Hot forged plate | T:70-250mm; W:310-810mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot Forged block | T: 260-500mm; W: 300-1000mm | 2000-5800mm |
Surface Finish | Turned | Milled | Grinding(Best) | Polished(Best) | Peeled(Best) | Black Forged | Black Rolled |
Tolerance | +0/+3mm | +0/+3mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.1mm | +0/+5mm | +0/+1mm |
Straighness | 1mm/1000mm max. | 3mm/1000mm max. | |||||
We maintain a large inventory of AISI 304 stainless steel to ensure fast delivery. Below are our regular stock sizes (subject to daily updates):
Hot Rolled Bar Diameter: 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, 25mm, 28mm, 30mm, 32mm, 35mm, 38mm, 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 55mm, 60mm, 65mm, 70mm, 75mm, 80mm, 85mm, 90mm, 95mm, 100mm, 105mm, 110mm, 120mm, 130mm, 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm, 190mm.
Hot Forged Bar Diameter: 200mm, 210mm, 220mm, 230mm, 240mm, 250mm, 260mm, 270mm, 280mm, 290mm, 300mm, 310mm, 320mm, 330mm, 340mm, 350mm, 360mm, 370mm, 380mm, 390mm, 400mm.
Cold Drawn Sheet: 0.2-3mm (full range in stock).
Hot Rolled Plate: 4-60mm (full range in stock).
For the latest stock availability or custom sizes, please contact our sales team.
To ensure the highest quality and reliability, all our AISI 304 stainless steel products undergo rigorous ultrasonic testing (UT) in accordance with international standards:
EN10228-3 Class III
Sep 1921-84 D/D
Ultrasonic testing detects internal defects such as cracks, inclusions, or porosity that may not be visible to the naked eye, guaranteeing that our products meet the strictest structural integrity requirements for critical applications.
We adhere to advanced manufacturing processes to produce AISI 304 stainless steel of consistent quality and performance:
We use state-of-the-art steelmaking technologies to ensure chemical purity and uniformity:
EF (Electric Furnace) + LF (Ladle Furnace) + VD (Vacuum Degassing)
EAF (Electric Arc Furnace) + LF + VD
EF + LF + VD + ESR (Electroslag Remelting)
EAF + LF + VD + ESR
ESR processing is available for applications requiring ultra-high purity and minimal inclusions, such as medical devices or aerospace components.
Hot Forging Temperature: 900-1200℃ (optimized to maintain grain structure and mechanical properties)
Cooling Method: Air cooling (prevents thermal stress and ensures dimensional stability)
Our forging process enhances the strength and ductility of the steel, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Proper heat treatment is critical to unlocking the full potential of AISI 304 stainless steel. We offer two primary heat treatment options:
Process: Heat the steel to 1010-1150℃ in a controlled atmosphere furnace, followed by rapid cooling (air or water quenching).
Purpose: Dissolves any carbide precipitates, restores the austenitic structure, and enhances corrosion resistance and ductility. This is the standard heat treatment for most applications.
Process: Heat to 850-930℃, followed by controlled cooling.
Purpose: Improves the strength and hardness of the steel while maintaining acceptable ductility, ideal for applications requiring higher load-bearing capacity.
AISI 304 stainless steel’s versatility makes it indispensable across numerous industries. Below are its key applications, organized by sector:
1. Automotive Industry
Trim pieces (exterior and interior)
Grilles
Exhaust components
Fuel system parts
Fasteners and brackets
2. Marine Applications
Boat fittings (cleats, hinges, railings)
Marine hardware
Hull components
Propeller shafts
Saltwater-resistant fixtures
3. Pharmaceutical Industry
Manufacturing equipment (mixers, reactors)
Storage tanks for chemicals and pharmaceuticals
Piping systems
Cleanroom fixtures
Packaging machinery
4. Chemical Industry
Chemical storage tanks
Piping and valves for corrosive fluids
Pump housings and impellers
Heat exchangers
Reactors and pressure vessels
5. Medical Equipment
Surgical instruments (scalpels, forceps, scissors)
Hospital fixtures (sinks, countertops, bed frames)
Medical devices (implants, diagnostic equipment)
Sterilization trays
Dental tools
6. Kitchenware & Household Appliances
Sinks (undermount, drop-in)
Utensils (knives, forks, spoons)
Cookware (pans, pots, Dutch ovens)
Refrigerator shelves and door liners
Dishwasher interiors
Oven doors and components
7. Food & Beverage Industry
Food processing machinery (conveyors, mixers)
Storage tanks for liquids and dry goods
Piping systems for water, juices, and sauces
Packaging equipment (bottling lines, canning machines)
Brewery and winery equipment (vats, fermenters)
8. Construction & Architecture
Building facades and cladding
Handrails and balustrades
Roofing and gutters
Window frames
Decorative elements (columns, railings)
9. Industrial Machinery
Machine parts (gears, shafts, bearings)
Conveyor systems
Industrial furnaces and ovens
Fasteners and bolts
Tooling and dies
A1: AISI 304 is the most widely used stainless steel grade due to its balanced combination of performance and cost. Compared to 316, 304 has lower nickel and no molybdenum, making it more economical. 316 offers superior corrosion resistance in saltwater and harsh chemical environments, but 304 is sufficient for most general-purpose applications (e.g., kitchenware, automotive trim, non-corrosive industrial settings). Choose 304 for cost-effectiveness and 316 for extreme corrosion resistance.
A2: AISI 304 is highly corrosion-resistant and “rust-proof” in most environments, including fresh water, air, and mild chemicals. Its chromium content forms a passive oxide layer that protects the steel from rust. However, it may corrode in highly corrosive environments (e.g., saltwater, acidic solutions, or chlorine-rich environments like swimming pools) if not properly maintained. Regular cleaning can help preserve the passive layer.
A3: Yes, AISI 304 is excellent for welding. It can be welded using common methods such as TIG, MIG, arc welding, and spot welding. To maintain corrosion resistance, use a matching filler metal (e.g., ER308L) and avoid excessive heat input, which can cause carbide precipitation. Post-weld annealing may be recommended for critical applications.
A4: AISI 304 stainless steel can withstand continuous temperatures up to 870℃ (1600°F) and intermittent temperatures up to 925℃ (1700°F). Beyond these temperatures, its strength and corrosion resistance may degrade. For high-heat applications (e.g., industrial furnaces), consider heat-resistant alloys or specialized grades.
A5: Yes, AISI 304 is FDA-approved for food contact. Its non-reactive nature ensures that it does not leach harmful chemicals into food or beverages, making it ideal for food processing equipment, kitchenware, and storage containers.
A6: Absolutely. AISI 304 is commonly used for outdoor applications such as building facades, handrails, and marine hardware. It resists atmospheric corrosion, but in coastal areas or regions with high pollution, regular cleaning is recommended to prevent salt or chemical buildup.
A7: We offer a range of surface finishes to suit different applications:
Black Rolled/Black Forged: For industrial applications where appearance is not critical.
Turned/Milled: For precision components requiring tight tolerances.
Peeled: Smooth surface with improved dimensional accuracy.
Grinded/Polished: Mirror-like finish for decorative applications (e.g., kitchen sinks, architectural elements).
A8: Cleaning AISI 304 is simple:
Use warm water and mild soap for routine cleaning.
For stubborn stains or fingerprints, use a non-abrasive cleaner (e.g., vinegar or stainless steel cleaner).
Avoid abrasive materials (steel wool, scouring pads) that can scratch the surface and damage the passive layer.
Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
If you have any questions about AISI 304 stainless steel, its equivalents, applications, or custom orders, our team of experts is here to help. Contact us today for a quote, stock availability, or technical support.
AISI 304 stainless steel is a premium austenitic stainless steel. Renowned as the most widely used and versatile stainless steel grade globally, it stands out for its exceptional combination of corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, durability, formability, weldability, and temperature resistance. Whether you’re looking for a reliable material for automotive components, medical equipment, or food processing machinery, AISI 304 stainless steel delivers consistent performance and value. You could find the equivalent from different steel standard. Such as X5CrNi18-10/1.4301 from Europe standard EN10083-3, 06Cr19Ni10/0Cr18Ni9 from China standard GB/T1220, SUS304 from Japan standard JIS G4303, 08X18H10T from Russia standard GOST 5632-76 etc.
In terms of physical and mechanical properties, 304 stainless steel offers outstanding toughness, ductility, and non-magnetic characteristics. It can be welded using conventional methods without requiring post-weld heat treatment and provides excellent polishability and surface finish quality. The material retains good mechanical properties even at low temperatures and is suitable for a wide temperature range, from cryogenic conditions up to approximately 870°C for intermittent use.
Different regions and countries have established their own standards for classifying stainless steel, but AISI 304 has direct equivalents that meet the same core performance requirements. Below is a comprehensive table of its key equivalents:
Country | USA | EN | China | Japan | Russia |
Standard | ASTM A276/276M | EN10088-3 | GB/T1220 | JIS G4303 | GOST 5632-76 |
Grade | 304 | X5CrNi18-10/ 1.4301 | 06Cr19Ni10/ 0Cr18Ni9 | SUS304 | 08X18H10 |
This cross-standard compatibility ensures that AISI 304 and its equivalents can be seamlessly integrated into global supply chains, allowing manufacturers and buyers to source materials with confidence regardless of geographic location.
The superior performance of AISI 304 and its equivalents is rooted in their precise chemical composition. Each element plays a critical role in enhancing specific properties, from corrosion resistance (chromium and nickel) to workability (manganese and silicon). Below is the detailed chemical composition:
Grade | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Ni | N |
304 | 0.08Max | 1.00Max | 2.00Max | 0.045Max | 0.030Max | 18.00-20.00 | 8.00-11.00 | / |
X5CrNi18-10/ 1.4301 | 0.07Max | 1.00Max | 2.00Max | 0.045Max | 0.030Max | 17.50-19.50 | 8.00-10.50 | 0.11Max |
0Cr18Ni9 | 0.08Max | 1.00Max | 2.00Max | 0.045Max | 0.030Max | 18.00-20.00 | 8.00-11.00 | / |
SUS304 | 0.08Max | 1.00Max | 2.00Max | 0.045Max | 0.030Max | 18.00-20.00 | 8.00-10.50 | / |
08X18H10 | 0.08Max | 0.80Max | 2.00Max | 0.040Max | 0.030Max | 17.00-19.00 | 9.00-11.00 | / |
AISI 304 stainless steel exhibits excellent mechanical properties that make it suitable for both structural and functional applications. The properties vary slightly by standard and processing condition (annealed, cold-worked), but all meet strict industry requirements for strength, ductility, and hardness.
Mechanical properties for 06Cr19Ni10/0Cr18Ni9 from standard GB/T1220 and SUS304 from JIS G4303.
Grade | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Alongation | Area of reduction | Hardness |
0Cr18Ni9 | 520Mpa Min | 205Mpa Min | 40% Min | 60% Min | HBW187Max |
SUS304 | 520Mpa Min | 205Mpa Min | 40% Min | 60% Min | HBW187Max |
Mechanical properties for X5CrNi18-10/1.4301 from standard EN10088-3.
Steel grade | Size range | Tensile strength | Yield strength | Alongation | Impact value at RT/J | Hardness /HBW | ||
L | Tr | L | Tr | |||||
X5CrNi18-10 /1.4301 | d≤160 | 500-700Mpa | 190Mpa Min | 45% Min | / | 100J Min | / | 215Max |
160＜d≤250 | 500-700Mpa | 190Mpa Min | / | 35% Min | / | 60J Min | 215Max | |
Cold working enhances the strength of AISI 304, making it suitable for applications requiring higher load-bearing capacity.
Steel grade | Tensile strength level | 0.2% proof strength | Tensile strength/Rm | Elongation |
X5CrNi18-10 /1.4301 | C700 | 350Mpa Min | 700-850Mpa | 20% Min |
C800 | 500Mpa Min | 800-1000Mpa | 12% Min |
AISI 304 maintains reliable strength at elevated temperatures, making it ideal for high-heat applications such as industrial furnaces, exhaust systems, and boiler components.
Steel garde | HT condition | Minimum 0.2% proof strength at a temperature of: | |||||||||
100℃ | 150℃ | 200℃ | 250℃ | 300℃ | 350℃ | 400℃ | 450℃ | 500℃ | 550℃ | ||
X5CrNi18-10 /1.4301 | AT | Mpa or N/mm2 | |||||||||
155 | 140 | 127 | 118 | 110 | 104 | 98 | 95 | 92 | 90 | ||
Minimum 1% proof strength at a temperature of: | |||||||||||
100℃ | 150℃ | 200℃ | 250℃ | 300℃ | 350℃ | 400℃ | 450℃ | 500℃ | 550℃ | ||
Mpa or N/mm2 | |||||||||||
190 | 170 | 155 | 145 | 135 | 129 | 125 | 122 | 120 | 120 | ||
Note: AT = Solution Annealed (standard heat treatment for austenitic stainless steels)
We offer AISI 304 stainless steel in a wide range of product forms and sizes to meet the needs of diverse applications. Our strict tolerance controls ensure consistent quality and compatibility with your manufacturing processes.
Product type | Size range | Length |
Hot rolled bar | Φ10-Φ130mm | 5000-7000mm |
Hot forged bar | Φ140-Φ600mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot rolled plate/sheet | T:2-60mm; W:310-810mm | 6000-12000mm |
Hot forged plate | T:70-250mm; W:310-810mm | 2000-5800mm |
Hot Forged block | T: 260-500mm; W: 300-1000mm | 2000-5800mm |
Surface Finish | Turned | Milled | Grinding(Best) | Polished(Best) | Peeled(Best) | Black Forged | Black Rolled |
Tolerance | +0/+3mm | +0/+3mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.05mm | +0/+0.1mm | +0/+5mm | +0/+1mm |
Straighness | 1mm/1000mm max. | 3mm/1000mm max. | |||||
We maintain a large inventory of AISI 304 stainless steel to ensure fast delivery. Below are our regular stock sizes (subject to daily updates):
Hot Rolled Bar Diameter: 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm, 20mm, 22mm, 25mm, 28mm, 30mm, 32mm, 35mm, 38mm, 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 55mm, 60mm, 65mm, 70mm, 75mm, 80mm, 85mm, 90mm, 95mm, 100mm, 105mm, 110mm, 120mm, 130mm, 140mm, 150mm, 160mm, 170mm, 180mm, 190mm.
Hot Forged Bar Diameter: 200mm, 210mm, 220mm, 230mm, 240mm, 250mm, 260mm, 270mm, 280mm, 290mm, 300mm, 310mm, 320mm, 330mm, 340mm, 350mm, 360mm, 370mm, 380mm, 390mm, 400mm.
Cold Drawn Sheet: 0.2-3mm (full range in stock).
Hot Rolled Plate: 4-60mm (full range in stock).
For the latest stock availability or custom sizes, please contact our sales team.
To ensure the highest quality and reliability, all our AISI 304 stainless steel products undergo rigorous ultrasonic testing (UT) in accordance with international standards:
EN10228-3 Class III
Sep 1921-84 D/D
Ultrasonic testing detects internal defects such as cracks, inclusions, or porosity that may not be visible to the naked eye, guaranteeing that our products meet the strictest structural integrity requirements for critical applications.
We adhere to advanced manufacturing processes to produce AISI 304 stainless steel of consistent quality and performance:
We use state-of-the-art steelmaking technologies to ensure chemical purity and uniformity:
EF (Electric Furnace) + LF (Ladle Furnace) + VD (Vacuum Degassing)
EAF (Electric Arc Furnace) + LF + VD
EF + LF + VD + ESR (Electroslag Remelting)
EAF + LF + VD + ESR
ESR processing is available for applications requiring ultra-high purity and minimal inclusions, such as medical devices or aerospace components.
Hot Forging Temperature: 900-1200℃ (optimized to maintain grain structure and mechanical properties)
Cooling Method: Air cooling (prevents thermal stress and ensures dimensional stability)
Our forging process enhances the strength and ductility of the steel, making it suitable for heavy-duty applications.
Proper heat treatment is critical to unlocking the full potential of AISI 304 stainless steel. We offer two primary heat treatment options:
Process: Heat the steel to 1010-1150℃ in a controlled atmosphere furnace, followed by rapid cooling (air or water quenching).
Purpose: Dissolves any carbide precipitates, restores the austenitic structure, and enhances corrosion resistance and ductility. This is the standard heat treatment for most applications.
Process: Heat to 850-930℃, followed by controlled cooling.
Purpose: Improves the strength and hardness of the steel while maintaining acceptable ductility, ideal for applications requiring higher load-bearing capacity.
AISI 304 stainless steel’s versatility makes it indispensable across numerous industries. Below are its key applications, organized by sector:
1. Automotive Industry
Trim pieces (exterior and interior)
Grilles
Exhaust components
Fuel system parts
Fasteners and brackets
2. Marine Applications
Boat fittings (cleats, hinges, railings)
Marine hardware
Hull components
Propeller shafts
Saltwater-resistant fixtures
3. Pharmaceutical Industry
Manufacturing equipment (mixers, reactors)
Storage tanks for chemicals and pharmaceuticals
Piping systems
Cleanroom fixtures
Packaging machinery
4. Chemical Industry
Chemical storage tanks
Piping and valves for corrosive fluids
Pump housings and impellers
Heat exchangers
Reactors and pressure vessels
5. Medical Equipment
Surgical instruments (scalpels, forceps, scissors)
Hospital fixtures (sinks, countertops, bed frames)
Medical devices (implants, diagnostic equipment)
Sterilization trays
Dental tools
6. Kitchenware & Household Appliances
Sinks (undermount, drop-in)
Utensils (knives, forks, spoons)
Cookware (pans, pots, Dutch ovens)
Refrigerator shelves and door liners
Dishwasher interiors
Oven doors and components
7. Food & Beverage Industry
Food processing machinery (conveyors, mixers)
Storage tanks for liquids and dry goods
Piping systems for water, juices, and sauces
Packaging equipment (bottling lines, canning machines)
Brewery and winery equipment (vats, fermenters)
8. Construction & Architecture
Building facades and cladding
Handrails and balustrades
Roofing and gutters
Window frames
Decorative elements (columns, railings)
9. Industrial Machinery
Machine parts (gears, shafts, bearings)
Conveyor systems
Industrial furnaces and ovens
Fasteners and bolts
Tooling and dies
A1: AISI 304 is the most widely used stainless steel grade due to its balanced combination of performance and cost. Compared to 316, 304 has lower nickel and no molybdenum, making it more economical. 316 offers superior corrosion resistance in saltwater and harsh chemical environments, but 304 is sufficient for most general-purpose applications (e.g., kitchenware, automotive trim, non-corrosive industrial settings). Choose 304 for cost-effectiveness and 316 for extreme corrosion resistance.
A2: AISI 304 is highly corrosion-resistant and “rust-proof” in most environments, including fresh water, air, and mild chemicals. Its chromium content forms a passive oxide layer that protects the steel from rust. However, it may corrode in highly corrosive environments (e.g., saltwater, acidic solutions, or chlorine-rich environments like swimming pools) if not properly maintained. Regular cleaning can help preserve the passive layer.
A3: Yes, AISI 304 is excellent for welding. It can be welded using common methods such as TIG, MIG, arc welding, and spot welding. To maintain corrosion resistance, use a matching filler metal (e.g., ER308L) and avoid excessive heat input, which can cause carbide precipitation. Post-weld annealing may be recommended for critical applications.
A4: AISI 304 stainless steel can withstand continuous temperatures up to 870℃ (1600°F) and intermittent temperatures up to 925℃ (1700°F). Beyond these temperatures, its strength and corrosion resistance may degrade. For high-heat applications (e.g., industrial furnaces), consider heat-resistant alloys or specialized grades.
A5: Yes, AISI 304 is FDA-approved for food contact. Its non-reactive nature ensures that it does not leach harmful chemicals into food or beverages, making it ideal for food processing equipment, kitchenware, and storage containers.
A6: Absolutely. AISI 304 is commonly used for outdoor applications such as building facades, handrails, and marine hardware. It resists atmospheric corrosion, but in coastal areas or regions with high pollution, regular cleaning is recommended to prevent salt or chemical buildup.
A7: We offer a range of surface finishes to suit different applications:
Black Rolled/Black Forged: For industrial applications where appearance is not critical.
Turned/Milled: For precision components requiring tight tolerances.
Peeled: Smooth surface with improved dimensional accuracy.
Grinded/Polished: Mirror-like finish for decorative applications (e.g., kitchen sinks, architectural elements).
A8: Cleaning AISI 304 is simple:
Use warm water and mild soap for routine cleaning.
For stubborn stains or fingerprints, use a non-abrasive cleaner (e.g., vinegar or stainless steel cleaner).
Avoid abrasive materials (steel wool, scouring pads) that can scratch the surface and damage the passive layer.
Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
If you have any questions about AISI 304 stainless steel, its equivalents, applications, or custom orders, our team of experts is here to help. Contact us today for a quote, stock availability, or technical support.
