304 Stainless Steel Sheet – Industrial-Grade Precision, Unmatched Corrosion Resistance
Overview: Why 304 Stainless Steel Sheet is the Industry Standard
When your project demands a material that combines superior corrosion resistance, excellent formability, and lifetime value, the 304 Stainless Steel Sheet is the undisputed choice. This austenitic grade pairs 18 % chromium and 8 % nickel to create a tough, non-magnetic surface that withstands aggressive chemicals, high humidity, and daily wear—making it the go-to solution for food equipment, architectural panels, automotive trim, chemical containers, and countless OEM parts.
Key Benefits at a Glance
- Superior corrosion & oxidation resistance in most atmospheric and mild chemical environments
- Exceptional weldability and formability—deep draw, brake-form, or TIG/MIG weld without post-anneal
- Hygienic, non-porous surface meets FDA, NSF, and EU food-contact standards
- Available in 0.024" to 0.250" (24 Ga.–¼") and widths up to 60" × 240"
- Zero maintenance—no painting, plating, or protective coatings required
- 100 % recyclable—supports LEED credits and sustainability targets
Features That Give You an Edge
- Corrosion Resistance – 18 % Cr / 8 % Ni chemistry forms a self-healing chromium-oxide film that resists rust, pitting, and crevice attack in fresh water, most acids, and alkaline solutions.
- High-Temperature Strength – Maintains mechanical integrity up to 870 °C (1 598 °F) in continuous service; intermittent exposure to 925 °C (1 697 °F) is possible.
- Superior Formability – Low yield strength and high elongation (55 % min.) allow tight-radius bending, deep drawing, and spinning without cracking.
- Non-Magnetic in Annealed Condition – Ideal for electronic housings, medical devices, and instrumentation where magnetic interference must be minimized.
- Excellent Finish Retention – Whether you specify 2B, #4 brushed, #8 mirror, or BA, the surface keeps its luster after years of cleaning and sterilization cycles.
304 Stainless Steel Data Sheet – Technical Specifications
Table 1. Chemical Composition (ASTM A240 / EN 1.4301)
| Element | Min % | Max % |
|---|---|---|
| Cr | 18.0 | 20.0 |
| Ni | 8.0 | 10.5 |
| C | — | 0.08 |
| Mn | — | 2.00 |
| Si | — | 1.00 |
| P | — | 0.045 |
| S | — | 0.030 |
| N | — | 0.10 |
| Fe | Balance |
Table 2. Mechanical Properties (Typical, Annealed)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 515 MPa (75 ksi) min. |
| Yield Strength (0.2 % offset) | 205 MPa (30 ksi) min. |
| Elongation in 2" | 55 % min. |
| Hardness, HRB | 92 max. |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 200 GPa (29 ksi) |
| Density | 8.0 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³) |
Available Variants – Sizes, Gauges & Finishes
| Thickness (Ga./in.) | Sheet Size (in.) | Finish Options | Weight (lb/ft²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Ga. (0.024) | 48 × 120 | 2B, #4 | 1.0 |
| 20 Ga. (0.036) | 48 × 144 | 2B, #4, BA | 1.5 |
| 16 Ga. (0.060) | 48 × 96, 48 × 120 | 2B, #4, #8 | 2.5 |
| 10 Ga. (0.135) | 48 × 96, 48 × 120, 60 × 144 | HRAP, 2B | 5.7 |
| ¼" (0.250) | 48 × 96, 60 × 120 | HRAP, Plasma-cut | 10.2 |
Custom widths 36"–60", lengths 96"–288", and special tolerances available upon request.
Real-World Applications
- Food & Beverage – Commercial kitchen countertops, brewery tanks, conveyor belts, prep tables, splashbacks.
- Architecture & Construction – Wall cladding, column covers, elevator cabs, handrails, roofing.
- Automotive & Transportation – Exhaust bellows, trim, structural brackets, chemical tankers.
- Chemical & Petrochemical – Heat-exchanger tubes, storage drums, reactor liners.
- Medical & Pharmaceutical – Sterilization trays, instrument trays, surgical-tool cabinets.
- OEM & Fabrication – Enclosures, guards, shims, gaskets, flanges.
Variants & Options – Tailored to Your Job
- 304 Perforated Stainless Steel Sheet – Round, square, or slotted holes in 20 %–60 % open area for filtration, ventilation, and architectural screens.
- 304 Stainless Steel Perforated Sheet – Hexagonal Pattern – Adds modern aesthetics plus acoustic damping for ceiling tiles and façade panels.
- 10 Gauge 304 Stainless Steel Sheet – At 0.135" thick, it bridges the gap between light-gauge cladding and heavy plate—ideal for structural baffles and wear plates.
- 304 Stainless Steel 4x8 Sheet – The standard 48" × 96" size ships today, nests efficiently on trucks, and minimizes scrap for panel work.
- Downloadable 304 Stainless Steel Data Sheet – Every order includes a digital mill-test report (MTR) matching ASTM A240, EN 10204 3.1 for full traceability.
- Trusted 304 Stainless Steel Plate & Sheet Supplier – Same-day cutting, plasma, water-jet, and polished finishing from ISO-9001-certified stock—no minimum order.
Benefits vs. Other Materials
Comparison Table: 304 vs. 316 Stainless Steel
| Attribute | 304 SS | 316 SS |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent in most media | Superior in chlorides |
| Ni Content | 8–10.5 % | 10–14 % |
| Mo Addition | None | 2–3 % |
| Price Ratio | 1.0 | ~1.35 |
| Typical Use | Food, architecture | Marine, chemical |
Bottom line: Unless you face continuous salt-spray or harsh chlorides, 304 Stainless Steel Sheet delivers the best cost-to-performance ratio.
Why Choose Us as Your 304 Stainless Steel Plate & Sheet Supplier
- Full Inventory – Over 2 000 tons of plate & sheet in stock, 24/7 online availability.
- Precision Processing – Water-jet, laser, plasma, shear, and 8K mirror polishing under one roof.
- Customization – Cut-to-size, circle blanking, PVC coating, paper interleave, and special edges.
- Quality Assurance – Dual-certified to ASTM A240 & ASME SA-240, complete MTR package.
- Fast Turnaround – Same-day shipping on 70 % of orders; global export packaging.
- Technical Support – Metallurgists on staff to help with weld procedures, forming limits, and alloy selection.
Ordering Tips
- Specify quantity, thickness, width × length, finish, and tolerance (e.g., 10 gauge 304 stainless steel sheet, 48" × 96", 2B, ASTM A480 flatness).
- Upload your DXF for instant water-jet quote—no MOQ.
- Request a 304 stainless steel data sheet PDF with every PO for your quality file.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is 304 magnetic?
It is essentially non-magnetic when annealed; slight magnetism may develop after cold work. - Can I weld 304 without post-weld heat treatment?
Yes, low-carbon 304L grade or standard 304 with proper filler (ER308L) needs no post-anneal in most applications. - What is the difference between sheet and plate?
Industry convention: ≤ 3/16" (0.1875") is sheet; > 0.1875" is plate. We stock both and cut either to your net shape. - Which finish hides fingerprints best?
A #4 brushed finish diffuses light and shows fewer marks than 2B or #8 mirror. - Do you offer export packaging?
Yes, fumigation-free wooden cases, steel frames, and moisture-barrier VCI film for sea freight. - How quickly can you ship a 304 perforated stainless steel sheet?
Standard hole patterns ship in 2–3 days; custom perforation in 5–7 days.
Conclusion – Order Your 304 Stainless Steel Sheet Today
From food-safe work surfaces to eye-catching architecture, the 304 Stainless Steel Sheet delivers lifetime corrosion protection, superior fabrication freedom, and unbeatable value.