304 Stainless Steel Sheet, Coil, and Plate - AMS 5511, 5513
304 stainless steel (AMS 5513), often referred to as 302, is the most common austenitic stainless steel grade. 304 SS contains a higher chromium and lower carbon content than other variations of type 302. It can be used in an "as welded" condition, while 302 must be annealed. AISI 304 is used in a variety of household and industrial applications, especially fasteners and food processing equipment. 304 is widely used in equipment and utensils for processing and handling of food, beverages and dairy products. Heat exchangers, piping, tanks and other process equipment in contact with fresh water also utilize this alloy. Other applications include building facades, architectural and structural applications exposed to non-marine atmospheres, and household and industrial chemicals.
- Inventory & Specs
- Chemical Composition
- Physical Properties
- Mechanical Properties
- Datasheet
- Additional Info
- FAQs
Inventory Size Ranges for 304
| Type | Thickness | AMS Standards | ASTM | UNS | ASME | Get a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coil | 0.016" - 0.125" | AMS 5511, AMS 5513 | ASTM A 240, ASTM A 666 | UNS S30400 | ASME SA 240 | Get a Quote |
| Sheet | 0.016" - 0.125" | AMS 5511, AMS 5513 | ASTM A 240, ASTM A 666 | UNS S30400 | ASME SA 240 | Get a Quote |
| Plate | 0.1875" - 2.000" | AMS 5511, AMS 5513 | ASTM A 240, ASTM A 666 | UNS S30400 | ASME SA 240 | Get a Quote |
| Precision Reroll Strip | 0.0008" - 0.015" | Get a Quote |
Advanced Inventory Size Ranges for 304
| Type | Size Range | Specifications | Get a Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Build Plates | 0.500" - 5.000" | AMS 5511, AMS 5513, ASTM A 240, ASTM A 666, UNS S30400, ASME SA 240 | Get a Quote |
| Feedstock | 1.37" - 5.90" | ASTM A276 | Get a Quote |
Characteristics of 304
304 stainless steel is the most widely used stainless alloy because it combines excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and easy weldability. It is an austenitic “18‑8” stainless steel containing roughly 18% chromium and 8% nickel, which gives it its signature durability and versatility. 304 stainless steel has higher corrosion resistance than regular carbon steel and performs well in atmospheric environments, freshwater, mild chemicals, and food processing environments. 304 has an austenitic FCC crystal structure, making it non-magnetic in the annealed condition and slightly magnetic after cold-working due to martensite formation.
Working with 304
When machining 304 stainless steel, it is important to note that this alloy work-hardens aggressivity. 304 is excellent for forming and deep drawing, offering excellent ductility and formability for complex shapes. 304 is one of the most weldable stainless steel grades and no preheating is required. 304 cannot be hardened by heat treatment. Instead, the best thermal process is annealing, which requires heating to ~1850–2050°F (1010–1120°C) and rapid quenching. This restores ductility and removes work hardening.
Other industry standards we comply with:
- W.NR 1.4307
- PWA-LCS
- GE Aircraft Engine (GT193)
- GE Aviation S-SPEC-35 AeDMS S-400
- RR SABRe Edition 2
- DFARS Compliant
Common Trade Names
- ATI 304 (™ Allegheny Technologies)
Industry Applications for 304
- Aerospace structures
- Base plates and fasteners
- Food and beverage industry
- Pressure containing applications
- Architectural structures and design features, moldings and trims
- Sanitary or cryogenic applications
- Chemical industry processing equipment
- Containers for chemicals or transport
- Burst discs
Chemical Composition
| Element | Min | Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | Carbon | 0.08 | - |
| Mn | Manganese | - | 2.00 |
| P | Phosphorus | - | 0.045 |
| S | Sulfur | - | 0.03 |
| Si | Silicon | - | 0.75 |
| Cr | Chromium | 18.000 | 20.000 |
| Ni | Nickel | 8.000 | 12.00 |
| N | Nitrogen | - | 0.10 |
| Fe | Iron | - | Balance |
Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.29 lb/in3 (8.03 g/cm3) |
| Modulus of Elasticity in Tension | 29 x 106 psi (200GPa) |
| Magnetic Permeability | H/m Annealed 1.02 Max @ 200 H |
| Temperature Range | Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| °C | °F | mm/mm/°C | in/in/°F · 10? |
| 20 - 100 | 68 - 212 | 16.6 · 10-6 | 9.2 · 10-6 |
| 20 - 870 | 68 - 1600 | 19.8 · 10-6 | 11 · 10-6 |
| Temperature Range | W/m · K | Btu/(hr/ft²/in/°F) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| °C | °F | ||
| 100 | 212 | 16.3 | 9.4 |
| 500 | 932 | 21.4 | 12.4 |
| °C | °F | J/kg °K | Btu/lb/°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-100 | 32-212 | 500 | 0.12 |
| °C | °F | Microhm-cm | Microhm-in. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 68 | 72 | 28.3 |
| 100 | 212 | 78 | 30.7 |
| 200 | 392 | 86 | 33.8 |
| 400 | 752 | 100 | 39.4 |
| 600 | 1112 | 111 | 43.7 |
| 800 | 1472 | 121 | 47.6 |
| 900 | 1652 | 126 | 49.6 |
Mechanical Properties
| Property | 302, 304 | 304L |
|---|---|---|
| 0.2% Offset Yield Strength, psi (MPa) | 42 (290) | 35 (241) |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength, psi (MPa) | 90 (621) | 85 (586) |
| Elongation % in 2 in. (50.8 mm) | 55 | 55 |
| Hardness Rockwell | B82 | B80 |
Datasheet
Additional Info
A Brief History of 304
304 stainless steel belongs to the austenitic 18/8 family, named after is 18% chromium and 8% nickel composition. The foundation of stainless steel began in 1913, when Harry Brearley discovered that high‑chromium steels resisted rust. Over the next decade, researchers in Europe and the U.S. refined chromium‑nickel alloys into stable austenitic steels. In 1924, W. H. Hatfield at Firth Brown Steel formalized the modern 18/8 composition and marketed it as “Staybrite 18/8”, which became today’s 304 stainless steel.
How 304 Was Developed
Early stainless steels were martensitic and difficult to form; adding nickel stabilized the austenitic structure, improving ductility and corrosion resistance. Metallurgists experimented with chromium-nickel ratios until the 18/8 balance proved optimal for corrosion resistance, formability, weldability, and non-magnetic behavior. Hatfield's 1924 formulation became the global standard and is now designated UNS S30400.
Early Applications of 304
Because of its corrosion resistance and ease of fabrication, early uses included cutlery and kitchenware, architectural trim and panels, chemical processing equipment, food handling and dairy equipment, household items, and industrial tanks and pipes. These applications leveraged the alloy's ability to resist rust while being easily rolled, stamped, and welded.
How 304 is Used Today
304 remains the most widely used stainless steel in the world due to its versatility, cost-effectiveness, and corrosion resistance. Some of the most popular applications include:
- Food and Beverage: Tanks, piping, brewing equipment, commercial kitchen surfaces
- Architecture & Construction: Handrails, cladding, roofing, structural components
- Consumer Products: Appliances, cookware, sinks, water bottles
- Automotive & Transportation: Exhaust components, trim, brackets
- Industrial & Chemical Processing: Heat exchangers, storage vessels, pumps
- Medical: Sterile tables, instruments, clean-room hardware
- Fasters: Bolts, nuts, screws
Your Trusted Supplier for 304 Stainless
United Performance Metals carries 304 coil and sheet 0.016" - 0.125". plate 0.1875" - 2.000", and precision rerolled strip 0.0008" - 0.015". 304 is widely used in equipment and utensils for processing and handling of food, beverages and dairy products. Heat exchangers, piping, tanks and other process equipment in contact with fresh water also utilize this alloy. Other applications include building facades, architectural and structural applications exposed to non-marine atmospheres, and household and industrial chemicals.
Product FAQs
304 is one of the most widely used stainless grades due to its excellent corrosion resistance, good strength, and its ease of fabrication and welding.
304 is more economical and is widely used due to its corrosion resistance. However, 304 is susceptible to chloride pitting, which makes 316 the superior choice for marine environments and other corrosive applications.