Stainless steel 304 also known as 1.4301 respectively. Type 304 is the most versatile and widely used stainless steel.
It is still sometimes referred to by its old name 18/8 which is derived from the nominal composition of type 304 being 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
Chemical Composition
Grade |
C |
Mn |
Si |
P |
S |
Cr |
Mo |
Ni |
N |
|
304 |
min. |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
18.0 |
- |
8.0 |
- |
Mechanical Properties
Grade |
Tensile Strength (MPa) min |
Yield Strength 0.2% Proof (MPa) min |
Elongation (% in 50 mm) min |
Hardness |
|
Rockwell B (HR B) max |
Brinell (HB) max |
||||
304 |
515 |
205 |
40 |
92 |
201 |
Physical Properties
Density (kg/m3) |
Elastic Modulus (GPa) |
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (μm/m/°C) |
Thermal Conductivity (W/m.K) |
Specific Heat 0-100 °C (J/kg.K) |
Electrical Resistivity (nΩ.m) |
||||
0-100 °C |
0-315 °C |
0-538 °C |
at 100 °C |
at 500 °C |
|||||
304/L/H |
8000 |
193 |
17.2 |
17.8 |
18.4 |
16.2 |
21.5 |
500 |
720 |
Equivalent Grade
Grade |
UNS No |
Old British |
Euronorm |
Swedish SS |
Japanese JIS |
||
BS |
En |
No |
Name |
||||
304 |
S30400 |
304S31 |
58E |
1.4301 |
X5CrNi18-10 |
2332 |
SUS 304 |
Possible Alternative Grades
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. |