| Material designation | 304 stainless steel; UNS S30400; EN 1.4301 | Provides a widely recognized austenitic stainless steel grade for strip and coil production. |
| Product form | Cold-rolled or annealed strip supplied in coil form | Continuous coil format supports slitting, stamping, forming, and high-volume fabrication. |
| Principal alloying elements | Chromium: 18.0–20.0%; Nickel: 8.0–10.5% | Chromium helps form the passive corrosion-resistant surface, while nickel stabilizes the austenitic structure. |
| Carbon content | Maximum 0.07% by mass for standard 304 chemistry | The controlled carbon level supports corrosion resistance and welding performance in common applications. |
| Manganese and silicon | Manganese: maximum 2.00%; Silicon: maximum 1.00% | These elements assist steelmaking and processing while remaining within standard 304 composition limits. |
| Tensile strength | Typically minimum 515 MPa in annealed material | Indicates the material’s resistance to breaking under tensile loading; actual values depend on specification and temper. |
| Yield strength | Typically minimum 205 MPa in annealed material | Helps engineers evaluate permanent deformation during forming and service. |
| Elongation | Typically minimum 40% in 50 mm for annealed material | High ductility makes 304 suitable for bending, deep drawing, and other forming operations. |
| Density | Approximately 8.0 g/cm³ | Useful for calculating coil weight, material consumption, shipping loads, and component mass. |
| Melting range | Approximately 1,400–1,450°C | Provides a general reference for thermal processing and high-temperature fabrication conditions. |
| Magnetic behavior | Generally non-magnetic when fully annealed; may become slightly magnetic after cold working | Important when selecting material for components where magnetic response must be limited. |
| Corrosion resistance | Good resistance in many atmospheric, food-processing, and mildly corrosive environments | The chromium-rich passive film provides dependable general-purpose corrosion protection, although it is not immune to chloride attack. |
| Weldability | Excellent weldability using common stainless steel welding processes | Suitable for fabricated assemblies; post-weld cleaning can help restore surface corrosion resistance. |
| Formability | Very good ductility and deep-drawing capability | Enables production of precise stamped parts, clips, covers, springs, and formed profiles. |
| Common surface finishes | 2B, BA, No. 3, No. 4, and other specified finishes | Finish selection affects appearance, reflectivity, roughness, cleanability, and suitability for decorative or industrial use. |
| Typical thickness range | Commonly supplied from approximately 0.05 mm to 3.00 mm; availability depends on specification and processing | A broad thickness range supports precision electronics, general fabrication, and heavier industrial components. |
| Slit width capability | Custom slit widths based on the parent coil and dimensional tolerances | Slit-to-width supply can reduce material waste and simplify downstream production. |
| Relevant standards | Common references include ASTM A240, ASTM A666, EN 10088-2, and JIS G4305 | Standards define chemistry, mechanical properties, dimensions, testing, and delivery requirements. |
| Typical applications | Kitchen equipment, food-processing components, architectural trim, automotive parts, tubing, fasteners, and electrical enclosures | The combination of corrosion resistance, formability, weldability, and availability makes 304 a versatile general-purpose choice. |
| Key selection limitation | Not the preferred grade for severe chloride exposure or strongly reducing chemical environments | For demanding chloride, marine, or higher-temperature conditions, a different stainless steel grade may be more appropriate. |