304 Stainless Steel

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Type 304 stainless steel provides lower carbon content which minimises chromium carbide precipitation due to welding and its susceptibility to intergranular corrosion.

It is an austenitic alloy which contains 8% nickel and 18% chrome. Type 304 benefits from reasonable machinability, while weldability and forming characteristics are excellent. The formulation of complex shapes is possible due to the alloy's low yield strength and high elongation. The product also benefits from very good drawability.

Benefits:

Typical commercial applications include:

• 18% chrome and 8% nickel content
• Can be welded by traditional techniques
• Reasonable machinability
• Good drawability

About 304L

Type 304L is the low-carbon version of 304 and does not require post-weld annealing, so it finds extensive use in heavy gauge components (over 6mm). While 304 is around 0.08% carbon, type 304L's carbon content is reduced to a maximum of 0.03%. Otherwise, the chemical composition of both alloys is virtually identical.

Applications

Type 304 stainless steel finds use in engineering applications including springs, nuts, bolts & screws, chemical equipment, pharmaceutical equipment, sinks and splash-backs.

Weldability

Our material finds consistent use in welded fabrications and is readily weldable by arc welding techniques. 304L offers improved weldability since standard 304 stainless steel is susceptible to weld decay in the weld joints. When considering each alloy, 304 provides greater structural strength, but 304L is a better bet if welding is necessary.

Availability

We stock type 304/304L stainless steel in various forms including round bars, plates, sheets, wires and tubes.