304 stainless steel is the most common austenitic stainless steel, often referred to as "18-8 stainless steel" because it contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It is the most widely used and cost-effective stainless steel grade available.
Corrosion resistance – 304 performs well against common corrosive media such as air, fresh water, weak acids, and weak alkalis.
Workability – It has good plasticity and is easy to bend, stamp, weld, and cut, making it very convenient for forming and fabrication.
Appearance – The surface is smooth and clean, and it can be finished in various ways, including brushed, mirror-polished, and sandblasted, to meet different decorative requirements.
Cost-effectiveness – The price is moderate, significantly lower than higher grades like 316, offering excellent overall value for money.
Typical mechanical properties – Tensile strength is not less than 515 MPa, yield strength is not less than 205 MPa, and elongation is not less than 40%.
Thickness – Cold-rolled sheets typically range from 0.3 to 6.0 mm, while hot-rolled sheets can range from 3.0 mm to over 100 mm.
Width – Common widths include 1000 mm, 1219 mm, 1250 mm, and 1500 mm.
Surface finishes – The most common finish is 2B (cold-rolled bright surface). For high-end decorative applications, BA mirror finish or brushed finish is available. For industrial use, NO.1 hot-rolled pickled finish is often used.
Common standards – These include ASTM A240 (US standard), JIS G4304 (Japanese standard), and GB/T 3280 (Chinese national standard).
304 stainless steel sheets are used in a very wide range of applications. You can find them in kitchenware such as cookware, sinks, and countertops; in architectural elements like doors, windows, handrails, and curtain walls; in appliance casings for refrigerators and washing machines; in industrial equipment such as storage tanks and piping; and in food machinery and rail transportation. It is by far the most common stainless steel product in everyday life.
Material verification is the most important step. Always ask your supplier to provide a proper material test certificate, and carefully check that the chromium and nickel content meets the required standards. If possible, use a spectrometer for on-site testing to avoid being sold products made of 201 grade or other inferior materials passed off as 304.
Surface finish selection should be based on your specific needs. For general industrial or kitchen use, the 2B finish is the most economical and practical choice. For decorative purposes requiring high gloss, consider BA mirror finish or 8K mirror finish. If you need anti-slip or matte texture, brushed or sandblasted finishes are good options.
Thickness selection depends on the application. For indoor decoration, 0.5 to 1.5 mm is usually sufficient. For load-bearing structures or industrial use, 3.0 mm or thicker is recommended. For outdoor or coastal environments, you should either increase the thickness or consider upgrading to 316 stainless steel.
Processing method should also be considered in advance. If you need extensive bending or deep drawing, choose annealed (soft) sheets to effectively avoid cracking. If flatness is critical, make sure to select sheets that have been properly leveled.
304 stainless steel sheet offers excellent overall performance, moderate pricing, and the widest range of applications. As long as you choose the right thickness and surface finish, it can meet most everyday needs and is the most economical and practical mainstream choice.
