304 stainless steel plate properties

Overview of 304 Stainless Steel Plate

Grade 304 stainless steel (also known as 1.4301 or 18/8 stainless steel) is an austenitic, non-magnetic alloy widely used for plates due to its excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability.

It contains a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, making it versatile for applications like chemical processing equipment, food handling, and architectural panels. The "plate" form typically refers to thicknesses from 8 mm to 75 mm or more, with properties similar to sheet but optimized for heavier structural uses.

Chemical Composition

The nominal chemical composition of Grade 304 stainless steel (by weight percentage) is as follows:

Physical Properties

These properties are typical for annealed 304 stainless steel plate:

Mechanical Properties (for Plate, 8-75 mm Thick)

Mechanical properties can vary slightly based on processing, but typical values for annealed 304 stainless steel plate are:

It exhibits high ductility (elongation >40%) and excellent deep drawing/formability, with good toughness at low temperatures.

Thermal Properties

• Thermal Conductivity: 16.2 W/m·K
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 17.2 × 10⁻⁶/K
• Oxidation Resistance: Good up to 870 °C (intermittent) or 925 °C (continuous service)
• Annealing: Heat to 1010-1120 °C, followed by rapid cooling
• Cannot be hardened by heat treatment; work-hardens during cold forming

Corrosion Resistance

Grade 304 offers excellent resistance to corrosion in a wide range of environments, including atmospheric, freshwater, and mild acids. It performs well in contact with food and beverages. However:

• Susceptible to pitting/crevice corrosion in chloride-rich environments
• Risk of stress corrosion cracking above 60 °C
• For weld areas prone to sensitization, use 304L variant (lower carbon)

Fabrication and Other Properties

• Weldability: Excellent; use 308 filler metal. Post-weld annealing optional for thin plates.
• Machinability: Good, but requires sharp tools and coolants due to low thermal conductivity.
• Magnetic Properties: Non-magnetic in annealed state; slightly magnetic after cold working.
• Applications for Plate: Ideal for tanks, pressure vessels, and structural components requiring durability and hygiene.

For specific standards (e.g., ASTM A240), consult manufacturer data sheets, as properties may vary by Gangsteel stainless supplier.