What is SS 304 also known as?

What is SS 304 Also Known As?

SS 304, short for Stainless Steel 304, is an austenitic stainless steel grade with several standardized designations across global specifications. Below are the primary names and codes by which SS 304 is known:

• ASME SA 240 GR 304: Designated under ASME SA 240 for plates, sheets, and strips used in pressure vessels and general applications.
• ASTM A240 304: Equivalent specification under ASTM A240, commonly used in the United States.
• UNS S30400: Unified Numbering System designation for 304 stainless steel, widely used internationally.
• 1.4301: European (EN) standard designation, common in Europe and global markets.
• SUS304: Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) designation, prevalent in Asia.
• AISI 304: American Iron and Steel Institute designation, historically used in industry.
• X5CrNi18-10: Alternative EN chemical designation, reflecting its composition (18% chromium, 10% nickel).
• Type 304: Common industry term, especially in North America, for this grade.

These designations refer to the same material, with minor variations in standards (e.g., ASME vs. EN) that may specify different testing or certification requirements. Gangsteel’s sa 240 gr 304 plates are certified to meet these standards.

Properties of SS 304

SS 304 is valued for its balanced properties, making it suitable for applications like plat stainless 304, SA 240 GR 304 pipe, and food processing equipment.

Chemical Composition

• Chromium: Provides corrosion resistance via a passive oxide layer.
• Nickel: Enhances ductility and SS 304 non magnetic properties.
• Carbon: Limited to ≤0.08% for weldability.

For detailed specs, refer to our SS 304 data sheet.

Mechanical Properties (Annealed, 8-75 mm thick)

Physical Properties

• Density: 8.00 g/cm³ (SA 240 GR 304 density), ideal for lightweight designs.
• Melting Point: ~1400-1450°C.
• Thermal Conductivity: 16.2 W/m·K.
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 17.2 × 10⁻⁶/K.

Corrosion Resistance and Weldability

SS 304 offers excellent corrosion resistance in:

• Atmospheric conditions, freshwater, and mild acids (food-grade).
• General environments, outperforming SS204 vs SS 304.

It’s less resistant to chloride pitting compared to SA 240 GR 316L; see sa 240 gr 316l. Weldability is good with ER308 fillers, but SA 240 GR 304L is preferred for critical welds due to lower carbon (≤0.03%). Explore sa 240 gr 304l.

Applications of SS 304

SS 304 is used in:

• Food Processing: Tanks, conveyors, and equipment (hygienic, non-tarnishing).
• Chemical Industry: Vessels and SA 240 GR 304 pipe for mild corrosives.
• Architecture: Structural panels like plat SS 304 3mm or plate 2 mm SUS 304.
• Automotive: Components requiring corrosion resistance.

For high-temperature applications, consider sa 240 gr 304h or sa 240 gr 321.

Pricing and Availability

As of October 14, 2025, SS 304 plate prices (2B finish, 3-6mm) range from $1.55-$3.50/kg globally. Gangsteel offers competitive pricing at $1.60/kg FOB (MOQ 1 ton) for sa 240 gr 304 plates, including custom sizes like plat stainless 304.

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel provides certified SS 304 (SA 240 GR 304) plates with consistent properties and competitive SS 304 plate price. Our inventory includes SA 240 TP 304/304L dual-certified plates and sizes like plate 2 mm SUS 304. For quotes or to learn what is SA 304, visit our astm a 240 stainless plate page or email admin@gangsteel.com.