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SS 304 Data Sheet Guide

 

SS 304 Data Sheet: Gangsteel Stainless Solution

 

Introduction to SS 304 Data Sheet

The SS 304 data sheet provides comprehensive technical specifications for stainless steel 304, an austenitic grade renowned for its corrosion resistance, formability, and versatility in applications ranging from food processing to chemical equipment. This "18-8" alloy, containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel, is the most commonly used stainless steel worldwide. Gangsteel, a leading manufacturer and exporter in China, supplies SS 304 materials compliant with standards like ASME SA240 and ASTM A240. As a specialist in ASME SA240 stainless steel plates, Gangsteel ensures high-quality production with full data sheets upon request. This guide compiles key data from reliable sources for SS 304 (also known as AISI 304 or 1.4301).

 

What is SS 304 Stainless Steel?

SS 304 is an austenitic stainless steel with a stable microstructure that remains non-magnetic in the annealed condition, offering excellent weldability and cryogenic toughness. It is available in forms like sheets (0.016"–0.125" thick), plates (0.1875"–2.000" thick), and coils, with widths up to 48" (1219 mm). Equivalent grades include UNS S30400, EN 1.4301, and JIS SUS304. Gangsteel’s SA240 Gr 304 adheres to ASTM A240 stainless plate standards, suitable for "as-welded" conditions without post-weld annealing.

Chemical Composition of SS 304

The chemical composition of SS 304 is controlled to balance strength, corrosion resistance, and fabricability. As per ASTM A240/ASME SA240, the maximum percentages by weight are:

Element

Maximum (%)

Typical (%)

Role

Carbon (C)

0.08

0.05

Enhances strength; limited to prevent carbide precipitation.

Manganese (Mn)

2.00

1.00

Improves hot workability and deoxidizes.

Phosphorus (P)

0.045

0.025

Minimizes brittleness.

Sulfur (S)

0.030

0.015

Aids machinability but controlled to reduce pitting.

Silicon (Si)

0.75

0.50

Boosts oxidation resistance.

Chromium (Cr)

18.00–20.00

18.50

Forms protective oxide layer for corrosion resistance.

Nickel (Ni)

8.00–12.00

8.50

Stabilizes austenite for ductility.

Nitrogen (N)

0.10

0.05

Increases strength and pitting resistance.

Iron (Fe)

Balance

Balance

Base metal.

Gangsteel maintains these limits for optimal performance, compatible with JIS G 4304 stainless steel plate standards.

 

Mechanical Properties of SS 304

SS 304 demonstrates reliable mechanical properties at room temperature, tested per ASTM A240/ASME SA240. Minimum values for annealed sheet/plate:

Property

Minimum Value

Typical Value

Test Condition

Tensile Strength

515 MPa (75 ksi)

620 MPa

Ultimate strength.

Yield Strength (0.2% Offset)

205 MPa (30 ksi)

310 MPa

Proportional limit.

Elongation

40% (in 2")

55%

Ductility in 50.8 mm gauge.

Hardness (Rockwell B)

92 max

82

Surface resistance.

Density

7.93 g/cm³

7.93 g/cm³

Mass per volume.

These properties ensure SS 304's suitability for cryogenic and moderate-temperature service, outperforming SA240 Gr 201. Gangsteel also supplies SA240 Gr 304L for low-carbon variants.

 

Physical Properties of SS 304

SS 304's physical properties support its wide applicability. Key data at room temperature:

Property

Value

Unit

Notes

Modulus of Elasticity

200 GPa (29 x 10⁶psi)

GPa

Tension/compression.

Thermal Expansion (20-100°C)

17.3 x 10⁻⁶/°C (9.6 x 10⁻⁶/°F)

/°C

Linear coefficient.

Thermal Conductivity (100°C)

16.3 W/m·K (9.4 Btu/hr·ft²·°F/ft)

W/m·K

Heat transfer.

Specific Heat (0-100°C)

500 J/kg·K (0.12 Btu/lb·°F)

J/kg·K

Heat capacity.

Electrical Resistivity (20°C)

72 μΩ·cm (28.3 μΩ·in)

μΩ·cm

Conductivity inverse.

Magnetic Permeability

≤ 1.02 (annealed)

-

Non-magnetic.

These values indicate SS 304's thermal stability up to 870°C (1600°F) and cryogenic toughness down to -196°C (-320°F).

 

Equivalent Materials for SS 304

SS 304 has global equivalents for cross-standard compatibility:

Standard

Equivalent Grade

Key Notes

UNS (USA)

S30400

Base US designation.

EN/DIN (Europe)

1.4301

X5CrNi18-10; common in EU.

JIS (Japan)

SUS304

For Asian fabrication.

ISO

X5CrNi18-10

International norm.

GB (China)

0Cr18Ni9

Domestic Chinese standard.

BS (UK)

304S31

British engineering grade.

AFNOR (France)

Z7CN18-09

French wrought alloy.

SS (Sweden)

2332

Nordic equivalent.

Gangsteel’s SS 304 aligns with these, supporting ASTM A 959 stainless steel plates.

 

Applications of SS 304

SS 304's properties enable diverse uses:

Industry

Application

Why SS 304?

Chemical Processing

Reactors, tanks

Resists acids/alkalis.

Food/Beverage

Utensils, dairy equipment

Hygienic, FDA-compliant.

Construction

Cladding, handrails

Aesthetic, weather-resistant.

Automotive

Exhaust manifolds

Heat/formability tolerance.

Gangsteel’s ASME SA 213/SA 213M stainless pipes pair with SS 304 for integrated systems.

 

Comparing SS 304 with Other Grades

  • SS 304 vs 316: SS 304 is economical for general corrosion; SS 316 excels in chlorides (marine) with molybdenum.
  • SS 304 vs 304L: SS 304 has higher strength; SS 304L (<0.03% C) prevents weld sensitization.
  • SS 304 vs 201: SS 304 offers better corrosion (higher Ni); SS 201 is cheaper (Mn-substituted).
  • SS 304 vs 430: SS 304 is non-magnetic/austenitic; SS 430 is magnetic/ferritic for mild use.

Gangsteel’s nickel alloy steel plates suit extremes.

 

Why Choose Gangsteel’s SS 304?

Gangsteel excels in SS 304 with:

 

Conclusion

The SS 304 data sheet underscores its role as a reliable, versatile alloy for corrosion-prone applications. Gangsteel’s offerings, including SA240 Gr 316L and SA240 Gr 904L, deliver excellence. Contact Gangsteel for UNS stainless steel plates and full data sheets.

 

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