Stainless Steel Sheet - Grade 304

Description

The corrosion resistance of 304 sheet metal primarily depends on its alloy composition (chromium, nickel, titanium, silicon, aluminum, etc.) and internal microstructure, with chromium playing the most significant role. Chromium possesses high chemical stability, enabling it to form a passive film on the steel surface, thereby isolating the metal from the external environment, protecting the steel plate from oxidation, and enhancing its corrosion resistance. Once the passivation film is damaged, the corrosion resistance decreases.

Brand name

CHINA	EUROPE			JAPAN	USA
GB/T 3280-2015	EN 10088	DIN	BS	JIS G4303/G4305	ASTM	UNS
06Cr19Ni10	X5CrNi18-10	1.4301	304S15	SUS304	304	S30400

Chemical Composition

Element	Min %	Max %
C	-	0.08
Si	-	1.00
Mn	-	2.00
P	-	0.045
S	-	0.03
Cr	17.50	19.50
Ni	8.00	11.00
N	-	0.10

Key component differences:

National standards have slightly adjusted the ranges for chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni). For example, China requires Cr ≥ 18% and Ni ≥ 8%, while the United States allows a lower limit of 17.5% for Cr.

Food-grade certification:

Compliance with GB 4806.9-2016 (China) or FDA (United States) is required, with stricter controls on heavy metal leaching. Non-standard 304 grade materials cannot be directly substituted.

Physical and mechanical properties

density	Melting Point	tensile strength	yield strength	elongation	temperature resistance ranges
7.93 g/cm³	1398～1454℃	≥520 MPa	205–210 MPa	≥40%	-196~800°C
7.93 g/cm³	2548~2649℉	≥520 MPa	205–210 MPa	≥40%	-320.8~1472℉

It exhibits corrosion resistance against nitric acid (concentration ≤65%), organic acids, and alkaline solutions; however, in environments with chloride ion concentrations exceeding 200 ppm, it is recommended to use 316L stainless steel instead.

The plates are divided into hot-rolled and cold-rolled categories. The surface can be treated with hairline finishing or electrolytic polishing, and it possesses excellent plasticity, resistance to intergranular corrosion, and mechanical strength. It is applied in fields such as petrochemical equipment, pharmaceutical pipelines, and building facades (e.g., the Shanghai Tower).