304 and 304L (low carbon version) of 304 Stainless Steel is a low carbon austenitic alloy. By keeping the carbon at 0.03% max it minimizes carbide precipitation during welding.

Applications: 304 Stainless Steel is widely used in the manufacturing of shafts, valve bodies, valve trim and the food industry. 304 Stainless is resistant to atmospheric corrosion, food products, sterilization solutions and many organic chemicals as well as a variety of inorganic chemicals.

Corrosion Resistance

Intergranular corrosion may be compromised if the material is heated between 800 degrees F (427 c) and 1650 F (899 C) or cooled slowly through that range.

The following table is for reference only, many factors can affect the corrosive resistance, a corrosion test for each application should be applied.

Heat Treatment

Annealing;

Heat to 1850/2050 F (1010/1021c) and quench in water. Brinell hardness approximately 150.

Hardening:

Cannot be hardened by heat treatment. Cold working this alloy increases its strength and hardness although cold working may make it slightly magnetic.

Machinability:

When machining 304 stainless its chip characteristics will be tough and stringy . 303 is the machining grade of 304.

Specifications:

AMS 5647 ASTM A182 ASTM A276 ASTM A314 ASTM A473 QQS763 ASME SA182 EN10204 DIN3.1B

Shapes Manufactured:

Flat Bars, Square Bars, Round Bars, Rings, Hollows, Discs, Blocks and special Shapes. Send us a drawing to see how we can save you material and machining time!