304 is the original “18-8” stainless. It is produced in greater quantity than any other austenitic stainless steel. 304 provides useful resistance to corrosion in many environments ranging from moderately reducing to moderately oxidizing. Through the controlled addition of nitrogen, it is common for 304L to meet the mechanical properties of 304 straight grade. As a result, most products are dual certified as 304 and 304/304L.
Chemistry

	Ni	Cr	Mn	Si	C	S	P	N	Fe
MIN	8.0	18.0	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
MAX	10.5	20.0	2.0	0.75	0.03	0.03	0.045	0.10	Balance

Specifications
AMS 5511, AMS 5513, AMS 5639, AMS 5647
ASME SA 240, ASME SA 312, ASME SA 479
ASTM A 240, ASTM A 276, ASTM A 276 Condition A, ASTM A 276 Condition S, ASTM A 312, ASTM A 479
UNS S30400, UNS S30403
W. NR./EN 1.4301, W. NR./EN 1.4307
Inventory
304 / 304L Coil, 304 / 304L Flanges, 304 / 304L Hex Bar, 304 / 304L Pipe, 304 / 304L Plate, 304 / 304L Round Bar, 304 / 304L Sheet, 304 / 304L Stub Ends, 304 / 304L Tees, 304 / 304L Welding Products
Common Trade Names
304 Stainless, 304L Stainless
Features
 Good general corrosion resistance
 Ease of cleaning
 Excellent strength and toughness at cryogenic temperatures
 Good formability
 Good weldabilit
Applications
 Food processing and handling
 Heat exchangers
 Chemical process vessels
 Conveyors
 Architectural
Physical Properties
Density: 0.285 lb/inch3
Melting Range: 2550-2590°F
Poisson’s Ration: 0.3
Electrical Resistivity: 433Ohm-circ mil/ft

Temperature, °F	70	212	932
Coefficient* of Thermal Expansion, in/in°F x 10-6	–	9.2	–
Thermal Conductivity Btu • ft/ft2 • hr • °F	–	9.4	12.4
Modulus of Elasticity Dynamic, psi x 106	29	–	–

* 70°F to indicated temperature.
Mechanical Properties
Representative Tensile Properties

Ultimate Tensile Strength, ksi	75
0.2% Yield Strength, ksi	30
Elongation, %	40
Hardness MAX, Brinell	201

Typical Tensile and Impact Properties

Temperature, °F	-425	-320	-100	70	400	800	1200
Ultimate Tensile Strength, ksi	250	230	150	90	70	66	48
0.2 % Yield Strength, ksi	100	70	50	35	23	19	15.5
Charpy Impact V-notch, ft-lbs	85	85	–	150	–	–	–