What Is AISI 304 Stainless Steel?

AISI 304 stainless steel is one of the most widely used austenitic stainless steels in the world. Known for its excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and stable mechanical performance, it is a standard material choice across industries such as construction, food processing, energy, machinery manufacturing, and chemical engineering.

For global buyers sourcing special and alloy steel, understanding what AISI 304 stainless steel is, how it performs, and where it is best used is essential for making cost‑effective and reliable procurement decisions.

At Chinaspecsteel, backed by Jiyuan Iron & Steel Group, we supply AISI 304 stainless steel products to international B2B customers with consistent quality, stable lead times, and mill‑direct pricing.

What Is AISI 304 Stainless Steel?

AISI 304 is an austenitic chromium‑nickel stainless steel containing approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, which is why it is often referred to as 18/8 stainless steel.

This chemical composition gives AISI 304 strong resistance to oxidation and corrosion in most atmospheric and mildly corrosive environments, while maintaining excellent ductility and toughness.

AISI 304 corresponds to several international standards:

• ASTM: 304 / 304L
• EN: 1.4301
• JIS: SUS304
• GB: 06Cr19Ni10

Because of its balanced performance and global availability, AISI 304 stainless steel is often the first choice when no extreme temperature or chemical resistance is required.

Chemical Composition of AISI 304 Stainless Steel

Typical chemical composition (wt.%):

• Chromium (Cr): 18.0–20.0%
• Nickel (Ni): 8.0–10.5%
• Carbon (C): ≤ 0.08%
• Manganese (Mn): ≤ 2.0%
• Silicon (Si): ≤ 1.0%
• Phosphorus (P): ≤ 0.045%
• Sulfur (S): ≤ 0.03%

The low carbon content helps reduce carbide precipitation during welding, improving corrosion resistance in welded structures.

Mechanical Properties of AISI 304 Stainless Steel

Typical mechanical properties at room temperature:

• Tensile strength: ≥ 515 MPa
• Yield strength: ≥ 205 MPa
• Elongation: ≥ 40%
• Hardness: ≤ 201 HB

AISI 304 stainless steel maintains good toughness even at low temperatures and does not become brittle easily, which makes it suitable for cold environments.

Key Properties of AISI 304 Stainless Steel

Corrosion Resistance

AISI 304 provides reliable corrosion resistance in most industrial and commercial environments, including fresh water, food acids, and many organic chemicals. However, it is not recommended for chloride‑rich or marine environments, where pitting corrosion may occur.

Formability and Weldability

AISI 304 stainless steel is easy to form, bend, and deep draw. It also offers excellent weldability using standard welding methods without the need for post‑weld heat treatment in most cases.

Heat and Oxidation Resistance

The material performs well at temperatures up to approximately 870°C in intermittent service and 925°C in continuous service, making it suitable for moderate heat applications.

Common Applications of AISI 304 Stainless Steel

Due to its versatility, AISI 304 stainless steel is widely used in:

• Food processing equipment and storage tanks
• Chemical and petrochemical equipment
• Architectural panels and structural components
• Industrial piping and pressure vessels
• Fasteners, bolts, and fittings
• Heat exchangers
• Automotive and machinery parts

For buyers seeking a general‑purpose stainless steel with stable performance, AISI 304 is often the most economical long‑term solution.

AISI 304 vs 304L: What Is the Difference?

The main difference between AISI 304 and 304L stainless steel is carbon content:

• 304: Carbon ≤ 0.08%
• 304L: Carbon ≤ 0.03%

Lower carbon in 304L reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion after welding, making it more suitable for thick welded sections or applications with strict corrosion requirements.

AISI 304 vs 316 Stainless Steel

Buyers often compare AISI 304 with AISI 316 stainless steel:

• AISI 316 contains molybdenum (Mo), improving resistance to chlorides and marine environments
• AISI 304 is more cost‑effective and sufficient for most non‑marine applications

If your application does not involve saltwater, seawater, or aggressive chemicals, AISI 304 is usually the better balance between price and performance.

Available Forms of AISI 304 Stainless Steel

At Chinaspecsteel, AISI 304 stainless steel is available in multiple product forms:

• Hot rolled plates and sheets
• Cold rolled sheets and coils
• Bars (round, flat, square)
• Pipes and tubes
• Forged components

Custom dimensions, surface finishes, and inspection requirements can be supported based on project needs.

Why Source AISI 304 Stainless Steel from Chinaspecsteel?

Chinaspecsteel focuses on special and high‑quality steel products for B2B buyers worldwide. Supported by China Jiyuan Iron & Steel Group, we offer:

• Stable raw material supply from large‑scale steel mills
• Strict chemical and mechanical testing
• Export‑standard packaging and documentation
• Flexible MOQ and project‑based solutions
• Experience serving international markets

We understand global procurement standards and help buyers reduce total sourcing risk.

FAQs About AISI 304 Stainless Steel

What is AISI 304 stainless steel used for?

AISI 304 is commonly used in food equipment, chemical processing, construction, piping systems, and industrial machinery.

Is AISI 304 stainless steel food grade?

Yes, AISI 304 is widely recognized as a food‑grade stainless steel due to its corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning.

Does AISI 304 stainless steel rust?

Under normal conditions, AISI 304 does not rust easily. However, prolonged exposure to chlorides or saltwater may cause pitting corrosion.

What is the difference between AISI 304 and SUS304?

They are essentially the same material, defined under different standards (ASTM vs JIS).

Is AISI 304 magnetic?

AISI 304 is generally non‑magnetic in the annealed condition but may become slightly magnetic after cold working.

Can AISI 304 stainless steel be welded?

Yes, it has excellent weldability using common welding methods without special heat treatment.

What is the density of AISI 304 stainless steel?

The density of AISI 304 stainless steel is approximately 7.93 g/cm³.

How does AISI 304 compare to 316 stainless steel?

AISI 316 offers better corrosion resistance in marine environments, while AISI 304 is more cost‑effective for general use.

Is AISI 304 suitable for outdoor use?

Yes, it performs well outdoors in most environments except highly corrosive coastal areas.

Where can I buy AISI 304 stainless steel in bulk?

You can source AISI 304 stainless steel directly from Chinaspecsteel with mill‑backed quality assurance and global shipping support.