304 Stainless

1.4301 / 304 grade is an 18% chromium 8% nickel austenitic stainless steel. It offers a good general corrosion resistance, a high ductility and excellent drawing, forming, and spinning properties. Available in round, flat, square, sheet, plate and tube it is probably the most versatile and widely used grade of stainless steel.

The 304 also offers a good resistance to oxidisation up to ~870°C, but a continuous use at temperatures above 425°C will decrease the corrosion resistance especially in water.

Nominal Composition

Related Specifications

Key Features

• Excellent Forming / drawing properties

• Very good general corrosion resistance

• Good oxidation resistance

Typical Physical Properties

Fabrication Properties

Typical Applications

Applications include architectural panelling, beer kegs, chemical equipment, coal hopper linings, cooling coils, cryogenic vessels, dairy food and brewing equipment, evaporators, hospital surgical equipment, hypodermic needles, kitchen sinks, marine equipment, fasteners, springs, nuclear vessels, oil well filter screens, refrigeration equipment, paper industry, pots and pans, pressure vessels, sanitary fittings, valves, shipping drums, spinning, still tubes, textile dyeing equipment, tubing.

This technical information is given by John Hood & Co.without charge and the user shall employ such information at their own discretion and risk. For more detailed technical advice on temper selection, fabrication, joining, machining, physical and mechanical data please contact us as space does not permit the listing of every feature of the material.