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304 Stainless Steel – The Most Versatile Austenitic Alloy – ZYTC Alloy
Company News

304 Stainless Steel – The Most Versatile Austenitic Alloy – ZYTC Alloy

2026-08-20

At ZYTC Alloy, we have just successfully completed and delivered an order of 304 stainless steel cutting Plates to Vietnam, produced in strict accordance with ASTM A240/A240M-25 – the latest standard specification for chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip for pressure vessels and for general applications. The plates were cut to multiple customer-specified dimensions with precision and care.


Regardless of order quantity, ZYTC Alloy adheres to a standardized, process-driven, and professional production and inspection protocol. Every batch of 304 stainless steel products undergoes rigorous quality control and is certified合格 before delivery. We manufacture 304 in plate, sheet, strip, wire, Bar, pipe, forgings, and all related 304 product forms.


304 Stainless Steel – Chemical Composition (ASTM A240/A240M-25)

304 stainless steel (UNS S30400) is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel, often referred to by its traditional name 18/8 – 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Below is the chemical composition requirement per ASTM A240/A240M-25 for Type 304:

Element Composition (%) – 304 (UNS S30400)
Carbon (C), max 0.07
Silicon (Si), max 0.75
Manganese (Mn), max 2.00
Phosphorus (P), max 0.045
Sulfur (S), max 0.030
Chromium (Cr) 17.5 – 19.5
Nickel (Ni) 8.0 – 10.5
Nitrogen (N), max 0.10
Iron (Fe) Balance

304 Stainless Steel – Mechanical Properties (ASTM A240/A240M-25, Annealed)

The mechanical properties of 304 stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip per ASTM A240/A240M-25 are as follows:

Property 304 (UNS S30400)
Tensile Strength, min 515 MPa (75 ksi)
0.2% Yield Strength, min 205 MPa (30 ksi)
Elongation in 50 mm, min 40%
Brinell Hardness (HBW), max 201
Rockwell Hardness (HRBW), max 92

Physical Properties of 304 Stainless Steel

Property Value
Density 7.93 – 8.03 g/cm³
Melting Point 1400 – 1455°C
Modulus of Elasticity 193 GPa
Thermal Conductivity 16.2 W/m·K
Electrical Resistivity 72 μΩ·cm

304 vs. 304L – What's the Difference?

The primary distinction between 304 and 304L stainless steel lies in carbon content. 304L is the extra low-carbon version of Type 304, with a maximum carbon content of 0.030% compared to 0.07% for 304. This reduced carbon eliminates carbide precipitation during welding, making 304L suitable for use in the "as-welded" condition even in severe corrosive environments.

Property 304 (UNS S30400) 304L (UNS S30403)
Carbon, max % 0.07 0.030
Chromium, % 17.5 – 19.5 17.5 – 19.5
Nickel, % 8.0 – 10.5 8.0 – 12.0
Tensile Strength, min 515 MPa 485 MPa
Yield Strength, min 205 MPa 170 MPa
Elongation, min 40% 40%
Hardness (HRB), max 92 92

304L is recommended for heavy-gauge components where improved weldability is required, and it often eliminates the need for post-weld annealing. Some products may be available as "dual certified" material meeting both 304 and 304L criteria.


Applications of 304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel finds extensive application across numerous industries due to its excellent corrosion resistance, high ductility, and outstanding formability:

  • Food and Beverage Industry: Sinks, saucepans, beer kegs, dairy equipment, food processing equipment, brewing and wine-making machinery

  • Architectural: Building fascias, architectural panelling, ornamental work

  • Chemical Processing: Chemical equipment, reactors, tanks, pipelines, heat exchangers

  • Medical and Pharmaceutical: Surgical instruments, hypodermic needles, pharmaceutical production equipment

  • Industrial: Pressure vessels, cryogenic vessels, cooling coils, evaporators, nuclear vessels

  • Automotive: Exhaust systems, trim, molded components

  • Fasteners and Hardware: Springs, screws, nuts, bolts


ZYTC Alloy’s 304 Product Capabilities

ZYTC Alloy manufactures and supplies the full spectrum of 304 stainless steel products:

  • 304 Plate

  • 304 Sheet

  • 304 Strip

  • 304 Wire

  • 304 Bar

  • 304 Pipe and 304 Tube

  • 304 Forgings

  • All 304-related product forms

We accept custom drawings and process to your exact specifications. Our production strictly follows international standards including ASTM, AISI, ISO, JIS, and AMS. With fast delivery, competitive pricing, and uncompromising quality, ZYTC Alloy is your trusted partner for all 304 stainless steel requirements.


International Equivalents of 304 Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel is recognized globally under various designations:

Region Standard Grade
USA ASTM / AISI 304 (UNS S30400)
Europe EN 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10)
Japan JIS SUS304
China GB 06Cr19Ni10
International ISO X5CrNi18-10

304L corresponds to UNS S30403, EN 1.4307, and JIS SUS304L.


Quality Assurance – Standardized, Process-Driven, Professional

At ZYTC Alloy, every order of 304 stainless steel – whether large or small – undergoes the same rigorous standardized, process-driven, and professional production and inspection workflow. Our commitment to quality ensures that every 304 product meets or exceeds specification requirements before delivery. We produce 304 in all forms and welcome inquiries for custom specifications.

Choose ZYTC Alloy for your 304 stainless steel needs. Quality assured. Standards met. Delivered on time.

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