304 Stainless Steel: Composition, Properties, Classification, Surface Finish, and Applications

304 stainless steel is the most common stainless steel, containing over 18% chromium and 8% nickel, and is classified into three main types (standard 304, 304L, 304H) based on carbon content.

In terms of mechanical properties, 304 stainless steel has a tensile strength of 515 MPa, a shear stress of 205 MPa, and an elongation of 40% in 50 mm. Physically, this material has a density of approximately 8000 kg/m³, a melting point of 1400–1450°C, and a thermal conductivity of 16,2 to 21,5 W/m·K, indicating good heat resistance.

In terms of surface finish, 304 stainless steel comes in 8 common grades, ranging from No.1 (rough after hot rolling) to BA (mirror-polished), with No.2B being the most common and widely used in everything from household appliances to industrial equipment.

Stainless steel 304 is used in a wide variety of fields. In the construction industry, it is used to manufacture flanges, valves, and tanks. In the medical field, stainless steel 304 is used for medical shelves and beds. In household goods, it is used to manufacture pots, sinks, and dining tables.

“Stainless steel 304 has very good ductility. This is demonstrated by the fact that the elongation of stainless steel 304 is about 40% according to the 50 mm (A50) test sample, according to Dr. Tran Quoc Ai – Expert on construction materials at the Central Vietnam University of Construction (2025).

What is stainless steel 304?

304 stainless steel is the most commonly used type of stainless steel today, widely present in industrial applications and household appliances. 304 stainless steel is also designated as SUS 304 (Steel Use Stainless 304) according to the JIS standard of the Japan Steel Industry Association.

Stainless steel 304 contains over 18% chromium (Cr), over 8% nickel (Ni), ≤2,00% manganese (Mn), about 1% silicon (Si), 0,045% phosphorus (P), 0,03% sulfur (S), carbon content (C) ranging from 0,03 – 0,08% depending on the type, and the remainder is iron (Fe).

Chromium and nickel play crucial roles in the creation of stainless steel. Chromium makes stainless steel durable and resistant to wear and tear. Nickel makes stainless steel strong without sacrificing its ductility. Stainless steel 304 has low thermal and electrical conductivity, weak magnetism, and is easily formed. The electrical conductivity of stainless steel 304 is 1,45 × 10^6 S/m, much lower than common metals such as copper or aluminum.

Currently, 304 stainless steel is widely available on the market in a variety of types and designs. This gives consumers more choices. Below is a list of the most commonly used 304 stainless steel products you should know:

1. 304 stainless steel sheets, 304 stainless steel coils, 304 stainless steel plates: A basic, flat material used in construction, industry, and decoration.
2. 304 stainless steel pipes, 304 stainless steel tubes: Hollow geometric shapes are often used as frames, conduits, or in structures.
3. 304 stainless steel bars, 304 stainless steel wires: A solid material with a round, square, or rectangular cross-section, used in machining parts or for making cables and mesh.
4. 304 stainless steel mesh: In knitted or woven form, used for filtering, sieving, or protection.
5. 304 stainless steel in various colors: This type of material has a surface treatment to achieve a wide range of colors, and is specifically used in interior and exterior decoration.

What are the outstanding properties of 304 stainless steel?

Stainless steel 304 possesses many properties such as tensile strength of 515 MPa, good corrosion resistance, weak magnetism, melting temperature of 1400-1450°C and density of 8000 g/cm³, etc. The mechanical and physical properties of stainless steel 304 determine the application and lifespan of the material under different conditions.

Mechanical properties

The mechanical properties of 304 stainless steel demonstrate its ability to withstand external forces without deformation or destruction, making it a reliable choice for structural and load-bearing applications.

Physical properties

The physical properties of 304 stainless steel describe the natural characteristics of the material, including thermal conductivity, heat resistance, and density.

What types of 304 stainless steel are there?

Stainless steel 304 comes in three main types: standard 304, 304L (low carbon), and 304H (high carbon). Differences in carbon content determine the specific properties and applications of each type.

Detailed chemical composition table of 304 stainless steel types:

What are the common surface finishes for 304 stainless steel?

Stainless steel 304 has eight common surface finishes: No.1, No.2D, No.2B, No.3, No.4, BA, HL, and Dull. Each surface finish not only affects aesthetics but also determines technical factors such as stain resistance, ease of cleaning, and light reflectivity.

Below is a detailed information table about the 8 types of 304 stainless steel surfaces, compiled by Kosmos from various reliable sources.

How is stainless steel 304 used in daily life?

Stainless steel 304 is widely used in four main areas: industry and construction, fabrication and assembly, healthcare & furniture, and household goods.

Questions related to 304 stainless steel.

How much does 1kg of 304 stainless steel cost?

The price of 304 stainless steel fluctuates constantly and depends on many market factors such as global nickel and chromium prices (main alloying elements), thickness, size, surface finish, and supplier. Below is the 304 stainless steel price information compiled by Kosmos in October 2025:

Note: The price of 304 stainless steel may vary depending on the time and supplier; the prices shown are for reference only.

How to identify high-quality 304 stainless steel?

To identify high-quality 304 stainless steel, users can apply tests based on the material's properties and chemical reactions:

1. Test with a magnet: Stainless steel 304 belongs to the Austenitic group, so it has very low magnetism, almost non-magnetic. not attracted by magnets when in its original state. If you bring a magnet close to it... strongly attracted, most likely that material Not 304 stainless steel, which belong to the group of magnetic stainless steels such as stainless steel 430, 410, or 420.
2. Using acid: This is a highly accurate chemical testing method. It involves applying a specialized acid to the surface. stainless steel 304common materials no response or just turned to a light grayConversely, stainless steel lines low Cr–Ni content as stainless steel 201, 430, or 410 often change to brick red because it reacts more quickly with acids.
3. Observe the cutting sparks: The sparks from cutting stainless steel are usually few in number, short, and pale yellow; however, this method is subjective and difficult to be precise.
4. Surface inspection: High-quality 304 stainless steel has a bright, even, and uniform surface with no signs of pitting or oxidation.

What should be considered when using 304 stainless steel?

Although 304 stainless steel has high corrosion resistance and durability, to extend its lifespan and maintain its appearance, users should note the following four points:

1. Avoid harsh chemicals: When using 304 stainless steel, you should avoid direct contact with strong chemicals such as chloric acid, sulfuric acid, or seawater to minimize the risk of surface corrosion.
2. Clean properly: Clean stainless steel with a soft cloth and warm water; do not use abrasive detergents or hard materials that could easily scratch it.
3. Temperature control: Avoid strong impacts and refrain from using 304 stainless steel at excessively high temperatures (above 870°C) for extended periods.
4. Welding techniques: The appropriate welding technique and materials must be selected to ensure a high-quality and durable weld.

What standards define the quality of 304 stainless steel?

304 stainless steel is manufactured and tested according to numerous international standards to ensure quality and consistency. Five common standards include:

1. ICU: Technology standards in Japan
2. AISI: North American Steelmakers Association
3. ASTM / ASME: American Society for Testing and Materials Standards
4. UK: Chinese industrial standards
5. DIN: Belongs to the German Standards Institute.

Which is better, stainless steel 304 or 201?

Stainless steel 304 is fundamentally better than stainless steel 201 in most applications due to its superior corrosion resistance and strength., determined by differences in chemical composition.

What are the differences between 304 and 316 stainless steel?

The main difference between stainless steel 304 and 316 lies in the addition of molybdenum (Mo) to the composition of stainless steel 316.

Where can I find a supplier of high-quality 304 stainless steel trim?

To find a supplier High-quality 304 stainless steel trimLook for reputable and long-established companies specializing in building materials and interior decoration. Kosmos is not only a wholesale distributor of quality interior and exterior decoration materials but also supplies 304 stainless steel trim to over 500 dealers nationwide.

Kosmos offers a wide variety of stainless steel trim designs and sizes to meet diverse needs, from decoration and corner finishing to creating focal points in construction projects.

304 stainless steel V-shaped trim set distributed by Kosmos.

Kosmos 201 stainless steel strip

Kosmos 304 stainless steel T-shaped trim set

To ensure your project uses the correct type of high-quality, durable, and aesthetically pleasing 304 stainless steel trim, don't hesitate to contact Kosmos Vietnam immediately at the following number: Phone: 0932 067 388 Kosmos' professional consulting team is always ready to assist our valued customers and dealers in finding the optimal decorative material solutions.