What is 304 Stainless Steel
2 Jul 2025
304 stainless steel, or SS 304, is one of the most common grades you’ll come across. It's used everywhere – from kitchen appliances to heavy-duty machinery. Why’s it so popular? Simple. It gives you the right balance of strength, resistance to corrosion and easy fabrication.
Article in brief
Made from 18% chromium and 8% nickel, it’s often referred to as 18-8 stainless steel.
304 stainless steel resists rust and corrosion in many environments, including marine and industrial settings.
This alloy is readily formable and weldable, though it can be more challenging to machine than mild steels due to its work-hardening tendency.
It has a yield strength of around 205 MPa and tensile strength of 515 MPa, making it strong enough for structural uses.
304 stainless steel is resistant to high temperatures and has a melting point of around 1450°C.
It’s not suitable for hardening through heat treatment but can be cold worked to increase strength.
304 stainless steel properties
- Stainless steel 304 yield strength: This comes in at about 205 MPa. Not bad for a material that’s versatile enough to be used in a range of industries.
- 304 stainless steel hardness: It’s around Rockwell B 92. It’s not as hard as some materials, but it’s tough enough for most jobs.
- Tensile strength of 304 stainless steel: About 515 MPa, which means it’s got the strength for structural stuff and high-stress situations.
Corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel
One of the best things about 304 stainless steel is its ability to resist corrosion. It holds up well in most environments – whether it’s humid, salty or just plain dirty.
Welding 304 stainless steel
Mechanical properties of 304 stainless steel
When it comes to 304 stainless steel and mechanical properties, here’s what you need to know:
- 304 stainless steel yield strength: Around 205 MPa. This is how much stress it can take before it starts to deform. It holds up well under pressure.
- Tensile strength: 515 MPa, meaning it won’t snap under everyday stress, making it great for structural jobs.
- Elongation: 40% in 50mm, meaning it can stretch a fair bit before breaking, making it easier to work with
So, whether you’re using 304 stainless steel for building frames, or something like pipes and tubes, it’s strong enough to handle it, but also easy enough to shape and form as needed.
Physical properties of 304 stainless steel
- Density of 304 stainless steel: Around 8000 kg/m³, meaning it’s relatively light for a metal with the strength it has.
- Thermal conductivity: At 100°C, it has a thermal conductivity of 16.2 W/m·K. It’s not the best for heat transfer, but it holds up well in heat.
- Melting point: It melts at 1450°C (2642°F), which is pretty high and makes it suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Specific heat: 500 J/kg·K at 0–100°C. Not super high, but solid enough for most uses.
Why choose 304 stainless steel?
So, why is 304 stainless steel the material of choice for so many projects? Here’s the short version – it’s tough, versatile and resistant to corrosion. Whether you’re making kitchen equipment, automotive parts, or structural components, 304 stainless steel does the job without the hassle. It’s easy to weld and form, making it great for a wide range of applications.
Order your 304 stainless steel today
304 stainless steel is a tried and tested material that’s used in everything from kitchen appliances to heavy-duty machinery. Its balance of strength, corrosion resistance and ease of fabrication makes it a top choice for almost any project. Whether you’re working with 304 stainless steel for a DIY job or an industrial application, it’s one of the most reliable metals around.
Looking to get your hands on 304 stainless steel? You know where to find it – The Metal Store. We’ve got the material you need, ready to be delivered straight to your door. Enjoy fast delivery, free shipping on orders over £150 (or £250 to the Highlands), and excellent customer service every step of the way.
