Overview of 304 Stainless Steel and Its Key Properties

304 stainless steel is the most widely used and recognized stainless grade worldwide. It belongs to the austenitic family of stainless steels and is characterized by its excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability. The chemical composition typically includes 18% chromium and 8% nickel, often referred to as "18/8 stainless steel."

The high chromium content provides superior oxidation resistance, while nickel enhances toughness and ductility, even at low temperatures. 304 stainless steel exhibits excellent resistance to a wide range of atmospheric and chemical environments, including most oxidizing acids. It also resists rusting in many industrial and marine environments, making it highly reliable for long-term applications.

This grade is non-magnetic in the annealed condition, though slight magnetism can occur after cold working. It also maintains good strength and toughness across a wide temperature range, which contributes to its versatility in construction, food processing, and machinery manufacturing.

Because of its balance of performance and affordability, 304 stainless steel remains the industry standard for corrosion-resistant alloys, forming the foundation for modern stainless applications.

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