ASTM A240 304 Stainless Steel Composition & General‑Purpose Properties
ASTM A240 304 (UNS S30400) is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel grade under ASTM standards. With 18–20% chromium and 8–10.5% nickel, it is commonly known as “18‑8 stainless steel.” It offers a balanced combination of corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability, making it the most versatile stainless steel for industrial and commercial applications.
304 performs well in atmospheric conditions, fresh water, food‑grade media, and mildly corrosive environments. It is widely used in kitchen equipment, food‑processing machinery, architectural components, pressure vessels, piping systems, and mechanical parts. Its excellent formability supports deep drawing, bending, welding, and polishing operations.
304 is supplied as cold‑rolled sheets, hot‑rolled plates, strips, tubes, and bars. As the most common stainless steel material, it provides stable performance and cost efficiency across a wide range of industries.
304 performs well in atmospheric conditions, fresh water, food‑grade media, and mildly corrosive environments. It is widely used in kitchen equipment, food‑processing machinery, architectural components, pressure vessels, piping systems, and mechanical parts. Its excellent formability supports deep drawing, bending, welding, and polishing operations.
304 is supplied as cold‑rolled sheets, hot‑rolled plates, strips, tubes, and bars. As the most common stainless steel material, it provides stable performance and cost efficiency across a wide range of industries.