304 Stainless Steel and 304L Stainless Steel Sheet, Coil, & Bar - AMS 5513, 5511, 5647
304 / 304L stainless steel, also known as 18/8 stainless and often referred to as 302, is the most common stainless steel. 304 stainless steel contains a higher chromium and lower carbon content than other variations of type 302. It can be used in an "as welded" condition, while 302 must be annealed. AISI 304 is used in a variety of household and industrial applications. 304L is an even lower carbon version of 304 stainless steel and can be used in more corrosive environments such as salt water and chemical containers. Both 304 and 304L can be used in the welded condition as opposed to the annealed condition and still maintain resistance to corrosion and lend themselves to many types of fabrication. These grades resist corrosion and are often used in the food industry. United Performance Metals purchases 304 stainless steel dual certified as 304 and 304L.
- Inventory & Specs
- Chemical Composition
- Physical Properties
- Mechanical Properties
- Datasheet
- Additional Info
Inventory Size Ranges for 304/304L
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Other industry standards we comply with:
Common Trade Names
- ATI 304L (™ Allegheny Technologies)
- ATI 304 (™ Allegheny Technologies)
Industry Applications for 304/304L
- Aerospace structures
- Base plates
- Food and beverage industry
- Pressure containing applications
- Architectural structures and design features, moldings and trims
- Sanitary or cryogenic applications
- Chemical industry processing equipment
Chemical Composition
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Physical Properties
Mechanical Properties
Additional Info
The most common Austenitic grade is Type 304/304L. All other grades are developed from the 18-8 base by adding alloying elements to provide special corrosion-resistance, improved properties or better weldability. Type 304/304L makes up over 60% of all the stainless steel made in world today.
The wide usage of 304/304L stainless steel in food and beverage and pharmaceutical applications reflects the corrosion resistance qualities of these materials. These industries demand that materials do not release significant quantities of contaminants into the product. They must also be easily cleaned. For example, liquid blending and storage tanks are readily cleaned, providing proper hygiene in food prep as well as food and beverage handling. Commercial dishwashing detergents eliminate 97% of microorganisms adhering to stainless steel surfaces. Flavor and color are kept intact, with no impact from contact with the tank material.
Another innovative use of 304/304L can be found in architectural planning. Sustainable engineering provides for a building's longevity and safety. Design guidance for stainless steel structures incorporates the ability to hold up against the most severe natural disasters and even considers the resilience to withstand what we consider normal weather impact over time. One example of sustainable engineering can be found in the National Archives of Canada in Gatineau, Quebec. This impressive structure was designed to withstand flooding and seismic events. The characteristics of nickel-containing Type 304L used in the structure provide safe-keeping for the country's most precious historical documents.