304 Stainless Steel Sheet
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1.4301 (AISI 304) sheet – the most popular stainless steel
304 stainless steel sheet (1.4301) is made from an austenitic chromium-nickel steel with about 18% chromium and 8–10% nickel. It contains no molybdenum, so it is classed as a general-purpose stainless grade rather than an acid-resistant one. It handles air, tap water, steam and contact with most foods well, and it is easy to bend, draw and weld. In the solution-annealed condition it is practically non-magnetic; after heavy cold working it may become slightly magnetic, which does not mean it is a different grade.
1.4301 or 1.4307 – how to read the grade in sheet names
Most of our sheets are labeled 1.4307 (304L), fewer 1.4301 (304). 1.4307 has its carbon content reduced to 0.030%, which limits chromium carbide precipitation in the heat-affected zone and lowers the risk of intergranular corrosion after welding thicker sheet. Mills often melt material that meets both grades at once and dual-certify it as 304/304L – such sheet is suitable for applications specified for either grade. The grade of each lot is confirmed by an EN 10204 3.1 inspection certificate.
Chemical composition and grade equivalents
| Grade | C | Cr | Ni | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.4301 / 304 | ≤ 0.07 | 17.5–19.5 | 8.0–10.5 | ≤ 0.10 |
| 1.4307 / 304L | ≤ 0.030 | 17.5–19.5 | 8.0–10.5 | ≤ 0.10 |
Composition per EN 10088 (% by mass). Equivalents: 1.4301 = X5CrNi18-10 = AISI 304 = UNS S30400 · 1.4307 = X2CrNi18-9 = AISI 304L = UNS S30403.
Learn more about the EN, AISI, DIN and GOST designation systems in our guide Stainless steel designations explained.
Thicknesses, finishes and sheet sizes
We offer 304 stainless sheet from 0.4 to 45 mm thick in common sizes such as 1000×2000, 1250×2500 and 1500×3000 mm. Thin sheet usually comes in a 2B finish – cold rolled, annealed and pickled, with a smooth, matte surface. Heavier plate is supplied as 1D: hot rolled and pickled, with a rough gray surface. For decorative work there is BA (bright annealed in a protective atmosphere) and brushed sheet. We cut sheets to size on request. Sheet in this grade is produced to EN 10088-2, and to EN 10028-7 for pressure equipment. The price of 304 sheet depends mainly on thickness, finish and size.
Applications of 304 sheet
1.4301 sheet is the go-to material for food plant equipment, commercial kitchens, tanks, hoods and ventilation ducts, machine enclosures, interior components and equipment guards. Brushed and bright sheets are used in interior architecture, elevators and furniture.
304 or 316L sheet?
Grade 304 is fine in dry air, indoors and in contact with chloride-free water. With brine, seawater, road salt, strong disinfectants or organic acids, pitting corrosion can occur – in that case choose a molybdenum-bearing steel from our 316L / 1.4404 stainless sheet subcategory.
See also: the same grade is available as 304 / 1.4301 seamless tube and 304 / 1.4301 stainless round bar, and sheet in other grades is in our stainless sheet category.