AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL

AISI 304

AISI 304 is listed in the AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL material family. The reference data below should be checked against the governing product specification, product form and delivery condition before selection or certification.

AISI 304
MATERIAL INTRODUCTION

AISI 304

The reference chemistry table for AISI 304 lists Chromium (Cr): Primary corrosion-resistant alloying element; Nickel (Ni): Austenite stabilizer; Carbon (C): Controlled to suit grade and condition. Confirm exact limits and analysis tolerances against the governing standard and product form.

The mechanical-property table for AISI 304 lists Tensile Strength: Condition and product-form dependent —; Yield Strength: Condition and product-form dependent —; Elongation: Condition and product-form dependent %; Hardness: Grade and condition dependent —. These are reference entries; supplied condition, dimensions, test method and governing specification control the requirements, and the figures are not design allowables.

Werkstoff / EN cross-reference for AISI 304: 1.4301. This comparison does not guarantee interchangeability; confirm chemistry, product form and condition against the governing specification.

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TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Material Identification

Standard identification and material designation information for AISI 304.

Material AISI 304
UNS Number S30400
Werkstoff Number 1.4301
Material Type Austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel
MATERIAL PROPERTIES

Chemical Composition

The reference chemistry table lists Chromium (Cr): Primary corrosion-resistant alloying element; Nickel (Ni): Austenite stabilizer; Carbon (C): Controlled to suit grade and condition. Confirm the governing standard, product analysis tolerances and product form before ordering.

Element / feature Symbol Grade information
Chromium Cr Primary corrosion-resistant alloying element
Nickel Ni Austenite stabilizer
Carbon C Controlled to suit grade and condition
Other elements — Limits controlled by applicable specification
PERFORMANCE DATA

Mechanical Properties

The table reports Tensile Strength: Condition and product-form dependent —; Yield Strength: Condition and product-form dependent —; Elongation: Condition and product-form dependent %; Hardness: Grade and condition dependent — as reference data for AISI 304. Actual requirements depend on condition, dimensions, test method and specification; these values are not design allowables.

Property Value Unit
Tensile Strength Condition and product-form dependent —
Yield Strength Condition and product-form dependent —
Elongation Condition and product-form dependent %
Hardness Grade and condition dependent —
MATERIAL DATA

Physical Properties

Density Typically about 7.9–8.1 g/cm³
Elastic Modulus Typically about 193 GPa
Thermal Conductivity Typically about 14–17 W/m·K
Specific Heat Typically about 500 J/kg·K
Melting Range Typically about 1370–1450°C
WHY SELECT THIS MATERIAL

Material Characteristics

AISI 304 is a widely used austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel offering a balance of corrosion resistance, formability and weldability. Key performance features vary by grade and condition.

01

General corrosion resistance

AISI 304 is selected when general corrosion resistance is important in service.

02

Excellent formability

The grade provides excellent formability, subject to product form and specification.

03

Good weldability

This characteristic supports use of AISI 304 in appropriate industrial environments.

04

Austenitic structure

Performance depends on the certified material condition and governing specification.

AISI 304 Bolting Products

INDUSTRIAL USE

Typical Applications

AISI 304 is selected for bolting and engineered components where its corrosion, temperature or fabrication characteristics match the service environment.

01

General Industrial Use

Typical applications include general fabrication. Confirm suitability against the project specification, temperature, media and product condition.

02

Process & Chemical Service

Typical applications include food and process equipment. Confirm suitability against the project specification, temperature, media and product condition.

03

Bolting & Fasteners

Typical applications include piping and pressure equipment. Confirm suitability against the project specification, temperature, media and product condition.

04

High-Temperature / Special Service

Typical applications include bolting and fasteners. Confirm suitability against the project specification, temperature, media and product condition.

ENGINEERING GUIDE

Engineering Considerations

Material Selection

Consider corrosion environment, temperature, product form, fastener size, heat treatment and the governing specification when selecting AISI 304.

Formability

Corrosion Resistance: AISI 304 is intended for corrosion-resistant service, but actual performance depends on the environment, concentration, temperature and surface condition.

Mechanical Requirements

Mechanical Requirements: use certified mechanical properties for the exact grade, product form and condition; do not substitute generic family values for design allowables.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Werkstoff number for AISI 304?

The commonly listed Werkstoff / EN cross-reference for AISI 304 is 1.4301. Treat this as a grade comparison, not a guarantee of interchangeability. Verify chemistry, product form, condition and governing specification against the supplier certificate before substitution.

Where is AISI 304 used?

Typical applications include general fabrication, food and process equipment, piping and pressure equipment. Suitability depends on service environment and product condition.

Are the mechanical properties of AISI 304 condition dependent?

Yes. Tensile strength, yield strength, elongation and hardness vary with product form, heat treatment, cold work, section size and the governing specification.

ENGINEERING SUPPORT

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