1. Material Overview 🧱
Stainless Steel 304, often referred to as AISI 304 or 18/8 stainless, is one of the most widely used austenitic stainless steels in engineering and industrial applications. With a nominal composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, it exhibits an excellent balance of corrosion resistance, formability, weldability, and strength, making it a go-to choice across sectors from consumer products to aerospace components.
As an austenitic non-magnetic steel, 304 remains ductile at cryogenic temperatures, resists oxidation up to 870°C, and is widely available globally, making it an efficient and economical solution for many mechanical design challenges.
2. Chemical Composition and Property Correlation ⚗️
The chemical composition of 304 stainless steel plays a crucial role in its behavior under mechanical and environmental stress:
Element Typical Range (%) Role in Material Behavior
Chromium (Cr) 18.0–20.0 Forms a passive oxide layer for corrosion resistance 🛡️
Nickel (Ni) 8.0–10.5 Stabilizes the austenitic phase; improves ductility and toughness
Carbon (C) ≤ 0.08 Low carbon content prevents carbide precipitation in welding
Manganese (Mn) ≤ 2.0 Enhances hot-working properties
Silicon (Si) ≤ 1.0 Strengthens ferrite matrix and improves oxidation resistance
Phosphorus (P) ≤ 0.045 Controlled to avoid brittleness
Sulfur (S) ≤ 0.03 Kept low to enhance corrosion resistance
🔬 Performance Linkage:
The synergy between Cr and Ni gives 304 its austenitic structure, while chromium’s passive layer significantly improves its resistance to a wide range of oxidizing environments. The low carbon content improves intergranular corrosion resistance, especially after welding.
3. Machining Adaptability ⚙️
While 304 offers many desirable mechanical traits, it can pose challenges in precision machining.
🔧 Machining Traits:
Work Hardening: 304 tends to work-harden quickly, which increases cutting forces and tool wear.
Tooling Recommendations: Use sharp carbide tools with optimized geometries to minimize built-up edges.
Coolant Use: Flood coolant systems are essential to dissipate heat and preserve tool life.
Surface Finish: Excellent surface finish is achievable with proper feeds and speeds.
💡 Tip for Machinists:
Use low cutting speeds and high feed rates to reduce work hardening and prolong tool life. Opt for coated tools (TiAlN or TiCN) for best results in high-volume production environments.
4. Physical Properties and Service Conditions 🌡️
Stainless Steel 304 offers stable mechanical and thermal properties across a wide temperature range:
Property Typical Value Note
Density 7.93 g/cm³ Standard for austenitic steels
Melting Range 1400–1450°C High melting point for heat resistance
Tensile Strength 515–720 MPa Moderate to high, depending on processing
Yield Strength ~205 MPa Suitable for moderate load applications
Elongation 40–50% Excellent ductility and toughness
Hardness (Brinell) ~201 HB Soft in annealed state
Thermal Conductivity 16.2 W/m·K Lower than carbon steel – heat buildup in cutting
Magnetic Response Non-magnetic (annealed) Becomes slightly magnetic after cold work
Oxidation Resistance Up to 870°C Continuous service; intermittent up to 925°C
🌡️ Temperature Range:
304 maintains mechanical integrity at cryogenic temperatures, making it ideal for low-temperature and vacuum systems.
5. Typical Application Fields 🛠️
Thanks to its versatility, 304 stainless steel is used across dozens of industries and hundreds of applications, especially where corrosion resistance, hygiene, or weldability are important.
✨ Key Applications:
Food & Beverage Industry: Tanks, piping, kitchen equipment 🍽️
Pharmaceutical Equipment: Reactors, cleanroom furnishings 💊
Architecture: Facades, handrails, decorative trims 🏢
Automotive: Exhaust manifolds, trim, and fuel lines 🚗
Chemical Processing: Heat exchangers, pumps, and valves ⚗️
Medical Devices: Surgical trays, sterilization equipment 🏥
Consumer Products: Sinks, cookware, appliances 🧼
6. Performance Advantages of 304 Stainless Steel ✅
Advantage Why It Matters
🌊 Corrosion Resistance Withstands moisture, acids, and chemicals effectively
🧲 Non-magnetic Excellent for sensitive equipment and electronic housing
🔩 Weldability Easily weldable without cracking or distortion
🌀 Ductility and Formability Easily cold-worked into various complex geometries
🔥 Heat Resistance Can be used in high-temperature applications
💰 Cost Efficiency Lower cost compared to other corrosion-resistant alloys
♻️ Recyclability 100% recyclable, supporting sustainable design
🌟 Comparison to 316:
Although 316 offers better corrosion resistance due to molybdenum content, 304 remains the preferred choice in cost-sensitive applications where exposure to chlorides is minimal.
7. Conclusion 🎯
For mechanical designers seeking a robust, versatile, and widely available material, Stainless Steel 304 continues to be a cornerstone material. It offers a balance of:
🔧 Machinability and workability for complex shapes
🛡️ Corrosion resistance in industrial and consumer environments
💪 Mechanical durability across a broad temperature range
🔩 Excellent weldability for structural or hygienic fabrication
When your design demands reliability, longevity, and formability — without the price tag of exotic alloys — 304 stainless steel delivers proven performance.
🔁 Final Design Tip:
For best results, always specify the finish (e.g., 2B, BA, No.4, or mirror), corrosion exposure level, and post-fabrication processes (e.g., passivation) in your design drawings to optimize the long-term integrity of 304 stainless steel components.
Established in 2018, Super-Ingenuity Ltd. is located at No. 1, Chuangye Road, Shangsha, Chang’an Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province — a hub of China’s manufacturing excellence.
With a registered capital of RMB 10 million and a factory area of over 10,000 m2, the company employs more than 100 staff, of which 40% are engineers and technical personnel.
Led by General Manager Ray Tao (陶磊 ), the company adheres to the core values of “Innovation-Driven, Quality First, Customer-Centric” to deliver end-to-end precision manufacturing services — from product design and process verification to mass production.
Advanced Digital & Smart Manufacturing Platform
Online Instant Quoting: In-house developed AI + rule engine generates DFM analysis, cost breakdown, and process suggestions within 3 minutes. Supports English / Chinese / Japanese.
MES Production Execution: Real-time monitoring of workshop capacity and quality. Automated SPC reporting with CPK ≥1.67.
IoT & Predictive Maintenance: Key machines connected to OPC UA platform for remote diagnostics, predictive upkeep, and intelligent scheduling.
Fast Turnaround & Global Shipping Support
| Production Cycle | Metal parts: 1–3 days; Plastic parts: 5–7 days; Small batch: 5–10 days; Urgent: 24 hours | | Logistics Partners | UPS, FedEx, DHL, SF Express — 2-day delivery to major Western markets |
Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility
Energy Optimization: Smart lighting and HVAC systems
Material Recycling: 100% of aluminum and plastic waste reused
Carbon Neutrality: Full emissions audit by 2025; carbon-neutral production by 2030
Community Engagement: Regular training and environmental initiatives
Official website address：https://super-ingenuity.cn/
