304 stainless steel, also known as EN 1.4301, is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel. It is highly valued for its excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability, making it suitable for applications in construction, food processing, chemical equipment, and medical devices.
Common alternative designations:
UNS S30400
AISI 304
X5CrNi18-10 (EN designation)
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.07 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.015 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.5 – 19.5 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.0 – 10.5 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.11 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The specified values refer to the diameter range ≤ 160 (Ø in mm) and 160 < d ≤ 250 (Ø in mm)*
Hardness in HB: ≤ 215
Yield strength Rp0.2 in Mpa: ≥ 190
Yield strength Rp1.0 in Mpa: ≥ 225
Strength Rm in Mpa: 500-700
Elongation at break A in % (longitudinal): 45
Notched impact J (%) (longitudinal): 100
Magnetizability: low
Density (kg/dm³): 7,9
Thermal conductivity (up to 20°C): 15
Electronic resistance at room temperature (in Ω mm²/m): 0,73
| Grade : | X5CrNi18-10 | |||||||||||||||||
| Number: | 1.4301 | |||||||||||||||||
| Classification: | Austenitic stainless steel | |||||||||||||||||
| Density: | 7.9 g/cm ³ | |||||||||||||||||
| Standard: |
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Carbon Content: 1.4301 typically has a slightly lower carbon content (≤ 0.07%) compared to SS 304 (≤ 0.08%). This might give 1.4301 slightly better corrosion resistance, particularly in welded sections.
Sulfur Content: 1.4301 has a lower sulfur content (≤ 0.015%) compared to SS 304 (≤ 0.03%), which can affect machinability slightly.
In practice, they are interchangeable for most applications, and the choice between them often depends on regional availability or specific industry requirements.
Food-grade equipment
Heat exchangers
Sanitary piping systems
Architectural panels
Pressure vessels and storage tanks
Knowing the precise chemical makeup of 304 stainless steel helps avoid the risk of material failure or regulatory non-compliance in these industries.
For stainless steel buyers and engineers, verifying the chemical composition of 304 / 1.4301 stainless steel is a fundamental step in material selection. It impacts everything from corrosion resistance to processability and long-term reliability.
At GNEE, we provide full mill test certificates (MTC) with every batch of 304 stainless steel sheets, plates, tubes, or bars to ensure chemical compliance and traceability.
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