To be a Respected China Coating Steel Supplier
Home / All / STEEL PRODUCTS / Stainless Steel / 304 Stainless Steel Plate — Grade 18/8, Thickness 0.3–50 mm | MESCO
Can't find what you are looking for?providing the solution of the industrial raw materials based on the steel
Contact us for free modeling
Just fill-in the form below and we will response to you within 12 hours.
- Phone
- *Title
- *Content
304 Stainless Steel Plate — Grade 18/8, Thickness 0.3–50 mm | MESCO
Detail Information
Description
304 Stainless Steel Plate
Grade 304 stainless steel plate (UNS S30400 / EN 1.4301 / JIS SUS304) is the most widely produced and commercially used stainless steel in the world, accounting for approximately 50% of global stainless steel output. It is an austenitic chromium-nickel alloy containing a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel — commonly designated "18/8 stainless" — which imparts excellent corrosion resistance in atmospheric, fresh water, food processing, and mildly chemical environments. MESCO supplies Grade 304 stainless steel plate in thicknesses from 0.3 mm to 50 mm, widths up to 2,000 mm, and surface finishes including 2B, BA, No.4, HL, and 8K mirror, with full ASTM A240 / EN 10088 compliance and an EN 10204 Type 3.1 mill test certificate (MTC) included with every order.
Grade 304 Chemical Composition
The table below shows the nominal chemical composition of Grade 304 and its low-carbon variant Grade 304L, per ASTM A240 / EN 10088-2. The low carbon content of 304L (≤ 0.030% C) makes it the preferred choice when welding thicker sections, as it minimises the risk of chromium carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion at weld heat-affected zones.
| Element | Grade 304 (min / max %) | Grade 304L (min / max %) | Role |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.00 – 20.00 | 18.00 – 20.00 | Primary corrosion resistance — forms passive oxide layer |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.00 – 10.50 | 8.00 – 12.00 | Stabilises austenite, improves ductility & toughness |
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.070 | ≤ 0.030 | Lower C in 304L prevents weld sensitisation |
Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 | ≤ 2.00 | Deoxidiser, improves hot workability |
Silicon (Si) | ≤ 0.75 | ≤ 0.75 | Deoxidiser |
Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.045 | Residual — controlled for toughness |
Sulphur (S) | ≤ 0.030 | ≤ 0.030 | Residual — lower S improves weldability |
Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.10 | Increases strength and corrosion resistance |
Grade 304 Mechanical Properties
Mechanical property requirements per ASTM A240 and EN 10088-2 at room temperature (20°C). Actual values on the mill test certificate will meet or exceed these minimums.
| Property | Grade 304 | Grade 304L | Unit |
| Tensile Strength (min) | 515 | 485 | MPa (ASTM) / N/mm² |
| 0.2% Proof Stress (min) | 205 | 170 | MPa |
| Elongation at break (min) | 40 | 40 | % in 50 mm gauge length |
Hardness (max, Brinell) | 201 | 201 | HBW |
Hardness (max, Rockwell B) | 92 | 92 | HRB |
Density | 7.93 | 7.93 | g/cm³ |
Elastic modulus | 193 | 193 | GPa |
Thermal conductivity (20°C) | 16.2 | 16.2 | W/(m·K) |
Coefficient of thermal exp. | 17.2 | 17.2 | ×10⁻⁶/°C (0–100°C) |
Max continuous service temp. | 870 | 870 | °C (oxidising atmosphere) |
Max intermittent service temp | 925 | 925 | °C |
Grade 304 International Standard Equivalents
Buyers specifying to different national standards can cross-reference Grade 304 using the table below. All are substantially equivalent in composition and mechanical properties; minor differences exist in exact carbon and nickel ranges — always confirm against the relevant standard edition if critical.
| Standard | Designation | Key Difference vs ASTM A240 304 |
| ASTM A240 (USA) | 304 / 304L / 304H | Baseline — US procurement standard |
| UNS (USA) | S30400 / S30403 / S30409 | UNS S30403 = 304L; S30409 = high-carbon 304H |
| EN 10088-2 (Europe) | 1.4301 / 1.4307 | 1.4307 = 304L equivalent; common in EU tenders |
JIS G 4304/4305 (Japan) | SUS304 / SUS304L | Marginally tighter Ni range; otherwise equivalent |
GB/T 3280 (China) | 06Cr19Ni10 / 022Cr19Ni10 | 022 prefix = 304L equivalent; domestic standard |
BS 970 (UK, legacy) | 304S31 | Superseded by EN 10088 — still referenced in older specs |
ASME SA-240 (Pressure) | SA-240 304 / 304L | Identical to ASTM A240; adds ASME pressure code coverage |
ISO 15510 | X5CrNi18-10 | ISO harmonised grade; equivalent to 304 |
Grade 304 Stainless Steel Plate — Available Specifications
MESCO holds ready stock of Grade 304 in the size ranges below. All dimensions are nominal; thickness tolerances per ASTM A480 Table A2.1 or EN 10029 Class A unless otherwise specified. Custom thicknesses and widths outside the ranges below are available as mill orders (minimum 500 kg per size).
| Parameter | Range / Options | Notes |
| Thickness | 0.3 mm – 50 mm | Thinner gauges (0.3–3 mm) = cold-rolled sheet; ≥3 mm hot-rolled or cold-rolled plate |
| Width (standard) | 1,000 / 1,219 / 1,500 / 2,000 mm | 1,219 mm = 48 inches (common for US / export orders) |
| Length (standard) | 2,000 / 2,438 / 6,000 mm | 2,438 mm = 96 inches; custom cut-to-length available |
Width (max) | 2,000 mm | Wider options available as special order |
Surface Finish | 2B / BA / No.4 / HL / 8K Mirror | 2B is default if not specified; see surface finish section below |
Edge condition | Mill edge (as-rolled) or slit edge | Slit edge specified for close-tolerance strip and narrow coil |
Thickness tolerance | Per ASTM A480 Table A2.1 / EN 10029 Class A | Tighter tolerances (±0.05 mm) available on request |
Flatness | Per ASTM A480 Table A4.1 | Precision levelling available for flatness-critical applications |
Standard compliance | ASTM A240, ASME SA-240, EN 10088-2, GB/T 3280 | State required standard when requesting quote |
Certificate | EN 10204 Type 3.1 MTC included | Type 3.2 (countersigned TPI) available on request |
MOQ — stock items | 1 sheet / 1 kg | No minimum charge on orders ≥$500 USD equivalent |
MOQ — mill order | 500 kg per size | Lead time 4–8 weeks from mill; subject to mill schedule |
Lead time — stock | 3–7 business days | From order confirmation to ready-for-shipment |
Packing | Waterproof paper + PVC film + strap + wooden pallet | Export standard; fumigation certificate available |
Shipping port | FOB Shanghai / Ningbo / Tianjin | FOB / CIF / EXW also available |
Grade 304 Stainless Steel Plate — Surface Finishes
Surface finish affects appearance, cleanability, corrosion performance, and cost. All finishes listed below are available from MESCO in Grade 304 plate. Click the finish name for the dedicated specification page.
| Finish | Standard Ref. | Appearance | Ra (µm) | Typical Application | Cost vs 2B |
| 2B | ASTM A480 / EN 10088 | Smooth matte silver, low reflectivity | 0.10–0.50 | Food equipment, industrial vessels, general fabrication | Baseline |
| BA | ASTM A480 / EN 10088 | Highly reflective, near-mirror | < 0.10 | Appliance trim, kitchen equipment, decorative panels | +10–20% |
| No.4 | ASTM A480 / EN 10088 | Unidirectional brushed grain lines, satin | 0.20–0.80 | Elevator interiors, wall cladding, commercial kitchens, handrails | +15–25% |
HL (Hairline) | ASTM A480 / EN 10088 | Fine continuous grain, premium matte look | 0.30–1.00 | High-end interiors, architectural cladding, furniture | +20–30% |
8K Mirror | ASTM A480 / EN 10088 | Near-perfect reflectivity, mirror-like | < 0.05 | Luxury interiors, sculpture, display fixtures, signage | +40–70% |
Corrosion Resistance of Grade 304 Stainless Steel
Grade 304's corrosion resistance derives from the passive chromium oxide (Cr₂O₃) film that forms spontaneously on the surface in the presence of oxygen. This film is self-repairing — if damaged mechanically or chemically, it reforms in milliseconds when re-exposed to an oxygen-containing environment.
Environments where Grade 304 performs well
•Atmospheric corrosion — urban, rural, and light industrial environments (indefinite service life with periodic cleaning)
•Fresh water — mains water, deionised water, process water systems (up to ~200 ppm chloride at ambient temperature)
•Food acids — citric acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, phosphoric acid at dilute concentrations and ambient temperature
•Alkaline cleaning agents — dilute NaOH, detergents, and most CIP chemicals
•Nitric acid — excellent resistance to dilute and concentrated nitric acid (used in nitric acid process equipment)
•Organic compounds — alcohols, esters, ketones, oils, and most organic solvents
Environments requiring caution or upgrade to 316 / 2205
•High-chloride environments — seawater, coastal atmospheres, brine solutions above 200 ppm Cl⁻ at elevated temperature; risk of pitting and crevice corrosion → specify Grade 316L
•Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) — chloride concentrations above ~50 ppm at temperatures above 60°C; Grade 304 is susceptible → specify 316L, 2205, or use insulation/coating
•Strong reducing acids — sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid; 304 has poor resistance → specify 316L, Hastelloy, or specialist alloy
•Sensitisation — after welding sections thicker than ~6 mm without post-weld heat treatment; use 304L or 316L for welded fabrications that will be exposed to corrosive media
Grade 304 Stainless Steel Plate — Applications by Industry
Grade 304
Grade 304 is the default specification for a broad range of industries due to its balance of corrosion resistance, formability, weldability, and cost. The following sections describe the most common application areas supplied by MESCO.
Food Processing & Beverage Equipment
Grade 304 (18/8) stainless steel is the dominant material for food processing and beverage manufacturing equipment worldwide. Its smooth, non-porous surface inhibits bacterial adhesion, resists cleaning chemicals including chlorinated CIP agents (at controlled concentrations), and complies with FDA 21 CFR food contact regulations and EU Regulation 10/2011. Typical applications include processing tanks and vessels, mixing equipment, conveyor frames and belting supports, worktables and prep surfaces, storage silos, and filling lines. MESCO supplies food-grade 304 plate with 2B or BA surface finish, accompanied by a full material traceability certificate.
Architecture, Interior Design & Façades
Grade 304 in No.4 brushed, HL hairline, and 8K mirror finish is the most specified decorative stainless steel for interior architecture. Applications include elevator cab wall panels, column cladding, escalator balustrades, wall cladding in commercial lobbies, restaurant and retail interior fixtures, decorative screens, balustrade infill panels, and bespoke furniture. For external façades in urban or suburban environments without direct marine exposure, Grade 304 with a protective PVD coating or regular maintenance provides long-term aesthetic performance.
Commercial Kitchen & Catering Equipment
The commercial catering sector relies on Grade 304 2B and BA surface stainless steel plate for kitchen sinks, countertops, shelving, refrigeration panels, oven carcasses, and dishwasher components. The material's resistance to food acids, cleaning chemicals, and physical impact, combined with the ease of maintaining hygienic surfaces, make it the universal choice for professional kitchen manufacturers globally.
Pharmaceutical & Cleanroom Equipment
While Grade 316L is preferred for direct product-contact surfaces in pharmaceutical manufacturing, Grade 304 is widely specified for non-contact structural components — cleanroom wall panels, equipment frames, access platforms, ventilation ducting, and storage systems. Its ability to withstand repeated disinfection with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide vapour, and dilute chlorine without surface degradation makes it suitable for GMP-compliant manufacturing environments.
Building & Construction
Grade 304 stainless steel plate is used in structural and semi-structural applications including roof drainage systems, architectural louvres, safety grating, cable trays, and mechanical plant room equipment. Hot-rolled Grade 304 plate (6 mm and above) is specified for load-bearing connections and structural brackets in corrosive environments where carbon steel would require ongoing maintenance.
Transportation & Automotive
Grade 304 stainless steel sheet is used in automotive exhaust heat shields, decorative trim, and body panels requiring corrosion resistance without painting. In rail applications, 304 is specified for carriage interior panels, handrails, and structural linings where aesthetic appearance and long service life are required.
Why Source Grade 304 Stainless Steel Plate from MESCO?
Mill-Certified Every Order
•Original EN 10204 Type 3.1 mill test certificate (MTC) ships with every order, documenting chemical composition, mechanical properties, and heat/coil number from source mills including TISCO, BAOWU, and JISCO. No third-party reprocessors, no undocumented material.
Ready Stock in Grade 304
•The widest size range in Grade 304 is held in our Shanghai bonded warehouse. Thickness 0.3–50 mm, widths 1,000–2,000 mm, all five surface finishes. Trial orders accepted from 1 sheet.
Cut-to-Size Processing
•Longitudinal slitting, cross-cutting, and shearing to customer drawings. Tolerances to ±0.1 mm on cut dimensions. Precision levelling available. No minimum quantity on cut-to-size orders.
Export Specialist, 19+ Years
•Over 100 countries served since 2007. Experienced with ASTM, EN, JIS, and GB specifications. All standard Incoterms (FOB / CIF / CFR / EXW) and payment methods (T/T, L/C at sight, Trade Assurance) supported.
Full Documentation Package
•Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, MTC, and phytosanitary/fumigation certificate all available. Type 3.2 countersigned MTC (SGS, Bureau Veritas) on request.
Technical Support at No Charge
•MESCO's application team answers grade selection queries, standard cross-references, weldability questions, and specification interpretation at no charge. RFQ response within 8 hours on business days.
Grade 304 Stainless Steel Plate — Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 — What does "Grade 304" mean, and why is it called 18/8 stainless steel?
Grade 304 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel alloy standardised under ASTM A240 (UNS S30400), containing 18–20% chromium and 8–10.5% nickel — the source of the common shorthand "18/8 stainless." The chromium forms a thin, invisible, self-repairing passive oxide layer on the surface that prevents rust and corrosion in most atmospheric and aqueous environments. It is the most produced stainless steel grade globally and the default material for food processing equipment, commercial kitchens, architectural panels, and general industrial fabrication.
Q2 — What is the difference between Grade 304 and Grade 304L?
The only difference between Grade 304 and Grade 304L is carbon content: 304 has a maximum carbon of 0.070%, while 304L has a maximum of 0.030%. The lower carbon in 304L prevents chromium carbide precipitation at grain boundaries during welding (a process called sensitisation), which can cause intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone. For welded fabrications that will be exposed to corrosive environments, 304L is strongly recommended. In most other respects — corrosion resistance, formability, and surface finish — the two grades are interchangeable. Note that 304L has slightly lower minimum yield strength (170 MPa vs 205 MPa for 304).
Q3 — What is the difference between 2B and No.4 finish, and which should I specify?
2B finish is the standard cold-rolled commercial surface: smooth, matte silver, with a surface roughness (Ra) of 0.10–0.50 µm. It is the default surface for industrial equipment, food processing vessels, and storage tanks — wherever appearance is secondary to function. No.4 finish (also called brushed or satin) is mechanically abraded to produce a unidirectional grain with Ra 0.20–0.80 µm. It is the most popular finish for architectural and decorative applications — elevator wall panels, commercial kitchen surfaces, handrails, and wall cladding — because it is attractive, fingerprint-resistant, and easy to maintain. No.4 costs approximately 15–25% more than 2B.
Q4 — Can Grade 304 stainless steel be used for food contact applications?
Yes. Grade 304 stainless steel plate complies with FDA 21 CFR (US), EU Regulation 10/2011 (Europe), and GB 9684 (China) food contact material requirements when properly finished and maintained. The 2B or BA surface is recommended for food contact to minimise bacterial adhesion. Grade 304 is suitable for most food applications including dairy equipment, beverage tanks, brewing vessels, and commercial kitchen surfaces. However, for equipment in direct prolonged contact with brine, high-salt foods, acidic marinades, or aggressive CIP chemicals containing chlorides, Grade 316 offers superior pitting resistance and is the preferred specification.
Q5 — What surface roughness (Ra) does 2B finish 304 stainless steel have?
2B finish Grade 304 stainless steel plate has a surface roughness (Ra) of typically 0.10–0.50 µm, depending on thickness and production method. Thinner cold-rolled sheet (< 2 mm) typically achieves Ra < 0.25 µm. For applications requiring a specific maximum Ra value — such as pharmaceutical cleanrooms (commonly Ra ≤ 0.8 µm) or hygienic process equipment (Ra ≤ 0.5 µm) — please specify the required Ra on your enquiry and MESCO will provide appropriate documentation or advise on finishing options.
Q6 — Does MESCO provide ASTM A240 compliant material with a mill test certificate?
Yes. All Grade 304 stainless steel plate supplied by MESCO meets ASTM A240 (and the equivalent ASME SA-240 for pressure applications). Every order ships with an original mill test certificate (MTC) complying with EN 10204 Type 3.1, issued by the originating mill — TISCO, BAOWU, JISCO, or other major producers. The MTC documents the heat/coil number, measured chemical composition, mechanical test results (tensile strength, yield strength, elongation), and confirmation of compliance with the specified standard. For pressure vessel applications requiring ASME SA-240, this can be stated on the MTC upon request.
Q7 — What is the minimum order quantity for Grade 304 stainless steel plate?
For standard Grade 304 sizes and surface finishes held in stock, MESCO accepts trial orders from 1 sheet or 1 kg — there is no minimum quantity requirement for stock items. For cut-to-size orders, there is no minimum quantity, though a minimum order charge applies to very small orders. For non-stocked thicknesses, widths, or surface finishes requiring a mill production order, the minimum is typically 500 kg per size. Please include the grade, thickness, width, length, surface finish, and required standard when requesting a quote so we can confirm availability from stock or advise on mill order lead times.
Q8 — What are the standard plate sizes available, and can MESCO cut to my exact dimensions?
MESCO stocks Grade 304 in standard sheet sizes of 1,000 × 2,000 mm, 1,219 × 2,438 mm (48" × 96"), and 1,500 × 6,000 mm, with widths up to 2,000 mm. Cut-to-size service is available: specify your exact thickness, width, and length in millimetres or inches and MESCO will cut from standard stock to your dimensions with tolerances of ±0.1 mm on cut edges. This service eliminates material waste on your production floor and reduces handling costs. There is no minimum quantity for cut-to-size orders.
Request a Quote for Grade 304 Stainless Steel Plate
•Grade: 304 or 304L (confirm whether low-carbon 304L is required for welded fabrications)
•Thickness × Width × Length in mm or inches
•Surface finish: 2B / BA / No.4 / HL / 8K mirror
•Quantity: number of sheets, metric tons, or kg
•Required standard: ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240 / EN 10088 / GB/T 3280 — state which
•Special requirements: flatness tolerance, Ra limit, Type 3.2 MTC, third-party inspection
•Destination port and country
Review
- Loading...
Get Free & Quality Online Consultation
Send us some details about your needs and feel free to ask any questionss. Our sales team will get back to you via email within a day.
Contact us for free modeling
Just fill-in the form below and we will response to you within 12 hours.
- Phone
- *Title
- *Content
To be a Respected China Coating Steel Supplier
navigation
Integrated Building