Type 304 Flats
About Type 304 Flats
Type 304 stainless steel flat bar offers excellent corrosion resistance, high ductility, and superior weldability. Conforms to ASTM A276. Ideal for structural supports and food processing equipment. Los Angeles stock with custom cutting.
Quick Facts
- Material: 304 Stainless Steel
- ASTM Standard: A276
- Temper/Condition: Annealed
- Available Sizes: Widths 1/2" to 3-1/2", Thicknesses 1/16" to 1/8"
- Location: Los Angeles warehouse
- Services: Custom size, same-day pickup
Overview
Type 304 stainless steel is the most widely used austenitic chromium-nickel alloy, often referred to as "18-8" for its composition of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This makeup provides excellent resistance to a wide range of atmospheric, chemical, and food industry corrosives. In its annealed condition, Type 304 is non-magnetic and possesses exceptional ductility and formability, making it suitable for complex shapes. It maintains its properties even at cryogenic temperatures.
As a flat bar, Type 304 provides a versatile, rectangular profile with sharp corners and precise dimensions, ideal for structural and fabrication projects. The materialâs inherent strength and corrosion resistance make it a durable choice for braces, supports, and framework. Its clean, mill finish also allows it to be used in architectural and decorative applications where both aesthetics and longevity are important. Most stock is dual-certified as 304/304L, ensuring good weldability.
Technical Specifications
Mechanical Properties (Typical for Annealed Condition)
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 73,200 | PSI |
| Yield Strength | 31,200 | PSI |
| Elongation | 70 | % |
| Hardness | 123 | HB |
Applicable Standards
- ASTM A276: Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes.
Common Applications
- Food & Beverage: Equipment framework, countertops, sinks, and braces - due to its hygienic surface and resistance to organic acids.
- Architecture & Construction: Decorative trim, brackets, supports, and handrail components - for its appearance and weather resistance.
- General Fabrication: Flanges, gussets, base plates, and machine parts - valued for its strength and ease of welding.
- Chemical Processing: Tank supports and structural components - for resistance to many chemical solutions.
- Medical Equipment: Instrument trays and support structures - because it is easily sterilized and non-reactive.
- Automotive: Brackets and trim components - where moderate corrosion resistance is required.
- Marine: Non-critical fittings and hardware in freshwater environments - for its resistance to corrosion.
Working with Type 304 Flats
Machining
Type 304 stainless steel has fair machinability but is prone to work-hardening. For best results, use slow speeds, heavy and constant feeds, sharp tooling, and a proper lubricant. Chip breakers are recommended as the chips can be stringy and tough.
Welding
This grade exhibits excellent weldability by all standard fusion methods, both with and without filler metals. For maximum corrosion resistance, use AWS E/ER 308L filler rods. Post-weld annealing is generally not required for thin sections, especially when using the low-carbon 304L variant.
Finishing
304 stainless steel can be mechanically polished to a variety of finishes, including brushed (#4) or mirror (#8). After fabrication or welding, the surface should be cleaned and passivated to remove free iron and restore the protective chromium-oxide layer for maximum corrosion resistance.
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between 304 and 304L stainless steel?
A: 304L has a lower carbon content (0.03% max) than standard 304 (0.08% max). This reduction minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, which can reduce corrosion resistance. For this reason, 304L is preferred for welded components, especially thicker sections. Most of our stock is dual-certified 304/304L.
Q: Is 304 stainless steel magnetic?
A: In its fully annealed state, Type 304 is non-magnetic (a key characteristic of austenitic stainless steels). However, it can become slightly magnetic after cold working (e.g., bending, forming, machining), as the process can transform some of the austenite into martensite.
Q: When should I choose 316 stainless instead of 304?
A: You should choose Type 316 when your application involves exposure to salt water, de-icing salts, or other chloride solutions. The addition of molybdenum in 316 provides significantly greater resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared to 304, making it the standard for marine environments.
Stock & Custom Sizes
Available widths: 1/2" to 3-1/2". Thicknesses: 1/16" to 1/8". Standard lengths: 12 ft. Custom size available.
Same-day cutting and Los Angeles pickup available.
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