
Type 304 Plates
Type 304 Plates
Type 304 Stainless Steel is the basic "18-8" chromium-nickel stainless steel, containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It combines excellent mechanical properties with remarkable resistance to many corrosive agents, offering high resistance to rust and exceptional fabrication capabilities. As the most widely used austenitic stainless steel, Type 304 plates are ideal for a wide range of industrial, architectural, and food processing applications.
- 304/304L Stainless
- 18-8 Chromium-Nickel
- Excellent Corrosion Resistance
- Excellent Weldability
Overview
Type 304 Stainless Steel Plates represent the most widely used austenitic stainless steel, commonly known as '18-8' for its 18% chromium and 8% nickel composition. This fundamental alloy offers an exceptional balance of corrosion resistance, formability, and durability, making it the go-to material for a vast range of industrial applications. As a premier supplier for B2B clients, we provide high-quality Type 304 plates that meet rigorous industry standards, ensuring reliability for your most demanding projects.
Type 304 plates belong to the 300 series of stainless steels. The key to their performance lies in the chromium content, which forms a passive, self-healing oxide layer on the surface for corrosion protection. The addition of nickel stabilizes the austenitic microstructure, providing high toughness and excellent fabrication characteristics, even at cryogenic temperatures. This combination makes Type 304 plates versatile and easy to work with using standard shop fabrication methods.
The utility of Type 304 stainless steel plates is nearly limitless. They are specified across industries for components that require a combination of strength, hygiene, and resistance to rust. Common uses include chemical processing equipment, food and beverage processing machinery, architectural panels and facades, kitchen equipment, pharmaceutical tubing and tanks, and cryogenic vessels. Their excellent weldability and ductility allow for complex designs in structural and non-structural applications.
Choosing Type 304 plates offers numerous benefits for B2B manufacturers and fabricators. Its outstanding corrosion resistance handles a wide spectrum of environments, from mild chemicals to atmospheric exposure. The material boasts high tensile and yield strength, providing structural integrity. Furthermore, Type 304 plates are known for their excellent fabrication ability; they can be easily welded, formed, stamped, and machined. This versatility, combined with its cost-effectiveness compared to higher alloys, makes Type 304 stainless steel plate an unbeatable value for countless industrial and commercial applications.
Specifications
- Standard: ASTM A240/A240M
- Grade: UNS S30400
- Condition: Annealed & Pickled
- Thickness Range: 1/8 inch (3mm) to 4 inches (101.6mm) and above
- Width Range: 48 inches (1219mm) to 96 inches (2438mm)
- Length Range: 96 inches (2438mm) to 240 inches (6096mm)
- Thickness Tolerance: Compliant with ASTM A480
- Width/Length Tolerance: 0.5 inch
- Flatness: Standard commercial tolerances per ASTM A480
- Chemistry: Meets ASTM A240 requirements for Cr, Ni, C, Mn, Si, P, S, N
Applications
- Food & Beverage Processing: Tanks, vats, conveyors, mixing equipment
- Chemical Processing: Pressure vessels, piping, storage tanks, heat exchangers
- Architectural & Construction: Wall cladding, roofing, elevator panels, decorative trim
- Pharmaceutical: Bio-processing equipment, tubing, hoppers, cleanroom structures
- Kitchen & Catering: Sinks, countertops, worktables, shelving
- Automotive: Trim, exhaust components, structural parts
- Marine: Hardware, fittings, and components for non-saltwater submerged service
- Medical Equipment: Surgical instruments, equipment housings
- Cryogenic Applications: Storage tanks and equipment for low-temperature service
Weldability
- Excellent weldability using MIG, TIG, and Stick welding processes
- Recommended filler metals: ER308, ER308L, or ER309 for dissimilar metals
- Use proper shielding gas (argon or argon/CO? mixtures) for optimal results
- Clean surfaces thoroughly before welding to remove contaminants
- Use low heat input to minimize carbide precipitation in the heat-affected zone
- Post-weld cleaning and passivation recommended for maximum corrosion resistance
How to Measure
Thickness: Measured in inches or millimeters. Specify as the first dimension.
Width & Length: Specify dimensions in inches or millimeters (e.g., 48" x 96").
Ordering Example: Type 304 Stainless Steel Plate, 0.25" x 48" x 96", 2B Finish
Standard Tolerances: Apply unless otherwise specified. Thickness tolerance compliant with ASTM A480.
Custom Cuts: Provide detailed drawing with critical dimensions clearly marked.
Finish: Indicate required finish (e.g., 2B, No. 4, polished) when ordering.
Order Checklist
- Thickness (inches or millimeters)
- Width and length dimensions
- Grade (304 or 304L)
- Quantity (plates or square footage)
- Finish requirements (2B, No. 4, polished, etc.)
- Cutting instructions (full plates or custom cut)
- Any certifications required (MTR)
- Special handling or packaging requirements
- Surface condition requirements (annealed & pickled, etc.)
| Item Size & Description | Weight (lbs.)/Ft | Select Size | Qty | Price | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.575 |
Choose from predefined sizes or select custom size for manual entry |
Enter quantity between 1 and 999 | Select a Size |
