Type 304 Rounds
About Type 304 Rounds
Type 304 stainless steel round bar offers excellent corrosion resistance and weldability. Conforming to ASTM A276, it is ideal for shafts, fasteners, and food processing equipment. Custom cutting is available.
Quick Facts
- Material: 304 Stainless Steel
- ASTM Standard: A276
- Available Sizes: 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16" and larger diameters
- Location: Los Angeles warehouse
- Services: Custom size, same-day pickup
Overview
Type 304 is the most versatile and widely used austenitic stainless steel, containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel. This composition provides outstanding resistance to a wide range of atmospheric, chemical, and food industry corrosives. Its non-magnetic properties in the annealed condition and excellent formability make it suitable for applications requiring both strength and complex shaping. It maintains its properties well in cryogenic temperatures.
As a round bar, 304 stainless steel provides a solid, machinable stock for creating cylindrical parts. It combines a 73,200 PSI tensile strength with exceptional toughness and ductility. The material is readily weldable by all standard fusion methods, both with and without filler metals. Its smooth surface finish is suitable for architectural and decorative applications where aesthetic appearance is as important as durability.
Technical Specifications
Mechanical Properties
| 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: Sanitary fittings, dairy processing equipment, beer brewing components - Excellent corrosion resistance and cleanability.
- Architectural: Handrails, decorative trim, support columns - High aesthetic appeal and durability against weathering.
- Machinery: Shafts, pins, fasteners, and bolts - Good strength and machinability for precision components.
- Medical: Surgical instruments, medical device components - Biocompatible and can be sterilized repeatedly.
- Automotive: Exhaust system parts, trim, grilles - Resists heat and corrosion from road salts.
- Kitchen Equipment: Sinks, countertops, appliance facings - Resists staining from food acids and cleaning agents.
- Chemical Processing: Small tanks, valves, and piping for handling various chemicals - Resists corrosion from many oxidizing acids.
Working with Type 304 Rounds
Machining
304 stainless steel has fair machinability. It is prone to work hardening, so the use of sharp tooling, slow speeds, and heavy, constant feeds is recommended to prevent glazing. Chip breakers are advisable as the chips can be stringy.
Welding
This grade has excellent weldability and is suitable for all common fusion and resistance welding techniques. Post-weld annealing is not typically required. For heavier sections, 304L is often preferred to minimize carbide precipitation.
Finishing
304 stainless steel can be finished to various standards, including brushed, polished, and passivated finishes. Passivation is often used to remove free iron from the surface and enhance the natural corrosion resistance of the protective oxide layer.
Related Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?
A: The primary difference is that 316 stainless steel contains molybdenum, which significantly enhances its resistance to corrosion, particularly from chlorides. 304 is suitable for general use, while 316 is preferred for marine or chemical applications.
Q: Is 304 stainless steel magnetic?
A: In its fully annealed state, 304 stainless steel is non-magnetic. However, it can become slightly magnetic after cold working or welding. For applications where non-magnetic properties are critical, a different material should be considered.
Q: Can 304 round bar be used for food-grade applications?
A: Yes, Type 304 is one of the most common materials used in the food and beverage industry. Its excellent corrosion resistance prevents contamination and makes it easy to clean and sanitize, meeting requirements for food contact surfaces.
Stock & Custom Sizes
Available diameters from 1/8" up to 6". Standard lengths: 12 ft. Custom size available.
Same-day cutting and Los Angeles pickup available.
View Sizes & PricingNeed Type 304 Rounds? Contact Bobco Metals for availability and Los Angeles pickup.
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