High Quality Stainless Steel Sheets & Plates
304 / 304L / 304H • Formable • Ductile • Machinable
Get a QuoteStainless Steel 304 / 304L / 304H Explained
Stainless Steel 304, 304L, and 304H are the most widely used austenitic chromium–nickel stainless steels, known for their excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and broad industrial usability. These grades provide outstanding resistance to atmospheric corrosion, oxidation, and many mildly aggressive chemical environments. While SS 304 is the standard all-purpose grade, SS 304L contains lower carbon for improved weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion, and SS 304H is engineered with higher carbon for enhanced strength and creep resistance at elevated temperatures.
Extensively used in food processing equipment, architectural structures, chemical tanks, pressure vessels, piping systems, and heat exchangers, SS 304/304L/304H offer an excellent balance of mechanical strength, fabrication ease, hygiene, and long service life. Their superior weldability, non-magnetic nature in annealed condition, and cost-effectiveness make them the preferred stainless steels for moderate temperature and corrosion-resistant applications.
304/304L/304H STAINLESS STEEL SHEETS AND PLATES EQUIVALENT GRADES
| STANDARD | UNS | WNR. | AFNOR | EN | JIS | BS | GOST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 304 | S30400 | 1.4301 | Z7CN18-09 | X5CrNi18-10 | SUS 304 | 304S31 | 08X18H10 |
| SS 304L | S30403 | 1.4306/1.4307 | Z3CN18-10 | X2CrNi18-9 / X2CrNi19-11 | SUS 304L | 304S11 | 03X18H11 |
| SS 304H | S30409 | 1.4301 |
SPECIFICATION OF STAINLESS STEEL 304/304L/304H SHEETS AND PLATES
| Standard | ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 |
|---|---|
| Dimension Standard | JIS, AISI, ASTM, GB, DIN, EN, etc |
| Width | 1000mm, 1219mm, 1500mm, 1800mm, 2000mm, 2500mm, 3000mm, 3500mm, etc |
| Length | 2000mm, 2440mm, 3000mm, 5800mm, 6000mm, etc |
| Thickness | 0.3 mm to 120 mm |
| Form | Coils, Foils, Rolls, Plain Sheet, Shim Sheet, Perforated Sheet, Chequered Plate, Strip, Flats, Blank (Circle), Ring (Flange) etc. |
| Surface Finishing | Hot rolled plate (HR), Cold rolled sheet (CR), 2B, 2D, BA, NO.1, NO.4, NO.8, 8K, mirror, Chequered, embossed, hair line, sand blast, Brush, etching, SATIN (Met with Plastic Coated) etc. |
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF STAINLESS STEEL 304/304L/304H SHEETS AND PLATES
| Grade | C% | Mn% | Si% | P% | S% | Cr% | Ni% | N% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 0.07 max | 2.0 max | 0.75 max | 0.045 max | 0.03 max | 18.0-20.0 | 8.0-10.5 | – |
| 304L | 0.03 max | 2.0 max | 0.75 max | 0.045 max | 0.03 max | 18.0-20.0 | 8.0-12.0 | 0.10 max |
| 304H | 0.04-0.10 | 2.0 max | 0.75 max | 0.045 max | 0.03 max | 18.0-20.0 | 8.0-10.5 | 0.10 max |
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF STAINLESS STEEL 304/304L/304H SHEETS AND PLATES
| Grade | Tensile Strength (ksi) | Yield Strength (ksi) | Elongation (%) | Hardness (Brinell) MAX | Hardness (Rockwell B) MAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 75 min | 30 min | 40 | 201 | 92 |
| 304L | 70 min | 25 min | 40 | 201 | 92 |
| 304H | 75 min | 30 min | 40 | 201 | 92 |
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SS 304/304L
| Density lb/in³ | Thermal Conductivity (BTU/h ft. °F) | Electrical Resistivity (in x 10⁶) | Modulus of Elasticity (psi x 10⁶) | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (in/in)/ °F x 10⁶ | Specific Heat (BTU/lb/ °F) | Melting Range (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.285 at 68°F | 9.4 at 212°F 12.4 at 932°F |
28.3 at 68°F 39.4 at 752°F 49.6 at 1652°F |
28 | 9.4 at 32–212°F 10.2 at 32–1000°F 10.4 at 32–1500°F |
0.1200 at 68°F to 212°F | 2500 to 2590 |
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SS 304H
| Density lb/in³ | Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (min/in)-°F | Thermal Conductivity BTU/h-ft.-°F | Specific Heat BTU/lb -°F | Modulus of Elasticity (psi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.285 at 68°F | 9.2 at 68–212°F 11.0 at 68–1600°F |
9.4 at 212°F 12.4 at 932°F |
0.12 at 32–212°F | 29 x 10⁶ in tension (E) |
💡 Practical Difference in Use
Use Stainless Steel 304 when: general-purpose corrosion resistance, good formability, and cost-effective performance are required for normal industrial and commercial environments.
→ Example: kitchen equipment, food processing machinery, storage tanks, architectural panels, and household appliances.
Use Stainless Steel 304L when: superior weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding are required in mildly corrosive environments.
→ Example: welded chemical tanks, pharmaceutical equipment, pipelines, pressure vessels, and structural fabrications.
Use Stainless Steel 304H when: higher strength and improved creep resistance are required for continuous service at elevated temperatures. → Example: heat exchangers, boilers, refinery piping, and high-temperature pressure systems.
Applications of Stainless Steel 304 / 304L / 304H Sheets and Plates
Stainless Steel 304, 304L, and 304H are among the most widely used stainless steel grades across industries requiring corrosion resistance, hygiene, strength, and fabrication versatility.
- Food & Beverage Industry: Excellent hygiene and corrosion resistance for processing and storage equipment.
- Chemical Processing: Used for tanks, vessels, and pipelines in mildly corrosive environments.
- Construction & Architecture: Preferred for decorative panels, cladding, and structural components.
When to Choose Stainless Steel 304 vs. 304L vs. 304H?
The selection mainly depends on welding requirements, corrosion performance after fabrication, and operating temperature.
Choose SS 304 when:
- General corrosion resistance is sufficient
- Good formability and surface finish are required
- No heavy welding is involved
- Cost-effective stainless steel is preferred
- Used in food equipment, kitchenware, and architectural works
- Moderate temperature resistance is acceptable
Choose SS 304L when:
- Extensive welding is required
- Resistance to intergranular corrosion is critical
- Post-weld heat treatment is not feasible
- Used in chemical tanks, pipelines, and pressure vessels
- Better corrosion performance after fabrication is needed
- Low carbon content is beneficial
Choose SS 304H when:
- High-temperature strength is critical
- Improved creep resistance is required
- Service involves continuous elevated temperatures
- Used in boilers, heat exchangers, and refinery systems
- Higher carbon content is acceptable
- Long-term thermal stability is essential
Industries That Use Stainless Steel 304 / 304L / 304H Sheets and Plates
These grades are extensively used in industries where corrosion resistance, hygiene, strength, and fabrication flexibility are essential.
Primary application area due to excellent hygiene and corrosion resistance.
Uses
Processing equipment, storage tanks, conveyors, and kitchen systems.
Why SS 304?
Non-reactive surface, easy cleaning, and long service life.
Used for mildly corrosive chemical environments.
Uses
Storage vessels, pipelines, reaction tanks.
Why SS 304?
Good resistance to many chemicals and ease of fabrication.
Widely used for structural and decorative purposes.
Uses
Cladding, railings, facades, and structural sheets.
Why SS 304?
Excellent appearance, corrosion resistance, and durability.
Critical for clean and contamination-free environments.
Uses
Reactors, process vessels, and cleanroom equipment.
Why SS 304?
High purity surface and excellent cleanability.
Used in moderate temperature power applications.
Uses
Heat exchangers, ducts, and piping supports.
Why SS 304H?
Higher temperature strength and creep resistance.
Used for both structural and decorative components.
Uses
Exhaust trims, brackets, covers, and body panels.
Why SS 304?
Good strength, corrosion resistance, and surface finish.
Used for potable and industrial water systems.
Uses
Tanks, pipelines, filtration units.
Why SS 304L?
Excellent weldability and corrosion resistance.
Used across multiple fabrication industries.
Uses
Structural frameworks, enclosures, equipment housings.
Why SS 304 Group?
Versatility, availability, and ease of fabrication.
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