High Quality SS 304/304L/304H Round Bars & Rods

Mechanical Strength • Accuracy & Straightness • Quality & Finish

Stainless 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.

Other Types of Stainless Steel 304 / 304L / 304H Bars

Explore Stainless Steel Square Bar

Stainless Steel Square Bar

SS 304 / 304L / 304H Square Bar & Rod
UNS S30400 / S30403 / S30409 Square Bar
ASTM A276 / ASME SA276 Stainless Steel
DIN 1.4301 / 1.4307 Precision Square Bar

Explore Stainless Steel Hex Bar

Stainless Steel Hex Bar

ASTM A276 SS 304 Hexagonal Bar
SS 304L / 304H Cold Drawn Hex Bar
DIN 1.4301 / 1.4307 Hex Rod
UNS S30400 Stainless Steel Hex Bar

Explore Stainless Steel Rectangular Bar

Stainless Steel Rectangular Bar

SS 304 / 304L / 304H Rectangular Bar
ASTM A276 Stainless Steel Flat Rectangle
DIN 1.4301 Machined Rectangular Bar
UNS S30409 High Temperature Grade Bar

Explore Stainless Steel Flat Bar

Stainless Steel Flat Bar

SS 304 / 304L / 304H Flat Bar Supplier
ASTM A276 Hot Rolled & Cold Finished
DIN 1.4301 Stainless Steel Flat Strip
UNS S30400 Industrial Flat Bar

Explore Stainless Steel Bright Bar

Stainless Steel Bright Bar

ASTM A276 SS 304 Bright Drawn Bar
SS 304L / 304H Precision Bright Rod
UNS S30400 Mirror Finish Bright Bar
Cold Drawn & Peeled Stainless Steel

Explore Stainless Steel Forged Bar

Stainless Steel Forged Bar

UNS S30400 / S30403 / S30409 Forged Bar
ASTM A276 Heavy Duty Forged Rod
SS 304H High Strength Forged Bar
DIN 1.4301 Stainless Steel Forgings

304/304L/304H STAINLESS STEEL ROUND BAR 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 ROUND BAR

Stainless Steel Round Bar Specification	ASTM A276 / A479, ASME SA276 / SA479
Dimension Standard	EN, DIN, JIS, ASTM, BS, ASME, AISI
Size	14 mm to 300 mm
Length	50 mm to 6000 mm (Custom Cut Length)
Form	Round, Square, Hex (A/F), Rectangle, Billet, Ingot, Forged

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF STAINLESS STEEL 304/304L/304H ROUND BAR

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 ROUND BAR

Grade	Tensile Strength (ksi)	Yield Strength 0.2% (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 ROUND BAR

Density (lb/in³)	Thermal Conductivity (BTU/h·ft·°F)	Electrical Resistivity (×10⁶)	Modulus of Elasticity (psi ×10⁶)	Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (×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 (32–212°F) 10.2 (32–1000°F) 10.4 (32–1500°F)	0.1200 (68–212°F)	2500 – 2590

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF SS 304H ROUND BAR

Density (lb/in³)	Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	Thermal Conductivity (BTU/h·ft·°F)	Specific Heat (BTU/lb·°F)	Modulus of Elasticity (psi)
0.285 at 68°F	9.2 (68–212°F) 11.0 (68–1600°F)	9.4 at 212°F 12.4 at 932°F	0.12 (32–212°F)	29 × 10⁶ (E)

💡 Practical Difference in Use

Use Stainless Steel 304 Round Bars when: general-purpose corrosion resistance, good machinability, and cost-effective performance are required for shafts, fasteners, and machined components in normal industrial environments. → Example: shafts, bolts, nuts, couplings, pump parts, architectural fittings, and general engineering components.

Use Stainless Steel 304L Round Bars when: superior weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding are required in fabricated or welded bar components. → Example: welded shafts, structural supports, chemical equipment frames, pressure components, and fabricated assemblies.

Use Stainless Steel 304H Round Bars when: higher strength and improved creep resistance are required for continuous service at elevated temperatures in rotating or load-bearing parts. → Example: furnace components, heat exchanger rods, boiler supports, refinery fittings, and high-temperature mechanical parts.

Applications of Stainless Steel 304 / 304L / 304H Round Bars

Stainless Steel 304, 304L, and 304H round bars are widely used for machining, fabrication, and structural applications where corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and dimensional stability are required.

Mechanical Engineering: Shafts, pins, rollers, bushings, and precision-machined parts.
Chemical & Process Equipment: Agitator shafts, pump components, fasteners, and structural supports.
Construction & Fabrication: Anchors, brackets, handrails, threaded rods, and support structures.

When to Choose Stainless Steel 304 vs. 304L vs. 304H Round Bars?

The selection mainly depends on machining requirements, welding needs, corrosion performance after fabrication, and operating temperature.

Choose SS 304 Round Bars when:

General corrosion resistance is sufficient
Good machinability and surface finish are required
Minimal or no welding is involved
Cost-effective stainless steel is preferred
Used for shafts, fasteners, fittings, and machined components
Moderate temperature resistance is acceptable

Choose SS 304L Round Bars when:

Extensive welding or fabrication is required
Resistance to intergranular corrosion is critical
Post-weld heat treatment is not feasible
Used in welded shafts, frames, and pressure components
Better corrosion performance after welding is needed
Low carbon content is beneficial

Choose SS 304H Round Bars when:

High-temperature mechanical strength is critical
Improved creep resistance is required
Service involves continuous elevated temperatures
Used in furnace rods, boiler supports, refinery hardware
Higher carbon content is acceptable
Long-term thermal stability is essential

Industries That Use Stainless Steel 304 / 304L / 304H Round Bars

These grades are widely used in industries where machining accuracy, corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and long service life are essential.

Mechanical & Engineering Industry

Primary usage for precision-machined components.

Uses

Shafts, pins, bushings, rollers, threaded rods.

Why SS 304?

Excellent machinability, corrosion resistance, and durability.

Chemical & Process Industry

Used for corrosion-resistant rotating and structural parts.

Uses

Pump shafts, agitators, fasteners, equipment frames.

Why SS 304L?

Superior weldability and corrosion resistance after fabrication.

Construction & Fabrication

Used for architectural and load-bearing bar components.

Uses

Anchors, brackets, railings, threaded rods.

Why SS 304?

Excellent appearance, strength, and weather resistance.

Power & Energy Sector

Used for elevated temperature mechanical supports.

Uses

Boiler supports, furnace rods, heat exchanger tie rods.

Why SS 304H?

Higher creep strength and thermal stability.

Automotive & Transport

Used for machined and decorative automotive components.

Uses

Fasteners, shafts, brackets, trims.

Why SS 304?

Good strength, corrosion resistance, and finish quality.

Water & Utility Systems

Used in potable water and treatment facilities.

Uses

Pump shafts, fasteners, mechanical couplings.

Why SS 304L?

Excellent weldability and corrosion resistance.

General Manufacturing

Used across diverse manufacturing sectors.

Uses

Machine parts, fixtures, tooling components.

Why SS 304 Group?

Versatility, availability, and machining flexibility.

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