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Core Advantages and Applications of Grade 304 Stainless Steel – The Leading Austenitic Alloy

Published on: 2026-07-24

Summary

Grade 304 stainless steel (SUS304), also known as 18/8 austenitic stainless steel, is the most widely used stainless steel grade worldwide. With excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability, outstanding formability and cost-effective performance, it is widely applied in construction, food processing, machinery manufacturing and industrial equipment.

Containing approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, 304 stainless steel forms a protective passive film on its surface, providing reliable resistance against rust and oxidation in atmospheric and freshwater environments. Its austenitic structure delivers excellent ductility, toughness and low magnetic properties, making it suitable for bending, stamping, welding, cutting and polishing.

Available Products and Applications

Hongchen Metal supplies various 304 stainless steel products, including:

Stainless steel sheet and plate
Stainless steel coil
Stainless steel round bar
Seamless and welded pipe
Stainless steel profiles and wire

Available surface finishes include 2B, BA, brushed and mirror finishes.

304 stainless steel is widely used in:

Food and beverage industry: storage tanks, pipelines, kitchen equipment
Architecture and decoration: handrails, elevator panels, building facades
Machinery manufacturing: equipment housings, fittings, heat exchanger parts
Water treatment and pharmaceutical facilities: mild corrosive environments

304 vs 316L Stainless Steel

304 stainless steel provides excellent performance for general atmospheric and freshwater applications with a more competitive cost. For marine environments or high-chloride conditions, 316L stainless steel is recommended due to its enhanced corrosion resistance.

When purchasing 304 stainless steel, buyers should always request Material Test Certificates (MTC) to verify material quality and avoid counterfeit products.

About Hongchen Metal Products

Hongchen Metal Products (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd. supplies genuine SUS304 stainless steel sheets, plates, coils, bars and pipes for global customers. We provide customized cutting and processing services with complete MTC documentation, serving manufacturers, engineering contractors and overseas buyers with stable supply and professional support.