Stainless Steel 304

Q: What is the difference between 304 and 316L?

316L contains molybdenum, which improves resistance to chlorides and pitting. Choose 304 for standard environments — indoors, food contact, general fabrication — and 316L where salt, moisture, or chemicals are a factor, such as coastal or pool installations.

Q: What surface finishes are available for 304?

2B mill finish, N4 brushed, N5 satin, N8 mirror, and polished grit options from 320 to 900, depending on product form. See our finishes page for the full overview.

Q: What forms do you stock 304 in?

Sheet, strip, coil, and tube. Bespoke dimensions and other forms can be sourced to order — contact our sales team with your specification.

Q: Do you supply mill certificates?

Yes. EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates documenting chemical composition and mechanical properties are available. State the requirement in your enquiry.

Q: How do I order grade 304?

All orders are handled via quotation. Send your specification — grade, form, dimensions, finish, and quantity — to our sales team and we will respond with pricing and availability.

Grade 304 — EN 1.4301, AISI 304, SS 2333 — is the most widely specified austenitic stainless steel. Supplied as sheet, strip, coil, and tube. EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates are available on request.

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One grade, three designations.

EN 1.4301, AISI 304, and SS 2333 all refer to the same material. Whichever standard your drawings follow, you are ordering the same grade.

Three names, one grade

Specified as EN 1.4301 in Europe, AISI 304 internationally, and SS 2333 under the former Swedish standard. All designate the same austenitic stainless steel.

Three names, one grade

Specified as EN 1.4301 in Europe, AISI 304 internationally, and SS 2333 under the former Swedish standard. All designate the same austenitic stainless steel.

Three names, one grade

Specified as EN 1.4301 in Europe, AISI 304 internationally, and SS 2333 under the former Swedish standard. All designate the same austenitic stainless steel.

Austenitic 18/8 composition

Approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel — the classic 18/8 composition. Non-magnetic in the annealed condition, readily weldable, and easy to form.

Austenitic 18/8 composition

Approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel — the classic 18/8 composition. Non-magnetic in the annealed condition, readily weldable, and easy to form.

Austenitic 18/8 composition

Approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel — the classic 18/8 composition. Non-magnetic in the annealed condition, readily weldable, and easy to form.

Certificate on request

EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates documenting chemical composition and mechanical properties are available on request.

Certificate on request

EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates documenting chemical composition and mechanical properties are available on request.

Certificate on request

EN 10204 3.1 mill certificates documenting chemical composition and mechanical properties are available on request.

Stock forms and surface finishes

Grade 304 is held in the forms and finishes most fabricators need. Bespoke dimensions can be sourced to order.

Sheet

Flat sheet in standard formats, suitable for cutting, folding, and general fabrication.

Sheet

Flat sheet in standard formats, suitable for cutting, folding, and general fabrication.

Sheet

Flat sheet in standard formats, suitable for cutting, folding, and general fabrication.

Strip

Slit strip to specified widths for pressing, roll forming, and component manufacture.

Strip

Slit strip to specified widths for pressing, roll forming, and component manufacture.

Strip

Slit strip to specified widths for pressing, roll forming, and component manufacture.

Coil

Coil for continuous processing and higher-volume production runs.

Coil

Coil for continuous processing and higher-volume production runs.

Coil

Coil for continuous processing and higher-volume production runs.

Tube

Welded tube in round, square, and rectangular sections for structural and decorative work.

Tube

Welded tube in round, square, and rectangular sections for structural and decorative work.

Tube

Welded tube in round, square, and rectangular sections for structural and decorative work.

Available finishes

Sheets — Cold Rolled

2B — mill finish

BA — bright annealed

N4 — wet ground

N5 — dry ground

320 grit — dry ground

Sheets — Hot Rolled

N1/D1 — hot rolled, annealed and pickled

Tubes

Mill finish / as welded

Polished 180–600 grit (standard range)

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Where grade 304 is used

Good corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability make 304 the default choice across a wide range of industries.

Food processing

Hygienic, easy to clean, and resistant to most food acids — the standard grade for processing lines and equipment.

Food processing

Hygienic, easy to clean, and resistant to most food acids — the standard grade for processing lines and equipment.

Food processing

Hygienic, easy to clean, and resistant to most food acids — the standard grade for processing lines and equipment.

Catering and kitchens

Worktops, counters, and appliance panels in commercial kitchens where durability and hygiene matter.

Catering and kitchens

Worktops, counters, and appliance panels in commercial kitchens where durability and hygiene matter.

Catering and kitchens

Worktops, counters, and appliance panels in commercial kitchens where durability and hygiene matter.

Architecture

Cladding, trim, and interior detailing — polished or brushed finishes hold their appearance for decades.

Architecture

Cladding, trim, and interior detailing — polished or brushed finishes hold their appearance for decades.

Architecture

Cladding, trim, and interior detailing — polished or brushed finishes hold their appearance for decades.

Balustrades and handrails

Tube and fittings for railing systems in public buildings, stairwells, and terraces.

Balustrades and handrails

Tube and fittings for railing systems in public buildings, stairwells, and terraces.

Balustrades and handrails

Tube and fittings for railing systems in public buildings, stairwells, and terraces.

Storage vessels

Tanks and vessels for water, food products, and non-chloride process media.

Storage vessels

Tanks and vessels for water, food products, and non-chloride process media.

Storage vessels

Tanks and vessels for water, food products, and non-chloride process media.

General fabrication

Brackets, enclosures, frames, and one-off work — 304 cuts, folds, and welds without special procedures.

General fabrication

Brackets, enclosures, frames, and one-off work — 304 cuts, folds, and welds without special procedures.

General fabrication

Brackets, enclosures, frames, and one-off work — 304 cuts, folds, and welds without special procedures.

304 or 316L?

Most applications are well served by 304. Where chlorides are present, 316L is the appropriate step up.

Choose 304 for standard environments

Indoor use, dry exterior conditions, food contact, and general fabrication. The most economical choice where chlorides are not a factor.

Choose 304 for standard environments

Indoor use, dry exterior conditions, food contact, and general fabrication. The most economical choice where chlorides are not a factor.

Choose 304 for standard environments

Indoor use, dry exterior conditions, food contact, and general fabrication. The most economical choice where chlorides are not a factor.

Choose 316L where chlorides are present

Coastal locations, swimming pools, de-icing salt exposure, and chemical processing. Molybdenum improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

Choose 316L where chlorides are present

Coastal locations, swimming pools, de-icing salt exposure, and chemical processing. Molybdenum improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

Choose 316L where chlorides are present

Coastal locations, swimming pools, de-icing salt exposure, and chemical processing. Molybdenum improves resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion.

View Grade 316L

Frequently asked questions

Answers to common questions about grade 304 — finishes, forms, certificates, and how to order.

What is the difference between 304 and 316L?

What surface finishes are available for 304?

What forms do you stock 304 in?

Do you supply mill certificates?

How do I order grade 304?