As far as stainless steel grades go, grade 304 is the standard “18/8” of the stainless family. It is considered the most versatile, most widely used, and is available in more forms and finishes than any other grade of stainless steel. 304 Stainless Steel is the ideal grade to use for any of your form or welding projects. Not only because of its incredible welding characteristics, but also because of its balanced austenitic structure 304 grade stainless steel is commonly used in industrial, architectural, and transportation applications.

Chemical Formula
Carbon 0.08%, Manganese 2.00%, Phosphorus .045%, Sulfur .030%, Silicon .75%, Chromium 18-20.00%, Nickel 8.00-12.00%, Nitrogen .10%, Iron- Balanced

Features
Corrosion Resistance: 304 stainless stands-up excellently in a range of atmospheric environments even when exposed to corrosive elements.
Heat Resistance: Continuous use of 304 between 425-860?C is not recommended. Although it is resistant to carbide precipitation and can be heated into high temperatures.
Easy to weld with excellent weldability.
Excellent strength and toughness in high temperatures

Applications
Although 304 can be used in most industrial applications, most commonly it can be found present in: food processing equipment, kitchen equipment, architectural paneling, railing & trim, heat exchangers, threaded fasteners, springs, braces, marine, etc.

Type 304L is an extra low-carbon variation of Type 304 with a 0.03% maximum carbon content that eliminates carbide precipitation due to welding. As a result,this alloy can be used in the ”as-welded“condition, even in severe corrosive conditions. It often eliminates the necessity
of annealing weldments except for applications specifying stress relief. It has slightly lower mechanical properties than Type 304
Typical uses include architectural mouldings and trim, kitchen equipment,welded components of chemical, textile,paper, pharmaceutical and chemical industry processing equipment.

General Properties
Alloy 304L a T-300 series stainless steel austenitic, which has a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Type 304L has a carbon maximum is 0.030. It is the standard “18/8 stainless” that is commonly found in pans and cooking tools. Alloys 304L is the most versatile and widely used alloy in the stainless steel family. Ideal for a wide variety of home and commercial applications, Alloys 304L exhibits excellent corrosion resistance and has a high ease of fabrication, outstanding formability. The austenitic stainless steels are also considered to be the most weldable of the high-alloy steels and can be welded by all fusion and resistance welding processes.
Specifications: UNS S30403

Applications:
Alloy 304L Stainless Steel is used in a wide variety of home and commercial applications, including:
Food processing equipment, particularly in beer brewing, milk processing, and wine making
Kitchen benches, sinks, troughs, equipment, and appliances
Architectural trim and molding
Automotive and aerospace structural use
Construction material in large buildings
Chemical containers, including for transport
Heat exchangers
Nuts, bolts, screws, and other fasteners in the marine environment
Dyeing industry
Woven or welded screens for mining, quarrying & water filtration