Stainless steel · EN 10088-2
1.4301 (304)
Also known as: 1.4301, 304, X5CrNi18-10
Overview
Austenitic stainless 1.4301 / 304 — general-purpose corrosion-resistant grade for food, architecture, and light chemical service.
Typical supply: Sheet, plate, tube, bar, fasteners
Mechanical Properties
Thermal Properties
For temperature derating, open Temperature Properties.
Physical Properties
Typical supply: Sheet, plate, tube, bar, fasteners
Density typically ~7800–8000 kg/m³ depending on alloy family.
Applications
- Food and beverage equipment
- Architectural cladding
- Chemical plant light duty
- Heat exchangers (selected)
Advantages
- Inherent corrosion resistance without thick coatings
- Hygienic finish options for process plant
- Good toughness over a wide temperature range (austenitic)
Limitations
- Higher cost than carbon structural steel
- Chloride stress-corrosion risk for some grades/environments
- Lower thermal conductivity than carbon steel or aluminum
Standards
- EN 10088-2 — Stainless steels — sheet/plate/strip
- ASTM A240 — Chromium and chromium-nickel stainless plate
Equivalent Materials
Electrical Properties
Much higher resistivity than carbon steel or copper.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Min wt% | Max wt% | Typical wt% |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | — | 0.07 | — |
| Si | — | 1 | — |
| Mn | — | 2 | — |
| P | — | 0.045 | — |
| S | — | 0.015 | — |
| Cr | 17.5 | 19.5 | 18.1 |
| Ni | 8 | 10.5 | 8.1 |
| N | — | 0.1 | — |
Typical / limit values for reference selection only — verify against mill certs for certified work.
Machinability
Gummy chips; use sharp tools, positive rake, and sulfurized oils. Machinability ~45 vs free-cutting steel.
Cost
Moderate stainless premium over carbon steel; nickel price sensitive.
Corrosion
Excellent in atmospheric and many oxidizing chemicals; susceptible to chloride pitting and SCC.
- Indoor / food washdownexcellent
- Fresh watergood
- Chloride / marine splashfair
- Seawater immersedpoor
For allowance / life screening, open Corrosion Allowance.