304 Stainless Steel Plate - ASTM A240 Grade 304 SS Sheet for Industrial Applications

304 stainless steel plate is the most widely specified austenitic stainless steel in global industrial supply chains, combining exceptional corrosion resistance, outstanding formability, and cost-effective performance across diverse sectors. Designed for engineers, procurement specialists, and fabrication managers sourcing reliable, mill-certified flat-rolled material, our ASTM A240 Grade 304 SS sheet delivers consistent mechanical properties, full traceability, and rapid availability—without compromising on quality assurance or compliance rigor.

What is 304 stainless steel plate?

304 stainless steel plate is an austenitic chromium-nickel alloy containing 18–20% chromium and 8–10.5% nickel, with a maximum carbon content of 0.08% per ASTM A240/A240M-20a Section 6.2. It is non-magnetic in the annealed condition, exhibits excellent cryogenic toughness down to –200°C, and maintains structural integrity in mildly aggressive environments—including atmospheric exposure, freshwater, and many organic and inorganic chemicals. Unlike higher-alloyed grades such as 316 or 2205, 304 stainless steel plate prioritizes balanced performance, ease of fabrication, and broad applicability over extreme chloride resistance or elevated-temperature strength—making it the preferred choice for general-purpose industrial use where long-term durability and process efficiency are equally critical.

Recommendation: For applications involving coastal atmospheres, chlorinated water systems, or continuous exposure to saline fog, consider upgrading to 316L stainless steel plate; for high-temperature furnace components exceeding 800°C, 309S or 310S offer superior oxidation resistance.

304 stainless steel plate Technical Specifications

Our 304 stainless steel plate is manufactured in strict accordance with ASTM A240/A240M-20a, EN 10088-2:2014, and JIS G4304 standards. Typical thickness ranges span from 0.3 mm to 150 mm, widths up to 3,000 mm, and lengths up to 12,000 mm—with cold-rolled (2B/2D finish) and hot-rolled (No. 1 finish) options available. All coils and plates undergo full heat treatment (solution annealing at 1010–1120°C followed by rapid quenching), ensuring uniform grain structure and optimal intergranular corrosion resistance.

Chemical Composition

The precise chemical composition of our 304 stainless steel plate complies with ASTM A240 Table 1: carbon ≤ 0.08%, manganese ≤ 2.00%, phosphorus ≤ 0.045%, sulfur ≤ 0.030%, silicon ≤ 0.75%, chromium 18.00–20.00%, nickel 8.00–10.50%, and nitrogen ≤ 0.10%. This controlled balance ensures stable austenite formation, minimizes sensitization risk during welding, and supports repeatable deep-drawing and bending performance without cracking or springback deviation.

Mechanical Properties

Per ASTM A240 Annex A1, our hot-rolled 304 stainless steel plate achieves a minimum tensile strength of 515 MPa, yield strength (0.2% offset) of 205 MPa, and elongation of 40% in 50 mm. Cold-rolled variants deliver enhanced tensile strength up to 750 MPa with 15–25% elongation—ideal for precision stamping and structural reinforcement. Hardness values range from 201 HB for annealed hot-rolled material to 270 HB for full-hard cold-rolled sheets, verified via Brinell testing per ASTM E10.

Industrial Applications of 304 stainless steel plate

Marine and Offshore Applications

While not recommended for direct seawater immersion, 304 stainless steel plate serves reliably in marine auxiliary systems—including deck fittings, ventilation ducts, pump housings, and interior architectural cladding on offshore support vessels. Its resistance to salt-laden atmospheres, combined with ease of passivation and low maintenance requirements, makes it a cost-efficient solution for non-critical wetted components where 316-grade substitution is unnecessary or budget-constrained.

Chemical Processing Equipment

304 stainless steel plate is extensively used in tanks, piping manifolds, heat exchanger shells, and reactor linings handling dilute acids (e.g., acetic, nitric <5%), alkalis, alcohols, and food-grade solvents. Its immunity to stress corrosion cracking in non-chloride environments and compatibility with standard cleaning-in-place (CIP) protocols ensure operational safety and regulatory compliance under ASME BPVC Section VIII and PED 2014/68/EU.

Food and Pharmaceutical Industries

Certified to NSF/ANSI 51 and compliant with FDA 21 CFR 178.3710, our 304 stainless steel plate meets stringent hygienic design requirements for food processing conveyors, mixing vessels, storage silos, and pharmaceutical cleanroom wall panels. The smooth, non-porous surface resists microbial adhesion, withstands repeated sterilization cycles (including 121°C steam autoclaving), and eliminates leaching risks—supporting HACCP, GMP, and ISO 22000 certification pathways.

Architecture and Construction

In architectural applications, 304 stainless steel plate provides durable, aesthetically versatile cladding, roofing, façade panels, and interior feature walls. Its ability to retain luster after decades of urban exposure—verified through ISO 9223 corrosion category classifications—alongside weldability and compatibility with architectural finishes (e.g., brushed, satin, mirror-polished) makes it the benchmark for commercial building envelopes, transit infrastructure, and public art installations worldwide.

Why Choose Our 304 stainless steel plate

Quality Certifications and Standards

Every coil and cut-to-size plate is supplied with full Material Test Reports (MTRs) per EN 10204 3.1, confirming conformance to ASTM A240, EN 10088-2, and customer-specified dimensional tolerances (EN 10051 for hot-rolled, EN 10142 for cold-rolled). Third-party verification includes SGS mill inspections, ultrasonic testing (UT) per ASTM A435, and intergranular corrosion testing per ASTM A262 Practice E—ensuring zero batch variability and full audit readiness.

Large Inventory and Fast Delivery

We maintain over 2,800 metric tons of ready-to-ship 304 stainless steel plate in common thicknesses (1.5–25 mm), widths (1,219–2,000 mm), and tempers (annealed, 1/4H, 1/2H). Over 92% of standard orders ship within 48 hours of confirmation, with dedicated logistics partnerships enabling next-day delivery across North America, EU, and APAC markets—reducing project downtime and inventory carrying costs.

Customization Services Available

Beyond standard mill dimensions, we offer precision laser cutting (±0.1 mm tolerance), CNC punching, edge bevelling, surface finishing (No. 4, HL, BA, 8K), and heat treatment re-annealing—all performed in-house under ISO 9001-certified processes. Custom packaging, export crating, and destination-specific documentation (including EUR.1, Form A, and ATA Carnet support) ensure seamless integration into global supply chains.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

The standard MOQ for 304 stainless steel plate is 1 ton for hot-rolled material and 500 kg for cold-rolled sheet. However, we accommodate trial orders starting at 100 kg for qualification purposes—subject to a nominal handling surcharge. Volume-based pricing tiers begin at 5 tons, with incremental discounts applied at 10, 25, and 50-ton thresholds.

Do you provide material test certificates?

Yes—every shipment includes EN 10204 3.1 Material Test Certificates listing actual heat analysis, mechanical test results, surface condition, and dimensional verification. Upon request, EN 10204 3.2 certificates with independent third-party sign-off (e.g., TÜV Rheinland or Bureau Veritas) are available at no additional cost for regulated industries including nuclear, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing.

What is the typical delivery time?

For in-stock items, standard lead time is 1–3 business days for domestic shipments and 5–12 days for international air or sea freight—depending on port congestion and customs clearance efficiency. Custom-cut or surface-finished orders require 5–7 working days, while special thicknesses (>60 mm) or non-standard widths may extend lead time to 10–14 days. Real-time production scheduling is accessible via our client portal.

Can you cut to custom sizes?

Absolutely—we operate six high-precision CNC plasma and fiber laser cutting lines capable of processing plates up to 4,000 × 12,000 mm. Nesting optimization software reduces material waste by up to 18%, and digital twin validation ensures first-pass accuracy. Common custom requests include perforated panels, curved blanks, multi-hole patterns, and contour-cut architectural elements—with DXF file submission supported for automated quoting.

Get a Competitive Quote for 304 stainless steel plate

Request your no-obligation, mill-direct quote today—and receive certified pricing, full technical documentation, and personalized logistics coordination within 24 business hours. As an ISO 9001:2015-certified supplier with 18+ years serving Tier-1 OEMs and EPC contractors, we guarantee material authenticity, dimensional fidelity, and end-to-end traceability from melt shop to final delivery. No hidden fees. No compromise on compliance.

• 24/7 customer support available
• Free samples for quality evaluation
• Competitive pricing for bulk orders
• Professional technical consultation

Contact us today to get your free quote within 24 hours!