What is 1.4301 Stainless Steel?
Jan 13, 2026
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1.4301 stainless steel, universally recognized as Type 304 or UNS S30400, is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel. Its balanced composition of chromium and nickel provides an excellent combination of corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability, making it the standard choice for a vast array of applications from kitchen sinks and architectural trim to chemical containers and food processing equipment.
As the benchmark grade, 1.4301 is defined across all major international standards.
| Standard | Equivalent Grade |
|---|---|
| EN (Europe) | 1.4301 |
| ASTM/AISI (USA) | 304, UNS S30400 |
| JIS (Japan) | SUS304 |
| KS (Korea) | STS304 |
Its reliable performance stems from a classic and well-proportioned chemical makeup.
| Element | C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Ni |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content (%) | ≤ 0.07 | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 2.0 | ≤ 0.045 | ≤ 0.03 | 17.5 - 19.5 | 8.0 - 10.5 |
It offers a robust balance of strength and ductility suitable for most general purposes.
| Property | Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | Tensile Strength (Rm) | Elongation (A) | Hardness (HB) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Value | ≥ 205 MPa | 500 - 700 MPa | ≥ 40% | ≤ 215 |
Key Characteristics and Applications of 1.4301 / 304
Excellent General Corrosion Resistance: Performs well against a wide spectrum of atmospheric environments, freshwater, food products, and many organic and inorganic chemicals.
Superior Forming and Welding: Exhibits outstanding ductility for deep drawing, bending, and other forming operations. It is readily weldable by all standard fusion methods.
Hygienic and Aesthetic Appeal: Its non-porous surface is easy to clean, and it can be polished to a high luster, making it ideal for food contact and decorative uses.
Primary Applications:
Consumer Goods: Kitchen appliances, sinks, cutlery, and tableware.
Architecture & Construction: Handrails, door and window fittings, wall cladding, and roofing.
Food & Beverage Industry: Tanks, vats, piping, and conveyor systems.
Chemical Industry: Storage tanks and pipelines for mild corrosives.
What is the key difference between 304 (1.4301) and 304L (1.4307)?
The primary difference is the carbon content. The standard 304 grade has a maximum carbon content of 0.07%, while the 304L "Low Carbon" grade has a maximum of 0.03%. This lower carbon content in 304L minimizes the formation of chromium carbides during welding, thereby maintaining its resistance to intergranular corrosion in the "as-welded" condition. For most applications not involving heavy welding, standard 304 is perfectly suitable.
Can 304 stainless steel rust or corrode?
While highly resistant, 304 is not immune to corrosion. In environments rich in chloride ions, such as coastal areas or where de-icing salts are used, it can be susceptible to pitting and crevice corrosion. Long-term exposure to strong acids or bases can also cause deterioration. Proper grade selection, design to avoid crevices, and regular maintenance are key to maximizing its service life.
Looking for a Reliable Supplier of 1.4301 / 304 Stainless Steel?
GNEE Steel maintains extensive stocks of versatile 304 (1.4301) stainless steel in all standard forms-plate, sheet, coil, bar, tube, and pipe. We support your projects with comprehensive processing services and guaranteed material quality. If you have any requirements, please feel free to contact us.
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