What Is 1.4301 2h Stainless Steel Strip?

What is 1.4301 2H stainless steel strip?
If you're looking for high-quality stainless steel strip with excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and formability, 1.4301 2H stainless steel strip is a reliable choice. 1.4301 is the European designation for AISI 304 stainless steel, one of the most commonly used austenitic stainless steels. The 2H condition indicates that the strip has been cold-rolled and strain-hardened, providing enhanced mechanical strength while maintaining excellent corrosion resistance. Widely used in industrial, construction, and consumer products.

1.4301 2H Stainless Steel Strip Specification

Property	Specification
Standard	EN 10088-2 / ASTM A240
Grade	1.4301 (304)
Temper	2H (Cold-rolled, strain-hardened)
Thickness Range	0.3 – 3 mm
Width Range	10 – 1500 mm
Length	Coil or cut-to-size
Surface Finish	2B (standard), BA (bright annealed), No.4 (satin)
Chemical Composition (%):	C ≤0.07, Cr 18–20, Ni 8–10.5, Mn ≤2, Si ≤1, P ≤0.045, S ≤0.03, Fe: balance
Tensile Strength (MPa)	500–700
Yield Strength (MPa)	210–350
Elongation (%)	≥30
Hardness (HB)	≤200
Density	7.93 g/cm³
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent in water, mild chemicals, and atmospheric conditions
Operating Temperature	-196°C to 870°C

 

Applications of 1.4301 2H Stainless Steel Strip

Industry	Typical Applications
Food & Beverage	Conveyor belts, storage racks, food processing equipment
Automotive & Machinery	Springs, washers, shims, brackets
Architecture & Interior Design	Decorative trims, paneling, handrails
Chemical & Pharmaceutical	Tanks, pipes, valves, lab equipment
Consumer Products	Kitchen utensils, appliances, hardware

 

Weight Calculation Formula for Stainless Steel Strip

To estimate the weight of a stainless steel strip:

Example:
A 1.4301 2H strip of 1000 mm × 50 mm × 1 mm → Weight = 1000 × 50 × 1 × 7.93 × 10⁻⁶ = 0.397 kg per meter

 

What does 2H temper mean for 1.4301 strip?
2H indicates a cold-rolled, strain-hardened condition, providing higher strength than 1/2H or annealed (soft) conditions.

 

Can 1.4301 2H strip be welded?
Yes. Standard TIG, MIG, or spot welding works well, but slight loss of hardness may occur near the weld.

 

What is the difference between 2B and BA finish?
2B is standard cold-rolled matte finish, while BA is bright annealed mirror-like finish, suitable for decorative applications.

 

Is 1.4301 2H strip suitable for marine environments?
It resists moderate corrosion but not as corrosion-resistant as 316 stainless steel in chloride-rich seawater. For marine applications, consider 316 or 316L.

 

Procurement Tips and Supplier Information
Available Forms: Coil, cut-to-length strips
Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ): Usually 1 ton per size, negotiable for small batches
Certification: EN 10204 3.1B / 3.2, ISO 9001
Packaging: Coil wrapped in protective film, wooden crates for long strips, seaworthy export packing
Lead Time: 7–15 working days for standard stock; custom dimensions may require 15–25 days
Value-added Services: Slitting, leveling, polishing, edge trimming
Ask GNEE suppliers for surface roughness measurements and test certificates to ensure consistent quality for high-precision applications.