304 Stainless Steel
The general-purpose stainless — the right answer unless the environment is chloride-heavy or the part is welded.
Work-hardens and gums. If a part is mainly turned, 303 is often the cheaper answer and we will say so.
Quote a 304 Stainless Steel partWhat we hold and what we can hold
Figures below are what our shops achieve on prototype quantities. A production order may justify tighter — or looser — tolerances, and that is a conversation, not a default.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Typical use | General brackets, food-contact parts, housings |
| Machinability | Fair |
| Achievable tolerance | ±0.05 mm achievable with care |
| Typical lead time | 5–9 working days |
| Common grades | 304 · 304L · 303 (free-machining) |
| Recommended finishes | Passivation · Bead blasting · Brushing |
| Suitable processes | 3-axis milling · 5-axis milling · CNC turning |
What engineers ask about 304 Stainless Steel
These are the questions that come up on almost every 304 Stainless Steel drawing. If your question is not here, send it with the drawing and we will answer it in the quote.
Is 304 or 316 better for my part?
Chloride exposure decides it. Salt water, marine atmosphere, or a cleaning regime that leaves chloride behind, and 316 earns its cost. Dry indoor service and 304 is fine.
Where this material fits
Surface finishes for 304 Stainless Steel
When not to use 304 Stainless Steel
We would rather tell you on day one than ship you a part that was never the right answer. If one of these applies to your project, say so in the enquiry.
- Chloride or marine exposure
- Welded parts — 304L is the better choice for anything that will be welded
- Work that needs a fine surface finish without planning for work-hardening