304 Stainless Steel Plate: Specifications & Thickness Chart
Stainless steel plate 304
Stainless Steel Plate 304 is a widely used austenitic stainless steel plate containing chromium and nickel. It offers good corrosion resistance, heat resistance, toughness and weldability, and is suitable for pressure vessels, chemical equipment, food machinery, kitchen equipment, outdoor decoration and industrial applications.
Thicker flat product, typically hot rolled for heavier-gauge fabrication. Confirm No.1 finish, cutting, and tolerance requirements.
Product Details
304 stainless steel plate is a general-purpose chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel product used in fabricated equipment, architectural work, food-processing equipment, tanks, and general industrial applications. It is commonly specified as AISI 304, UNS S30400, SUS304, or EN 1.4301. The final material selection should match the service environment, fabrication method, and governing project specification.
When sourcing plate, nominal thickness alone is not enough. Buyers should define the rolling condition, finish, width, length, flatness, edge treatment, cutting requirement, and inspection documents. Those details determine whether the supplied plate is suitable for the intended fabrication process.
304 Stainless Steel Plate Thickness and Size Guide
| Item | Typical request options | Order note |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | Medium and heavy plate; commonly specified from 3 mm upward | State nominal thickness and the applicable tolerance standard. |
| Width | Standard mill widths or cut widths | Confirm the finished width and edge condition. |
| Length | Standard mill lengths or cut-to-size plate | Provide the drawing or finished dimensions where applicable. |
| Rolling condition | Hot rolled or cold rolled, depending on thickness and finish requirement | Confirm the required surface and flatness expectations. |
| Surface | No.1, 2B, No.4, hairline, mirror, or buyer-specified finish | Use an agreed sample where appearance is critical. |
Actual availability depends on grade, thickness, dimensions, finish, and mill schedule. The quotation should state the offered tolerance and inspection basis before an order is confirmed.
Typical 304 Stainless Steel Properties
| Property | Typical reference |
|---|---|
| Chromium | About 18–20% |
| Nickel | About 8–10.5% |
| Carbon | Up to 0.08% for standard 304 |
| Density | Approximately 7.93 g/cm³ |
| Fabrication | Commonly welded, bent, formed, cut, and polished using suitable procedures |
These are general reference values. Contractual chemistry, mechanical properties, dimensions, and test requirements must be confirmed against the applicable ASTM, EN, JIS, GB, or project standard and supported by the relevant mill documentation.
304 vs 316 vs 2205 Stainless Steel Plate
| Grade | Selection consideration | Related product |
|---|---|---|
| 304 | A common choice for general corrosion-resistant fabricated equipment and architectural applications. | Standard 304 plate |
| 316L | Consider for more demanding chloride-bearing or chemical service where improved corrosion resistance is required. | 316L stainless steel plate |
| 2205 duplex | Consider where higher strength and a different corrosion-resistance profile are required by the design. | 2205 stainless steel |
Finish, Cutting, and Fabrication Requirements
Hot-rolled plate is often associated with a No.1 finish and heavier-gauge fabrication, while thinner cold-rolled material may be specified with 2B or decorative finishes. For visible applications, define the finish direction, protective film requirement, acceptable surface defects, and packaging method. For fabricated equipment, provide the cutting plan, edge condition, weld preparation, and tolerance requirements with the inquiry.
How to Request a 304 Plate Quote
- State the grade, material standard, and intended application.
- Provide thickness, width, length, surface, rolling condition, and quantity.
- List cutting, edge treatment, inspection, and packing requirements.
- Ask the supplier to confirm mill source, lead time, documentation, and shipment terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 304 plate and 304 sheet?
In many purchasing contexts, sheet refers to thinner flat product and plate to thicker flat product. The precise boundary varies by market and standard, so orders should state the actual thickness rather than relying on the product name alone.
Can 304 plate be used for food equipment?
304 is widely used for food-equipment applications, but the equipment design, surface finish, cleaning media, and local compliance requirements must be assessed for the specific use.
Is 304 suitable for marine or chloride exposure?
304 may not be the preferred choice for demanding chloride or marine exposure. Review the actual environment and consider a more suitable grade where required.
What documents should be requested with an order?
Request the applicable material test certificate and confirm the heat number traceability, dimensions, tolerances, and inspection requirements before shipment.
Related Technical Guides
Use these guides to define material requirements before requesting a quotation.