Type 304
Type 304
Type 304 stainless steel – 18-8 chromium-nickel, non-magnetic, excellent corrosion resistance, ASTM A276/A240. Available in various forms. Los Angeles warehouse. Custom cutting & pickup.
- 18-8 chromium-nickel alloy, offering superior corrosion resistance and durability for demanding applications.
- Non-magnetic in the annealed condition, making it suitable for sensitive environments and equipment.
- Widely accepted in food, dairy, and beverage industries due to high sanitation and cleanliness requirements.
- Excellent formability and weldability, ideal for diverse fabrication projects and complex designs.
Bobco Metals is a premier supplier of Type 304 stainless steel in Los Angeles, providing a comprehensive inventory for contractors, fabricators, engineers, and manufacturers across Southern California. As the most widely used stainless steel grade, Type 304 offers an exceptional balance of corrosion resistance, strength, and workability, making it an indispensable material for a vast array of industrial and commercial projects. Our commitment to quality and immediate availability ensures your operations run smoothly with reliable material supply.
Type 304 is a basic 18-8 chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel, renowned for its excellent mechanical properties and remarkable resistance to corrosive agents encountered in both domestic and industrial environments. It is non-magnetic in the annealed condition and cannot be hardened by heat treatment, though it can be strengthened through cold working. Conforming to standards such as ASTM A276 for bars and ASTM A240 for plates and sheets, Type 304 is a trusted choice for applications demanding high performance and longevity. Bobco Metals stocks Type 304 in numerous forms, including rounds, angles, flats, sheets, pipes, rectangular tubes, round tubes, square tubes, plates, and more, catering to diverse project specifications.
The versatility of Type 304 stainless steel makes it a cornerstone material for critical industries. It is widely accepted in dairy, beverage, and other food product sectors where the highest degree of sanitation and cleanliness is paramount. Beyond food processing, its robust corrosion resistance makes it ideal for chemical containers, architectural trim, kitchen equipment, and marine components. Fabricators and welding shops frequently utilize Type 304 for its excellent weldability and formability, allowing for complex and durable constructions in manufacturing and structural applications.
At Bobco Metals, we understand the demands of industrial projects. Our Los Angeles warehouse maintains a substantial stock of Type 304 stainless steel, ensuring immediate availability for your urgent requirements. We offer custom cutting services to meet precise dimensions, minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency for your operations. With expert staff ready to assist with material selection and logistics, Bobco Metals is your trusted partner for high-quality Type 304 stainless steel and unparalleled service in Southern California.
Specifications
- Alloy Composition: 18% Chromium, 8% Nickel (18-8 grade)
- Standards: ASTM A276 (bars), ASTM A240 (plates, sheets), AMS 5513
- Corrosion Resistance: Excellent in a wide range of atmospheric and corrosive environments
- Magnetic Properties: Non-magnetic in the annealed condition
- Heat Treatment: Not hardenable by heat treatment; strengthened by cold working
- Weldability: Excellent with all standard fusion methods
- Formability: Good for drawing, forming, and bending operations
- Typical Forms Available: Rounds, Angles, Flats, Sheets, Pipe, Tubes, Plates, Beams, Channel
Mechanical Properties
- Tensile Strength: 75,000 psi minimum (515 MPa) per ASTM A276
- Yield Strength (0.2% Offset): 30,000 psi minimum (205 MPa) per ASTM A276
- Elongation: 40% in 2 inches minimum
- Hardness: 95 Rockwell B maximum
- Modulus of Elasticity: 29.0 x 10^6 psi (200 GPa)
Values may vary by mill & heat; verify against the MTR for your order.
Applications
- Food & Beverage Processing: Tanks, piping, equipment, sanitary surfaces
- Dairy Equipment: Milk handling, storage, and processing components
- Chemical Containers: Storage and transport of various chemicals
- Architectural Trim: Decorative elements, railings, facades, structural supports
- Kitchen Appliances: Sinks, countertops, commercial kitchen equipment
- Marine Components: Boat fittings, saltwater environment applications
- Industrial Equipment: Machinery parts, heat exchangers, pressure vessels
- Medical Devices: Surgical instruments, hospital equipment
Target Users
Type 304 stainless steel is a critical material for metal fabricators, welding shops, and general contractors engaged in structural and hygienic projects. Manufacturing facilities and engineers rely on its robust properties for equipment frames, processing lines, and durable components. Food and beverage producers, as well as marine builders, frequently specify Type 304 for its corrosion resistance and sanitary characteristics.
Finish Options
- Mill finish (standard, as-produced)
- 2B finish (smooth, reflective, cold rolled, annealed, pickled, passivated, skin passed)
- #4 brushed finish (directional grain, satin appearance)
- BA (Bright Annealed) finish
How to Measure
Sizing for Type 304 stainless steel varies significantly by specific product form. For sheets and plates, specify thickness (gauge or decimal inches), width, and length. For bars (rounds, squares, hexagons, flats), specify the cross-sectional dimension(s) and length. For tubes and pipes, specify outside diameter (OD), wall thickness, and length. For angles and channels, specify leg dimensions, thickness, and length. Contact Bobco Metals with your precise project requirements, and our experienced staff will assist you in specifying the correct sizes and quantities. We offer custom cutting services for most products to ensure optimal material utilization.
Order Checklist
- Product designation and required dimensions
- Grade/alloy specification and quantity (pieces or total length/weight)
- Cutting instructions (standard lengths or custom cuts with tolerances)
- Surface finish requirements (as-rolled, polished, coated, etc.)
- Any certifications required (Mill Test Report - MTR) for material traceability
- Special handling, packaging, or delivery requirements
Quick Facts
- Material
- Type 304
- Standards
- ASTM A240, AMS 5513, ASTM A276
- Key Properties
- Type 304 stainless steel is characterized by its superior corrosion resistance, particularly against oxidation and many organic and inorganic...
- Applications
- Food & Beverage Processing
- Available Forms
- Multiple sizes and forms available - contact for details
- Location
- Los Angeles warehouse - Same-day pickup available
Need Stock Sizes?
Bobco Metals maintains an extensive inventory of Type 304 stainless steel in various forms to meet diverse project needs. For Type 304 Rounds, we stock diameters including 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 13/16", 7/8", 15/16", 1-1/16", 1-1/8", 1-3/16", and 1-1/4". We also supply Type 304 in Angles, Flats, Sheets, Pipe, Rectangular Tubes, Round Tubes, Square Tubes, Hexagon, Perforated Sheets, Expanded Metal Sheets, Plates, Beams, Channel, and Diamond Plates. Custom cutting and specific dimensions are available upon request from our Los Angeles facility.
Custom cutting and sizing services are available.
See Specifications