MATERIAL DATABASE
Stainless Steel 304 is one of the most widely used austenitic stainless steels for industrial applications. It offers a practical combination of corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, formability and temperature performance.
A general engineering overview of Stainless Steel 304 and its characteristics for industrial sealing applications.
Stainless Steel 304 is a chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel widely used throughout industrial equipment, piping systems and fabricated components. The material is valued for its balanced combination of corrosion resistance, mechanical performance and fabrication characteristics.
The chromium content contributes to corrosion resistance through the formation of a protective passive surface, while nickel helps maintain the austenitic structure and improves toughness and formability.
In gasket manufacturing, Stainless Steel 304 may be considered for spiral wound gasket winding elements where the operating environment is compatible with the alloy and does not require the higher corrosion resistance offered by molybdenum-containing grades.
Chemical composition, mechanical properties and physical characteristics associated with Stainless Steel 304.
| Elements | C | Mn | P | S | Si | Cr | Ni | Fe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min % | - | - | - | - | - | 18.0 | 8.0 | Balance |
| Max % | 0.08 | 2.00 | 0.045 | 0.030 | 1.00 | 20.0 | 10.50 | - |
| Property | Typical Value | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | Minimum approximately 515 | MPa | Typical minimum value |
| Yield Strength | Minimum approximately 205 | MPa | 0.2% offset |
| Elongation | Approximately 40 minimum | % | Typical minimum |
| Hardness | Depends on material condition | HB / HRB | Condition dependent |
| Modulus of Elasticity | Approximately 193 | GPa | Typical value |
| Property | Typical Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Density | Approximately 7.9 – 8.0 g/cm³. |
| Melting Range | Approximately 1400°C to 1455°C. |
| Thermal Conductivity | Moderate thermal conductivity compared with carbon steels. |
| Electrical Resistivity | Higher electrical resistance than many conventional carbon steels. |
Engineering considerations for using Stainless Steel 304 as a metallic winding material in spiral wound gaskets.
SS304 provides good corrosion resistance in many general industrial environments and is suitable where service conditions are compatible with austenitic stainless steel.
The alloy offers good fabrication characteristics, supporting the forming and manufacturing processes required for gasket winding materials.
Stainless Steel 304 can perform across a broad range of temperatures, subject to the complete gasket design and operating conditions.
The material is commonly considered for general industrial piping, process equipment and sealing applications where chemical compatibility is appropriate.
Stainless Steel 304 may be used for gasket components depending on component design, applicable standards and service requirements.
| Component | Material | Engineering Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Spiral Winding Strip | Stainless Steel 304 | Selected according to service compatibility, temperature and pressure requirements. |
| Outer Ring | Stainless Steel 304 | May be considered where corrosion resistance and environmental compatibility are suitable. |
| Inner Ring | Stainless Steel 304 | Material selection depends on process media, temperature and applicable gasket design. |
| Material Identification | UNS S30400 | Commonly identified as Type 304 or SS304. |
Common engineering questions related to Stainless Steel 304.
Stainless Steel 304 is an austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel widely used for industrial equipment, piping systems and fabricated components.
The commonly associated UNS designation for Stainless Steel 304 is UNS S30400.
Yes, Stainless Steel 304 can be considered for spiral wound gasket components where the process environment, temperature, pressure and chemical compatibility are suitable for the material.
Standard Type 304 stainless steel does not normally contain the molybdenum addition associated with Type 316 stainless steel.
Material selection should consider the process fluid, corrosion environment, operating temperature, pressure, gasket construction and applicable engineering requirements.
Our team can assist with selecting suitable gasket materials based on operating pressure, temperature, chemical environment and application requirements.