If there is one material that rules the modern world, it is **304 Stainless Steel**.

　　As the most widely used "300 Series" austenitic alloy, it is the standard by which all other stainless steels are measured.

　　Whether you are manufacturing kitchen equipment, automotive parts, or chemical containers, 304 is likely your first choice. But with so many international standards (ASTM, EN, JIS), purchasing can get confusing.

　　In this guide, based on the latest industry data, **Xinmaotai Steel** breaks down the composition, performance, and global equivalents of 304 stainless steel to help you source the right material.

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　　1. What is 304 Stainless Steel? (The "18/8" Classic)

　　304 Stainless Steel is an austenitic alloy. Its defining feature is its specific chemical composition, often referred to as "**18/8 Stainless**":

　　* **Chromium (Cr):** 18% - 20%

　　* *Function:* Provides the "stainless" surface that resists rust and oxidation.

　　* **Nickel (Ni):** 8% - 10.5%

　　* *Function:* Stabilizes the austenitic structure, giving the steel its toughness, ductility, and non-magnetic properties.

　　**Key Characteristic:** In its annealed (soft) state, 304 is **non-magnetic**. However, please note that after cold working (bending or rolling), it may become slightly magnetic. This is normal and does not mean the quality is poor.

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　　2. Global Equivalent Grades (Cross-Reference)

　　When importing steel, you might see different codes depending on the country. It is crucial to know that these codes refer to essentially the same material.

　　Here is the cross-reference list based on global standards:

　　* **USA (ASTM/AISI):** **304** (UNS S30400)

　　* *The most common standard used internationally.*

　　* **China (GB):** **06Cr19Ni10** (Old code: 0Cr18Ni9) / UNS S30408

　　* *The standard for domestic Chinese production.*

　　* **Europe / Germany (EN / DIN):** **1.4301** (X5CrNi 18-10)

　　* *Widely used in EU engineering drawings.*

　　* **Japan (JIS):** **SUS 304**

　　* *Standard for Asian and Japanese machinery markets.*

　　* **International (ISO):** **X5CrNi 18-10** (4301-304-00-I)

　　**Pro Tip:** When you buy from Xinmaotai Steel, we can supply MTCs (Mill Test Certificates) that prove our material meets **both** ASTM A240 (USA) and JIS G4305 (Japan) standards simultaneously.

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　　3. Why Choose 304? (Performance & Processing)

　　Why is it the most popular grade? It offers the perfect balance of cost and performance:

　　**A. Corrosion Resistance**

　　It has excellent resistance to a wide range of atmospheric environments and many corrosive media. It stands up well to organic chemicals, dyestuffs, and food acids.

　　* *Note:* In warm chloride environments (like seawater), it can suffer from pitting. For seawater, we recommend upgrading to **316 Grade**.

　　**B. Processing & Formability**

　　304 has excellent deep drawing qualities. It can be formed into complicated shapes (like sinks and saucepans) without annealing.

　　* **Weldability:** Excellent. It can be welded by all standard fusion methods.

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　　4. The Derivative Grades: 304L and 304H

　　Sometimes, standard 304 is not enough. You may see inquiries for its "siblings":

　　**1. 304L (Low Carbon)**

　　* **Difference:** Carbon content is reduced to max 0.03%.

　　* **Application:** Used for heavy gauge components (over 6mm) that require welding. The low carbon prevents "carbide precipitation" during welding, ensuring the weld doesn't rust.

　　**2. 304H (High Carbon)**

　　* **Difference:** Carbon content is higher (0.04-0.10%).

　　* **Application:** Used for high-temperature applications (up to 800°C) where higher strength is needed.

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　　 Conclusion

　　304 Stainless Steel is the workhorse of the industry. Whether you call it **SUS304**, **1.4301**, or **06Cr19Ni10**, it is reliable, versatile, and durable.

　　**Key Takeaway:**

　　* **For General Use:** Order Standard 304.

　　* **For Welding Heavy Plates:** Order 304L.

　　* **For High Temp:** Order 304H.

　　**Need a Reliable 304 Supplier in China?**

　　Xinmaotai Steel stocks thousands of tons of 304/304L Cold Rolled and Hot Rolled sheets. We guarantee the chemical composition (Real 8% Nickel) and provide full traceability.