Short answer: 304 stainless steel plate is the most widely used austenitic grade. It offers excellent corrosion resistance, good formability, and is easy to weld, making it the default choice for food equipment, chemical tanks, architecture, and general fabrication.
At a Glance
What Is 304 Stainless Steel Plate?
304 stainless steel plate is a flat-rolled product made from Type 304 austenitic stainless steel. It is produced to standards such as ASTM A240, ASTM A480, EN 10088-2, and JIS G4305, depending on the market and end use.
The plate form is generally defined as material thicker than about 6 mm (0.25 inch). Thinner flat products are usually called 304 roestvrij staalplaat. Plates are used when strength, rigidity, and wear resistance matter more than light weight.
Key Properties of 304 Plate
The chart above summarizes the typical composition and mechanical properties of annealed 304 plate. Key points for buyers:
- Corrosiebestendigheid: Excellent in most indoor, food, and mild chemical environments.
- Weldability: Excellent with common TIG/MIG processes; 304L is preferred for heavy welds.
- Formability: Good; can be bent, rolled, and deep drawn within appropriate radius limits.
- Temperature range: Good from cryogenic temperatures up to about 870 °C intermittent.
Common Sizes and Thicknesses
HXSCO supplies 304 stainless steel plate in standard widths of 1,000 mm, 1,219 mm, 1,500 mm, 2,000 mm, and custom widths. Common lengths include 2,000 mm, 2,438 mm, 3,000 mm, 6,000 mm, and coil-lengthened sizes. Thickness ranges typically from 3 mm to 100 mm or thicker on request.
Surface finishes include No.1 (hot-rolled, annealed, pickled), 2B (cold-rolled), No.4 (brushed), BA (bright annealed), and No.8 (mirror). The right finish depends on whether the plate will be visible, painted, or left mill finish.
Belangrijkste toepassingen
- Food processing equipment, tanks, and work surfaces
- Chemical and pharmaceutical vessels
- Architectural wall cladding and elevator panels
- Heat exchangers and pressure components
- General fabrication, brackets, and machine parts
How to Buy 304 Plate
When requesting a quote, specify the standard (ASTM A240 is most common), thickness, width, length, surface finish, and quantity. If you need cut-to-size pieces, laser cutting, or edge preparation, mention that early so the supplier can quote processing together with material.
HXSCO can supply 304 roestvrij stalen plaat with mill-test certificates, third-party inspection (SGS/BV), and custom cutting. Send us your inquiry for a fast, project-specific quote.
Veelgestelde vragen
It is used for food equipment, chemical tanks, architectural cladding, heat exchangers, and general fabrications that need corrosion resistance and good weldability.
Yes, 304 is widely used in food and beverage equipment. For stricter requirements, 316 or 316L is often specified because of its better chloride resistance.
Sheet is thinner, usually under 6 mm. Plate is thicker and is chosen when stiffness, strength, and heavier fabrication are required.
Yes, 304 has excellent weldability. For heavy sections, 304L (low carbon) reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion after welding.
Look for consistent thickness tolerance, available surface finishes, mill-test certificates, cutting capability, and export packing experience. Request samples or trial orders if quality is critical.
Ready to source stainless steel?
Tell us the grade, size, quantity, and destination. HXSCO will reply with a competitive quote, lead time, and mill-test options.
Request a QuoteWhy Buyers Trust HXSCO for Stainless Steel
HXSCO is a stainless steel supplier serving manufacturers, fabricators, and trading companies worldwide. We stock 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 430, 201, and duplex grades in plate, sheet, coil, pipe, tube, and bar forms. Every order can be supplied with mill-test certificates, third-party inspection, and custom cutting/shearing to your drawing. Contact HXSCO for a project-specific quote or material recommendation.