Austenitic Stainless

304 Stainless Steel (18-8) CNC Machining

The world's most popular stainless steel grade. Excellent corrosion resistance, superior formability, and versatile performance for Australian manufacturing.

View Properties

Specifications

Designation:UNS S30400 / AISI 304
Composition:18% Cr, 8% Ni
Density:8.0 g/cm³
Australian Std:AS 2837 Grade 304

Key Features

Corrosion Resistant

Excellent resistance to atmospheric corrosion and many chemicals. Ideal for food processing and mild marine environments.

Easy to Fabricate

Superior formability and weldability. Can be deep drawn, bent, and welded without cracking or special treatments.

Food Grade

FDA approved for food contact. Easy to clean, non-toxic, and maintains hygiene standards for food and pharmaceutical use.

Wide Temperature Range

Maintains toughness from cryogenic temperatures to 870°C. Non-magnetic in annealed condition.

Technical Properties

Chemical Composition (%)

Carbon (C)≤ 0.08
Chromium (Cr)18.0 - 20.0
Nickel (Ni)8.0 - 10.5
Manganese (Mn)≤ 2.0
Silicon (Si)≤ 1.0

Mechanical Properties

Tensile Strength515-720 MPa
Yield Strength205-310 MPa
Elongation40-60%
Hardness≤ 201 HB
Elastic Modulus193 GPa

Applications

Food & Beverage

  • • Processing equipment
  • • Storage tanks
  • • Brewery vessels
  • • Commercial kitchens

Chemical Processing

  • • Storage vessels
  • • Piping systems
  • • Heat exchangers
  • • Pumps and valves

Architectural

  • • Cladding panels
  • • Handrails and balustrades
  • • Decorative trim
  • • Fixtures and fittings

CNC Machining 304 Stainless

Machining Parameters

Turning (Carbide)80-120 m/min
Milling (Carbide)70-110 m/min
Drilling20-40 m/min

Best Practices

  • ✓ Sharp tools essential (work hardens easily)
  • ✓ Generous coolant application
  • ✓ Continuous feeds to prevent hardening
  • ✓ Positive rake angles recommended

Expert 304 Stainless Steel Machining

High-quality CNC machining for food, chemical, and architectural applications.