Stainless Steel 304

It resists rust in most indoor environments and many outdoor settings, including washing and food service areas. Laseo offers it in three surface finishes: #4 brushed (24 to 11 gauge) for visible surfaces, #2B rolled (20 gauge to 3/16″) for industrial use, and #1 (1/4″ to 1/2″) for structural plate. Ideal for panels and enclosures, food/pharmaceutical equipment, architectural hardware, guards, tanks, flanges, and durable, easy-to-clean components.

Composition and Properties

Cr-Ni austenitic alloy (≈18% Cr, 8% Ni) balancing corrosion, formability, and weldability; surface hardness superior to aluminum for sharp edges with appropriate tooling.

Corrosion Behavior

Performs well in atmospheric, fresh water, and mild chemical environments; tolerates regular washing in food service.

In chloride-rich environments (coastal spray, de-icing brines, bleach), risk of pitting/crevice corrosion increases; 316 is generally preferred for severe exposures.

After fabrication, passivation restores/thickens the protective oxide.

Forming and Mechanics

Good bending and moderate stamping; work hardens rapidly—plan for appropriate radii and progressive forming for deep shapes.

Springback higher than carbon steel—account for this in bend developments.

Magnetism: Non-magnetic when annealed; may become slightly magnetic after rolling/bending.

Welding and Assembly

MIG/TIG/resistance welding common. Heat-affected zones may be slightly less corrosion resistant; 304L is often chosen to limit sensitization during heavy welding.

Galling possible between stainless threaded surfaces—use compatible anti-seize and reasonable speeds; consider dissimilar or coated hardware.

Isolate from carbon steels to avoid contamination/contact rust.

Understanding the finishes: #1, #2B, and #4

#1: hot rolled, annealed, and pickled—a matte, rough surface reserved for heavy thicknesses (1/4″ to 1/2″) where function matters more than appearance.

#2B: cold rolled, the standard "mill" finish—a smooth, pearl-gray, slightly reflective surface. The best value for industrial parts, offered from 20 gauge to 3/16″.

#4 brushed: polished with a directional satin grain—the classic "commercial kitchen" look. It's the choice for any visible surface: panels, cladding, decorative plates. Offered from 24 to 11 gauge; in the very thin gauges (24-22), it's in fact the only finish available.

For a uniform appearance on an assembly, group parts from the same batch/finish. On #4, orient the grain in the same direction on all visible parts.

Thicknesses and Typical Uses

0.025"–0.060" (≈0.6–1.5 mm): Panels, light cladding, appliance covers, architectural facings.

0.063"–0.125" (≈1.6–3.2 mm): Enclosures, flanges, machine guards, sink components, food equipment.

0.188"–0.312" (≈4.8–8.0 mm): Structural plates, heavy flanges, tank heads/ends, wear surfaces.

0.375"–0.500" (≈9.5–12.7 mm): Bases, frames, clamping plates, and high-rigidity assemblies.

Cutting and Machining

Fiber laser cutting with sharp edges and thermal management. Tapping is not offered on stainless—for threads, plan for self-clinching hardware insertion (PEM nuts).

Typical 2D cutting tolerance: ±0.005"; small tabs may hold parts for optimal precision.

Common Applications

Food and beverage equipment, architectural hardware and facings, handrails, chemical/pharmaceutical equipment, machine panels and guards, tanks and lids, flanges, supports, and components requiring cleanliness and everyday rust resistance.

In Brief

304 combines attractive appearance, good corrosion resistance, and broad fabrication versatility across a wide thickness range—a reliable choice for industrial and architectural parts meant to last.