304 / X5CrNi18-10
1.4301The world's most widely used stainless steel — the original 18/8 austenitic. Good corrosion resistance in atmospheric, organic, and inorganic environments. Excellent formability and weldability. Not recommended for chloride-rich or marine environments (use 316L). Used in food processing, kitchen equipment, architecture, tanks, and general engineering.
International equivalents
| Flag | Standard | Country | Grade | Number | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 | AISI | USA | AISI 304 | S30400 | REF |
| 🇪🇺 | EN | Europe | X5CrNi18-10 | 1.4301 | 100% |
| 🇯🇵 | JIS | Japan | SUS304 | — | 97% |
Sources: ASTM A240, EN 10088-2, JIS G4305
Chemical composition comparison (wt%)
Side-by-side: 304 / X5CrNi18-10 (EN) (EN 10088-2) vs SUS304 (JIS)
| Element | 304 / X5CrNi18-10 (EN) | SUS304 (JIS) | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.07% | — | — |
| Si | 0–1% | — | — |
| Mn | 0–2% | — | — |
| P | 0–0.045% | — | — |
| S | 0–0.015% | — | — |
| Cr | 17.5–19.5% | — | — |
| Ni | 8–10.5% | — | — |
| N | 0–0.11% | — | — |
Mechanical properties
Solution Treated
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 500–700 | MPa |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 190 | MPa |
| Elongation | ≥ 45 | % |
| Hardness HB | ≤ 215 | HB |
| Elastic Modulus | ≥ 200 | GPa |
| Density | ≥ 7.9 | g/cm3 |
Heat treatment
| Process | Temperature | Medium | Holding Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| solution_treating | 1000–1100 °C | water | Rapid cooling required | Standard 304 may sensitize after slow cooling in 425-860°C range |
Compatibility verdict
304 / X5CrNi18-10 and SUS304: 97% composition match
Close equivalents but NOT identical.
Related materials
304 Stainless Steel
1.4301The most widely used austenitic stainless steel. Excellent corrosion resistance, good formability and weldability. Standard choice for food processing, chemical, and architectural applications.
316L
1.4404Low-carbon austenitic stainless steel with molybdenum addition. Superior corrosion resistance to 304, especially against chlorides and pitting. Standard choice for chemical processing, marine, medical implants, and pharmaceutical equipment.
430 Stainless Steel
1.4016Ferritic chromium stainless steel with good corrosion resistance and formability. Lower cost than austenitic grades. Used for automotive trim, kitchen sinks, architectural panels, and appliance components.
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