304 Stainless Steel Grade Metal Sheet Plate Panels

304 Stainless Steel

These stainless sheets are offered here in small sizes to suit all requirements. We also offer metal sheet in full 2 metre x 1 metre panels.

Quick product details:

• Metal – 304 Grade Stainless Steel
• Coating – Yes. 1 Side Protective Coated
• Finish – Brushed

If you wish to calculate the weight of sheet metal that you will require then check out our article which tells you how to make this calculation.

Our sheet metal is also available in mild steel and aluminium.

Why Choose Speciality Metals

• FREE UK delivery on all orders
• Order dispatch within 24 hours of order
• Located in Warrington, UK which is the UK home of mesh and metals
• Our experienced staff are experts in the mesh market and care personally about your customer experience

Furthermore we stock a vast range of plain wire mesh and perforated metal options that compliment our sheet metal range perfectly.

What Are The Common Applications?

304 grade stainless steel sheet metal is a versatile material that can be used in a wide range of applications, which include:

1. Food and beverage industry: It  is a popular choice for equipment and surfaces in the food and beverage industry because of its hygienic properties and resistance to corrosion.
2. Medical and pharmaceutical industry: Our stainless sheet metal has been used for medical and pharmaceutical equipment and devices because of its resistance to corrosion, easy cleaning, and non-reactivity with bodily fluids.
3. Architectural applications: It is often used in architectural applications such as building facades, elevator interiors, and signage because of its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
4. Automotive industry: It is popular for use in the automotive industry for a variety of applications such as exhaust systems, trim, and decorative accents because of its corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal.
5. Chemical processing: 304 stainless steel is often used in chemical processing applications because of its resistance to corrosion and ability to withstand high temperatures and pressure.
6. Aerospace industry: 304 stainless steel is used in the aerospace industry for a variety of applications including aircraft exhaust systems, engine components, and fuel tanks because of its strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion.

If you require a magnetic stainless steel sheet then check out the 430 series.

What Are The Properties Of 304 Sheet Metal?

The main properties are:

1. Corrosion resistance: 304 is highly resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for use in environments where it may be exposed to moisture, chemicals, or other corrosive substances. This property is due to the high levels of chromium and nickel in the alloy.
2. High strength: This grade of stainless steel sheet metal has high tensile strength and is resistant to deformation and cracking under stress. It can withstand a wide range of mechanical stresses without losing its shape, making it suitable for use in demanding applications.
3. Formability: 304 sheet metal is easy to form and can be fabricated into a wide range of shapes and sizes. It can be bent, cut, welded, and shaped using standard metalworking tools, making it a versatile material for a wide range of applications.
4. Thermal resistance: We advise that 304 can withstand high temperatures without degrading or losing its strength. It can be used in applications where high temperatures are present, such as in industrial furnaces or ovens.
5. Non-magnetic: 304 sheet metal is non-magnetic, making it suitable for use in applications where magnetic properties are not desirable, such as in electronics or medical devices. Again, we advise you to check out the 430 series for a magnetic metal.

Stainless Steel Or Mild Steel Sheet?

Here are some differences between stainless steel and mild steel sheet:

1. Corrosion resistance: Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, while mild steel is prone to rust and corrosion over time.
2. Strength: Stainless steel is generally stronger than mild steel, which makes it suitable for use in applications where high strength is required.
3. Ductility: Mild steel is more ductile than stainless steel, which means it can be easily formed and shaped. However, this also means it is less resistant to deformation and can be more prone to bending or warping.
4. Weldability: Stainless steel is generally more difficult to weld than mild steel due to its higher melting point and lower thermal conductivity.
5. Cost: Stainless steel is generally more expensive than mild steel, which can make it less attractive for applications where cost is a major factor.
6. Appearance: Stainless steel has a shiny and reflective surface, while mild steel has a duller and less reflective surface.

Can 304 Stainless Steel Sheets Be Welded or Fabricated?

Yes, 304 stainless steel sheets can indeed be welded and fabricated. Due to its excellent weldability and fabricability, 304 stainless steel is one of the most widely used stainless steel grades.

When welding 304 stainless steel, it’s essential to prevent intergranular corrosion, which can occur at high temperatures. It is possible to ensure strong weld joints by using a filler material with a matching composition, such as a 308 stainless steel filler rod. To maximise corrosion resistance, post-weld annealing may also be beneficial.

304 stainless steel can be formed and fabricated using a variety of techniques. Besides bending, cutting, stamping, and spinning, it responds well to most common forming methods. The strength of 304 stainless steel can be slightly increased by cold working processes. Excessive cold work may also make the material more magnetic and increase its susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking. When fabricating 304 stainless steel, it’s essential to follow best practices to maintain its corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.

Is 304 Stainless Steel Magnetic?

304 stainless steel is generally considered non-magnetic in its annealed state. Due to the presence of nickel in its composition, it has a decrease in magnetic properties because it stabilises the austenitic structure. If 304 stainless steel is cold worked or altered in other ways, it can exhibit some magnetic properties. A fully magnetic stainless steel would be 430 stainless steel. Due to its ferritic microstructure, 430 stainless steel is magnetic by nature because it contains a higher proportion of iron and no nickel. For applications requiring magnetic characteristics, 430 stainless steel is often recommended over 304 stainless steel.