304 stainless steel plate is the workhorse austenitic grade for general fabrication — the best cost-performance balance in stainless, with excellent forming, welding and atmospheric corrosion resistance. ZEMSS supplies GB-standard 304 plate from major Chinese mills (TISCO, Baowu, Tsingshan, JISCO, Dongte) with full mill documentation, plus cutting-to-size from our Taiyuan facility.
Product Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Grade | 304 (GB 06Cr19Ni10 · UNS S30400) |
| Standards | GB/T 4237 · ASTM A240 equivalent · EN 10088-2 equivalent |
| Thickness | 0.5 – 3 mm (cold rolled) · 3 – 80 mm (hot rolled) |
| Width | 1,000 / 1,219 / 1,500 / 1,800 / 2,000 mm standard |
| Length | 2,000 / 2,438 / 3,000 / 6,000 mm standard · cut-to-size available |
| Surface | No.1 · 2B · BA · No.4 brushed · HL hairline · 8K mirror |
| Certification | Mill test certificate, EN 10204 3.1 type, heat-number traceable |
International Grade Equivalents
| Grade we quote | GB designation | UNS | ASTM / AISI | EN number | JIS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 06Cr19Ni10 (old: 0Cr18Ni9) | S30400 | 304 | 1.4301 | SUS304 |
Plate is supplied to Chinese GB standards; chemistry and mechanicals on each delivery are verified against the mill certificate, so an ASTM/EN-specified order is satisfied with documented proof.
Chemical Composition & Mechanical Properties
| C max | Cr | Ni | Mn max | Si max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.08% | 18.0–20.0% | 8.0–10.5% | 2.0% | 0.75% |
| Yield strength ≥ | Tensile strength ≥ | Elongation ≥ | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 205 MPa | 515 MPa | 40% | Annealed (ASTM A240 equivalent) |
Available Sizes & Surface Finishes
| Finish | Process | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| No.1 | Hot rolled + annealed + pickled | Structural and industrial use, further fabrication |
| 2B | Cold rolled + annealed + skin pass | The default general finish; fabrication and moderate appearance needs |
| BA | Bright annealed | Reflective appearance without polishing |
| No.4 / HL | Directional brushed / hairline | Architectural panels, elevator cladding, kitchen equipment |
| 8K mirror | Progressive polishing to mirror | Decorative features, clean rooms, high-appearance surfaces |
Performance & Selection Guide
Choose 304 when: the environment is atmospheric, freshwater or food-contact; the part needs good forming or welding; and chlorides are absent or mild. It is the default answer for most indoor and sheltered applications.
Step up to 316L when: chlorides are present (coastal air, de-icing salt, brine, many chemicals) — see our 304 vs 316L comparison and the 304L vs 316L guide for the decision logic, or go straight to the 316L plate product page.
Welding note: 304 welds readily by all common processes. For heavy-section welds exposed to chlorides, the low-carbon 304L reduces sensitization risk at the weld zone.
Typical Applications
- General fabrication: frames, brackets, housings and enclosures
- Food-processing equipment and kitchen surfaces
- Architectural panels and decorative features (brushed/mirror finishes)
- Tanks and vessels for non-aggressive media — see our tank fabrication
- Industrial flooring basis plate — see checkered plate for slip-resistant floors
FAQ
Is 304 magnetic?
Annealed 304 is essentially non-magnetic; cold working (bending, rolling edges) can induce slight magnetism. This is normal and does not indicate a wrong grade.
What thickness should I order?
Tell us the application, span and load — we will recommend a thickness. Common brackets and frames run 2–4 mm; platforms and tanks 3–8 mm; heavy structural 8 mm and up.
Can you cut plates to my sizes?
Yes — laser and plasma cutting to size, strips, circles and shaped blanks, with deburred edges, from our Taiyuan facility.
Do plates ship with certificates?
Yes — every delivery carries the mill test certificate (EN 10204 3.1 type) with heat-number traceability.
304 or 316L for outdoor use?
Inland sheltered outdoor: 304 is usually sufficient. Coastal, de-icing salt or chemical exposure: 316L.
How to Order
Send thickness, surface finish, sizes and quantity — you receive a line-item quotation within two working days with stock confirmation and cutting options. Mill certificates travel with every delivery. Request a quote or browse our full product range.