**EN 1.4301 (AISI 304)**

## Product Description

Stainless steel 1.4301 (AISI 304) is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel grade, accounting for the majority of all stainless steel produced globally. Characterised by an 18% chromium and 10% nickel composition, it offers excellent corrosion resistance in most environments, good formability, and reliable weldability. It is the general-purpose grade for applications that require corrosion resistance without the elevated demands of marine or chemical environments. Note: 1.4301 is susceptible to chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking — for marine or chloride-heavy environments, specify 1.4404 (316L).

## Key Characteristics

• Excellent general corrosion resistance in atmospheric and mild chemical environments  
• Good machinability — requires sharp tooling and appropriate cutting speeds  
• Excellent weldability — all common processes  
• Good formability and work-hardening behaviour  
• Non-magnetic in annealed condition (may become slightly magnetic after machining)  
• Not suitable for chloride or marine environments — use 316L

## Mechanical Properties — EN 10088-3

| Tensile Strength(Rm) | 500-700MPa |
| --- | --- |
| Yield Strength(Rp0.2) | 205MPa(min) |
| Elongation at Break(A) | 45%(min) |
| Hardness | ≤215HB(Brinell,ISO6506) |
| Elastic Modulus(E) | ~193GPa |
| Density | 7.90g/cm3 |
| Thermal Conductivity | ~15W/m·K |
| Coeff.of Thermal Expansion | $17.2\times10^{-6}/\mathrm{K}(20-100^{\circ}\mathrm{C})$ |
| Melting Range | 1400-1450 $^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ |
| Electrical Resistivity | ~0.73 $\mu\Omega \cdot \mathrm{m}$ |

$$
17.2\times10^{-6}/\times(20-100^{\circ}C)
$$

**Chemical Composition — EN 10088-3**

| Chromium(Cr) | 17.50-19.50% |
| --- | --- |
| Nickel(Ni) | 8.00-10.50% |
| Manganese(Mn) | ≤2.00% |
| Silicon(Si) | ≤1.00% |
| --- | --- |
| Carbon(C) | ≤0.07% |
| Phosphorus(P) | ≤0.045% |
| Sulphur(S) | ≤0.030% |
| Nitrogen(N) | ≤0.10% |
| Iron(Fe) | Remainder |

## Machining Notes

Good machinability with carbide tooling at moderate cutting speeds. Stainless steel work-hardens rapidly — use sharp tools, adequate feed rates, and avoid dwelling. Flood coolant recommended for all operations. Lower cutting speeds than aluminium; allow for higher cutting forces and heat generation. Suitable for tapping M3 and above with appropriate lubricant.

## Typical Applications

Food processing equipment, kitchen and catering hardware, architectural components, pharmaceutical machinery, chemical processing (non-chloride environments), medical devices, consumer products, industrial fixtures and enclosures.