Stainless Steel 304 (1.4301 / A2)
Stainless Steel 304 (1.4301 / A2)
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Bespoke Manufacturing
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Various Gauges/Thicknesses
Bespoke Manufacturing
Instant Quote Service
Worldwide Delivery
Various Gauges/Thicknesses
Stephens Gaskets is a trusted UK manufacturer and supplier of Stainless Steel 304 (1.4301 / A2) – the most widely used austenitic stainless steel worldwide.
Renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance, strength, hygiene, and versatility, Stainless Steel 304 is the industry standard for components, fasteners, and assemblies across construction, food processing, medical, and chemical sectors.
What Is Stainless Steel 304 (1.4301 / A2)?
Stainless Steel 304 – also known as EN 1.4301 or A2 – is a non-magnetic, austenitic stainless steel alloy that contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
These alloying elements give 304 its signature characteristics:
- High corrosion resistance in normal atmospheric and freshwater conditions.
- Excellent formability and weldability, ideal for sheet metal fabrication.
- Attractive appearance, available in brushed, polished, or mirror finishes.
Whether you need sheet, coil, bar, or finished components, Stephens Gaskets delivers certified stainless steel products with full traceability, precision cutting, and competitive lead times.
Designations
| Name | Standard | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel 304 | AISI (USA) | Most common austenitic grade |
| 1.4301 | EN (Europe) | Equivalent to 304 |
| A2 | ISO/DIN | Fastener-grade stainless steel, suitable for general outdoor use |
Benefits of Stainless Steel 304
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Excellent Corrosion Resistance | Performs well in air, freshwater, and mild chemical exposure (not for marine environments). |
| Non-Magnetic (Annealed) | Ideal for sensitive environments; may become slightly magnetic after cold work. |
| Superior Formability | Easy to bend, roll, and deep draw. Perfect for sinks, tanks, and formed parts. |
| Good Weldability | Welds easily with standard TIG/MIG processes; no post-weld heat treatment needed. |
| Hygienic & Easy to Clean | Non-porous surface resists bacterial growth – essential for food and pharma. |
| Cost-Effective & Readily Available | More affordable than 316 (A4) with global availability. |
| Sustainable Material | 100% recyclable with high recycled content. |
Applications of Stainless Steel 304
Stainless steel 304’s balance of performance and cost makes it ideal for almost every industry:
1. Construction & Architecture
- Cladding, facades, handrails, drainage, roofing, and structural trim.
2. Food & Beverage
- Sinks, worktops, storage tanks, and brewing or dairy equipment – easy to sterilise and hygienic.
3. Chemical & Pharmaceutical
- Heat exchangers, tanks, and process vessels resistant to sterilising agents.
4. Water & Sanitation
- Plumbing fixtures, piping, and water treatment systems.
5. Fasteners & Hardware (A2 Grade)
- Bolts, screws, washers, brackets, and hinges for indoor and outdoor (non-marine) applications.
6. Automotive & Transport
- Exhaust systems, trims, and fuel lines.
7. Medical & Laboratory
- Surgical trays, benches, and sterilisation equipment.
Manufacturing & Material Use by Industry
| Industry | Common Materials | Application Example |
|---|---|---|
| General Manufacturing | Mild steel, 304, aluminium | Frames, brackets, enclosures |
| Chemical & Petrochemical | 304, 316, Inconel, PTFE | Tanks, vessels, seals |
| Food & Beverage | 304 / 316 | Hygiene-critical surfaces |
| Medical & Pharma | 316L, titanium | Instruments, cleanroom parts |
| Automotive | HSLA steel, aluminium | Body panels, exhausts |
| Aerospace | Titanium, Inconel | BEngine components, airframes |
Common Pain Points (and How Stephens Gaskets Solves Them)
| Pain Point | Solution |
|---|---|
| Not marine-grade (chloride corrosion) | We offer 316 (A4) stainless for saltwater environments. |
| Limited high-temp resistance | For >870°C, we recommend 310 or 321 stainless. |
| Slight magnetism after forming | We use controlled processes to minimise residual magnetism. |
| Prone to surface staining (“tea staining”) | Optional passivation and polishing maintain a bright finish. |
| Higher cost than carbon steel | Superior lifespan and zero-rust performance justify investment. |
| Stress corrosion cracking risk | We advise material pairing and stress-relief procedures. |
| Not heat-treat hardenable | Cold working or material substitution for higher hardness. |
FAQs – Stainless Steel 304 (1.4301 / A2)
What's the difference between 304 and 316 stainless steel?
316 includes molybdenum, making it better for marine or chloride-heavy environments. 304 is more cost-effective for general use.
Can stainless steel 304 be used outdoors?
Yes, but not in coastal or high-chloride locations. Use 316 for those conditions.
Is 304 stainless steel magnetic?
No, it’s non-magnetic in the annealed state, but can become slightly magnetic after cold forming.
Can Stephens Gaskets fabricate custom components?
Yes – we offer cutting, forming, welding, and polishing services for custom parts.
What certifications are available?
All 304 materials are supplied with EN 10204 3.1/3.2 certification and full mill traceability.
Stephens Gaskets is your UK partner for stainless steel 304 (1.4301 / A2).
We offer precision fabrication, full certification, and fast delivery on all stainless components and materials.
Call: 0121 544 5808 | Email: sales@stephensgaskets.co.uk
Request your Stainless Steel 304 quotation today.