304 Stainless Steel Density, Melting Point and Physical Properties
Release Time:
30 Jun,2026
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304 stainless steel is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel in industrial manufacturing. It is valued for its excellent corrosion resistance,
304 Stainless Steel Density & Physical Properties
304 stainless steel is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel in industrial manufacturing. It is valued for its excellent corrosion resistance, strong mechanical performance, and balanced cost. Engineers, buyers, and fabricators often need accurate physical property data before selecting materials for processing, welding, machining, or structural applications.
This guide provides core physical property data of 304 stainless steel, including density, melting point, thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, and thermal expansion. These values are important for design calculations, heat transfer analysis, and production planning.
What Is 304 Stainless Steel?
304 stainless steel belongs to the 300 series austenitic stainless steel family. It mainly contains chromium and nickel, which provide strong corrosion resistance and oxidation resistance. Because of its balanced performance, 304 is widely used in food processing, kitchen equipment, chemical containers, architecture, and industrial equipment.
| Grade | Type | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| 304 | Austenitic Stainless Steel | Excellent corrosion resistance and formability |
| 304L | Low Carbon Austenitic | Better weldability and reduced carbide precipitation |
304 Stainless Steel Density
The density of 304 stainless steel is one of the most frequently used values in weight calculations and structural design.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.93 g/cm³ |
| Density | 7930 kg/m³ |
| Density | 0.286 lb/in³ |
This density makes 304 stainless steel heavier than aluminum but comparable to most stainless steel grades in the 300 series.
304 Stainless Steel Physical Properties Data Table
Below is a practical physical properties table for engineering reference.
| Property | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 7.93 | g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 1400–1450 | °C |
| Thermal Conductivity (100°C) | 16.2 | W/m·K |
| Specific Heat | 500 | J/kg·K |
| Electrical Resistivity | 0.72 × 10⁻⁶ | Ω·m |
| Elastic Modulus | 193 | GPa |
| Thermal Expansion (20–100°C) | 17.2 × 10⁻⁶ | /°C |
| Magnetic Permeability | ≈1.02 | - |
Why Physical Properties Matter
Physical properties directly affect how 304 stainless steel performs during manufacturing and end-use applications.
| Property | Impact on Application |
|---|---|
| Density | Affects total component weight and shipping cost |
| Melting Point | Important for welding and heat treatment |
| Thermal Conductivity | Affects heat transfer efficiency |
| Thermal Expansion | Critical for high-temperature design |
304 vs 316 Physical Properties
Many buyers compare 304 and 316 stainless steel before purchasing.
| Property | 304 | 316 |
|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 7.93 | 7.98 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 1400–1450 | 1375–1400 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 16.2 | 16.3 |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent | Superior in chloride environments |
Teda Ganghua Stainless Steel Supply Capability
As a professional stainless steel supplier, Teda Ganghua provides high-quality 304 stainless steel products for global industrial customers. We supply stainless steel sheets, coils, strips, pipes, tubes, and bars with stable chemical composition, strict tolerance control, and reliable surface finishes.
Our products support cutting, slitting, bending, polishing, and custom fabrication services for industries including food processing, construction, automotive, and manufacturing.
Explore our stainless steel product range here: Stainless Steel Products
Conclusion
304 stainless steel remains one of the most versatile engineering materials due to its balanced physical properties. Its density of 7.93 g/cm³, melting point of 1400–1450°C, and stable thermal performance make it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications.
Understanding these physical properties helps engineers and buyers choose the right material for performance, cost control, and long-term durability.
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