COMMON DESIGNATIONS
Grade identifiers
- UNS — Unified Numbering System designation
- S30400
- EN — European standard number
- 1.4301
- JIS — Japanese Industrial Standards designation
- SUS304
These are commonly cited designation mappings. They do not establish one-to-one equivalence for every product form or specification; confirm the required standard and material certificate.
MATERIAL PROFILE
A widely used austenitic stainless grade
Outokumpu describes Core 304/4301 as a classic austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel and an all-purpose option with good corrosion resistance, formability and weldability. Its product page lists EN 1.4301 and UNS S30400; JIS SUS304 is a commonly cited cross-reference. Product chemistry and properties must still be checked against the specified standard and certificate.
GRADE COMPARISON / 01
How 304, 316L and 430 differ
Compare the alloy families and published chemistry ranges first. They help explain where each grade is commonly considered, but they do not replace a check against the service environment and the specified product standard.
Typical composition ranges (% by mass)
0 — 20%Cr · Chromium Ni · Nickel Mo · Molybdenum
304
304 Stainless Steel
A widely used austenitic chromium-nickel grade for general-purpose applications that need formability and corrosion resistance.
- Chromium
- 17.5–19.5%
- Nickel
- 8–10.5%
- Molybdenum
- Not listed in this table
Selection context
For chloride-rich or more aggressive corrosive service, assess 316/316L or another grade against the actual environment. Grade 304 is not a universal choice; this summary does not qualify material for a specific application.
316L
316L Stainless Steel
A low-carbon 316 grade with molybdenum, considered where more resistance to localized corrosion is needed than a basic 304 grade provides.
- Chromium
- 16–18%
- Nickel
- 10–14%
- Molybdenum
- 2–3%
Selection context
The low-carbon designation and molybdenum addition do not make 316L immune to corrosion. Temperature, chloride concentration, crevices, surface finish, fabrication and the governing standard all affect selection.
430
430 Stainless Steel
A ferritic chromium stainless steel commonly specified in sheet form for mildly corrosive and indoor applications.
- Chromium
- 16–18%
- Nickel
- Not listed in this table
- Molybdenum
- Not listed in this table
Selection context
430 belongs to the ferritic family, while 304 and 316L are austenitic. Check the service environment, fabrication route and required product standard before comparing or substituting grades.
Ranges follow the cited British Stainless Steel Association reference tables for these grade designations. A dash means that table lists no range, not zero content. Product-form standards can differ; verify the specification and mill certificate before ordering.
Composition references
British Stainless Steel AssociationAPPLICATION CONTEXT
Where it is commonly considered
Commonly referenced for kitchen equipment, household appliances, food and beverage equipment, storage tanks, architectural cladding, handrails and window frames. Actual suitability depends on the service environment and product requirements.
SELECTION NOTE
Check chloride exposure and service conditions
For chloride-rich or more aggressive corrosive service, assess 316/316L or another grade against the actual environment. Grade 304 is not a universal choice; this summary does not qualify material for a specific application.
MATERIAL RECORD
External references
These sources support the short reference above. Use the contractual product standard, current mill documentation and service conditions for engineering and purchasing decisions.