When choosing the right stainless steel for your project, it’s crucial to understand the differences between the different grades. The two most commonly compared grades are 304 vs 301 stainless steel. Both are austenitic stainless steels that are widely used in various industries and have excellent corrosion resistance, but they have different mechanical properties, compositions, and make them suitable for different applications.
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the differences between 301 stainless steel and 304, exploring their composition, strength, durability, mechanical properties, applications, and more. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of which grade is best for your needs.
This article will provide a detailed comparison of 301 and 304 stainless steel, hopefully helping you determine which 301 or 304 stainless steel is better for your needs when purchasing stainless steel.
What Is 304 Stainless Steel?
304 stainless steel is one of the most popular and versatile grades of stainless steel. It is an austenitic stainless steel, which means it has a face-centered cubic crystal structure that provides excellent corrosion resistance and durability. The grade contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, which contributes to its ability to resist oxidation and corrosion in a variety of environments.
304 stainless steel is known for its excellent formability and weldability, making it a top choice for a wide range of applications, including kitchen equipment, chemical containers, and architectural panels. Its non-magnetic nature and ease of fabrication further enhance its appeal in industries where these properties are critical.
What Is 301 Stainless Steel?
301 stainless steel is another austenitic stainless steel grade, but it has a slightly different composition compared to 304. It contains 17% chromium and 7% nickel, with a higher carbon content. This composition gives 301 stainless steel higher strength and hardness, especially when cold worked.
301 stainless steel is often used in applications where high strength and good corrosion resistance are required, such as in the aerospace industry, railway cars, and structural components. Its ability to be cold worked to achieve higher strength levels makes it a versatile material for various demanding applications.
304 vs 301 Stainless Steel: The Difference
| Performance Indicator | 304 Stainless Steel | 301 Stainless Steel | What It Means for You |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickel (Ni) Content | 8.0% – 10.5% | 6.0% – 8.0% | Nickel content directly affects corrosion resistance and cost. |
| Chromium (Cr) Content | 18.0% – 20.0% | 16.0% – 18.0% | Chromium determines basic rust resistance. |
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 520 MPa | ≥ 520 MPa (annealed), up to 1300 MPa+ with cold working | 301 has great strength potential. |
| Yield Strength | ≥ 205 MPa | ≥ 205 MPa (annealed), significantly increased by cold work | 301 can withstand greater stress without permanent deformation. |
| Hardness | ≤ 201 HBW | ≤ 201 HBW (annealed), extremely high after cold working | 301 is ideal for making high-hardness components. |
| Formability | Excellent | Moderate (work hardens quickly) | 304 is better for complex forming, like deep drawing and bending. |
When comparing 304 vs 301 stainless steel, it’s essential to consider several factors, including composition, mechanical properties, physical properties, cost, and applications. Each of these aspects plays a crucial role in determining which grade is more suitable for a specific use case.
304 vs 301 Stainless Steel Composition:
| Element | 304 Stainless Steel | 301 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Cr | 18-20% | 16-18% |
| Ni | 8-10.5% | 6-8% |
| C | ≤ 0.08% | ≤ 0.15% |
| Mn | ≤ 2% | ≤ 2% |
| Si | ≤ 1% | ≤ 1% |
| P | ≤ 0.045% | ≤ 0.045% |
| S | ≤ 0.03% | ≤ 0.03% |
304 vs 301 Stainless Steel Equivalent Grades:
| Standard | 304 Stainless Steel | 301 Stainless Steel |
| UNS | S30400 | S30100 |
| EN | 1.4301 | 1.4310 |
| JIS | SUS 304 | SUS 301 |
| ASTM | 304 | 301 |
304 vs 301 Stainless Steel: Mechanical Properties
| Property | 304 Stainless Steel | 301 Stainless Steel |
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 515-720 | 515-1380 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 205 | 275-960 |
| Hardness (Brinell) | ≤ 201 | ≤ 235 |
| Elongation (%) | 40 | 40-60 |
304 vs 301 Stainless Steel: Physical Properties
| Property | 304 Stainless Steel | 301 Stainless Steel |
| Density (g/cm³) | 7.93 | 7.86 |
| Melting Point (°C) | 1400-1450 | 1400-1450 |
| Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) | 16.2 | 16.3 |
| Electrical Resistivity (Ω·m) | 7.2×10⁻⁷ | 7.1×10⁻⁷ |
304 vs 301 Stainless Steel Cost:
Ex-factory unit price: 304 is usually more expensive
Under the same specifications, the ex-factory price of raw materials of 304 stainless steel is usually higher than that of 301 stainless steel. The root cause lies in its higher Ni content. Nickel is an expensive alloying element that gives 304 excellent corrosion resistance and stability.
But why do customers feel that 301 is more expensive than 304 stainless steel when they purchase and inquire about the price? That’s because 301 steel is mostly delivered in cold-rolled hard form, and the processing cost is higher. The common form of 301 steel is cold-rolled hard strip or semi-hard, 1/2H, 3/4H, FH, and other states of coils. Compared with the general annealed soft material of 304, 301 has higher production difficulty and process control requirements, so the price of 301 is higher than 304.
If you need more detailed 304 SS or 301 SS pricing, please contact us directly.
304 vs 301 Stainless Steel Application:
304 Stainless Steel Applications:
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Food processing equipment
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Medical and pharmaceutical devices
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Structural and architectural components
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Heat exchangers and pressure vessels
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301 Stainless Steel Applications:
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Automotive trim and springs
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Aerospace components
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Conveyor belts and industrial fasteners
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High-strength structural parts
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304 vs 301 Stainless Steel Other Difference:
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Corrosion Resistance: 304 is more corrosion-resistant than 301 due to its higher chromium and nickel content.
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Strength & Hardness: 301 is stronger and harder when cold-worked, whereas 304 retains more ductility.
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Weldability: 304 is easier to weld compared to 301.
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Flexibility: 301 is more flexible and suitable for applications requiring high elasticity.
304 vs 301 Stainless Steel: Which is Better?
Choosing 304 or 301 is never a simple question of “who is better”, but a strategic choice of “who is more suitable”. The right material selection can save you a lot of procurement and processing costs while ensuring product quality.
Ultimately, the choice between 301 and 304 stainless steel is not a simple material replacement, but a strategic decision based on application priorities. This decision can be simplified into the following two directions:
Invest in “reliability” and choose 304 stainless steel: If your product has strict requirements for corrosion resistance (such as outdoor, humid, food contact), or requires complex deep drawing and bending, then 304 stainless steel is a better choice. It sacrifices some strength in exchange for excellent long-term stability, processing, and safety. From a life cycle perspective, this is the most cost-effective solution, which can save you from huge losses caused by corrosion or processing failure.
Invest in “high performance” and choose 301 stainless steel: If your product pursues extreme strength, hardness, or elasticity (such as springs, high-strength structural parts), 301 stainless steel is an unparalleled choice. Its cost-effectiveness is not reflected in the unit price of raw materials, but in that after it is strengthened by cold working, it allows you to use thinner and lighter materials to achieve the design strength, thereby significantly reducing the total weight of materials and procurement costs overall.
At Huaxiao Metal, we are not only a material supplier but also a partner for the success of your project. Our team of experts has rich industry experience and can provide you with the most professional and cost-effective material solutions based on your specific working conditions, performance requirements, and cost budget.
Don’t hesitate! Contact us now for a free consultation and competitive quotation.
FAQ
My parts need to be very strong, should I choose 301?
In most cases, yes. 301 can achieve extremely high hardness and strength through cold working, making it an excellent choice for making high-strength parts. But please note that this also means that it is more difficult to machine and shape.
What is the difference between 304 and 301 when welding?
The welding performance of 304 is very excellent, and the weld area can still maintain good corrosion resistance. After welding, the corrosion resistance of the weld area of
Can I use 301 instead of 304 to make tableware to reduce costs?
Strongly not recommended. Although it may seem fine in the short term, the corrosion resistance of 301 is not enough to resist the acid, alkali, and salt in food, and long-term use may cause health risks and rust problems.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, both 304 vs 301 stainless steel are excellent materials with unique properties that make them suitable for different applications. Understanding the differences between 304 vs 301 stainless steel, including their composition, mechanical properties, and applications, is crucial for making an informed decision. Whether you choose 304 or 301 stainless steel will depend on your specific project requirements and the conditions in which the material will be used.
By carefully considering the factors discussed in this article, you can select the right stainless steel grade for your needs, ensuring optimal performance and longevity for your project.
Understanding the differences between ss 304 vs 301 Stainless Steel is essential to making an informed decision. While 304 offers better corrosion resistance and weldability, 301 offers superior strength and cost advantages. Both materials offer unique advantages, so the choice depends on the specific requirements of your application. For more information or to get a quote on our stainless steel products, contact us today!