What is the difference between 304 and T304?

Type 304 is:

• Austenitic. Type 304 is the most versatile and frequently used chromium nickel stainless steel.  It is an all-purpose alloy with a multitude of benefits.  It has good corrosion and oxidation resistance, performs well in terms of formability and weldability and is easy to clean.  Because this material offers a superb combination of high strength and light weight, about half of the stainless produced in the United States is type 304.
• Used in a variety of applications: Some of the typical uses of grade 304 include appliances, cladding, consumer and industrial products, flanges and valves, handrails, hardware and fasteners, HVAC, kitchen, food and beverage equipment, medical equipment, oil and gas parts, pipes and tubes, plumbing supplies, storage tanks and window frames.
• Able to be processed in many ways: Metal processors and fabricators stamp, form, draw, bend, cut and weld alloy 304 to produce various parts.  Cold working will increase strength and hardness.
• Available in many variants: Different levels of carbon and nickel primarily define the different variants of this alloy.  Type 304L is a lower carbon variant to type 304 that offers excellent welding characteristics.  Type 304H is the higher carbon variant to type 304 and is generally specified when increased mechanical properties are desired.  Type 304 is also available with increased levels of nickel, which makes the alloy softer and easier to form often times beneficial for deep drawn processes. Each variant may offer benefits or drawbacks depending on the specific application.

The Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties of the most common variants of Type 304 are as follows:

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Type  304 Type 304L Type 304H ASTM A240/A240M (UNS Designation) S S S Chemical Composition Chromium 18.0-20.0% 18.0-20.0% 18.0-20.0% Nickel 8.0-11.0% 8.0-12.0% 8.0-10.5% Carbon (max.) 0.080% 0.030% .040-.100% Manganese (max.) 2.000% 2.000% 2.000% Silicon (max.) 0.750% 0.750% 0.750% Sulfur (max.) 0.030% 0.030% 0.030% Phosphorus (max.) 0.045% 0.045% 0.045% Nitrogen (max.) 0.100% 0.100% Mechanical Properties (annealed) Tensile (min. psi) 75,000 70,000 75,000 Yield (min. psi) 30,000 25,000 30,000 Elongation (in 2', min %) 40 40 40 Hardness (max Rb) 92 92 92

T304, type 304 and grade 304 are interchangeable terms for 304 stainless steel.

T304L, type 304L and grade 304L are interchangeable terms for 304L stainless steel.

T304H, type 304H and grade 304H are interchangeable terms for 304H stainless steel.

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Overview:
T304 Steel also known as 304 Steel is one of grade from the family of 300 Steel grades (301, 302, 303, 304, 307, 316, etc). The T304 steel is the one of the most soft grades. The difference which makes more recognizable as soft steel is that, this grade soft yet very durable, flexible and easy to trim, mold or bend.

T-304 is the most commonly used stainless all around the world. It is used in variety of products including forks, knives, steel wires, medical and personal care instruments, automobiles, machine parts, etc. It is weldable, machinable as well as has good corrosion resistance characteristics. Though it is good corrosion resistant but it is not recommendable for salt water environments. This material is hardenable by cold work, but mildly hardenable.

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Grade T304 steel has a competitor known as T409. This steel grade is a low price grade compare to T304, therefore, at some places it is preferred than T304, but when it comes to reliability for long time, better finish and durability, T304 is the final choice. The T409 can get surface corrosion easily, though the corrosion appears on the surface does not damage the structure from inside and it is just on the surface. However, it is a huge negative point. Whereas, the T304 is more durable, has better surface finish and will not get surface corrosion unless it is exposed to really extreme atmosphere, such as Sea water, etc. Therefore, T304 is definitely a preferable choice than T409.

Grade type 304 is produced in various carbon levels i.e. T304 & T304L are low carbon grades and T304H is high carbon grade

T304 related specifications are: AISI 304/304L, ASTM A240 and AMS /

Chemical Composition

Ingredients Min. Max. Iron (Fe) 66.5 74% Carbon (C) ' 0.08% Chrome (Cr) 18 20% Manganese (Mn) ' 2% Nickel (Ni) 8 10.5% Phosphorus (P) ' 0.045% Sulphur (S) ' 0.03% Silicon (Si) ' 1%

Physical Properties

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Grade Tensile Strength Avg. Yield Strength Avg. Elongation Rockwell Hardness T304 74,000 psi 32,000 psi 70% B70