301 Vs. 304 Stainless Steel

There are several different types of stainless steel on the market. While 301and 304 stainless steel are made up of essentially the same materials, they contain different percentages of certain key materials.

Composition

• Type 301 stainless steel consists of 0.15 percent (max) of carbon, 2 percent manganese, 0.045 percent phosphorous, 0.030 percent sulfur, 0.75 percent silicon, between 16.0 and 18.0 percent chromium and between 6.0 and 8.0 percent nickel. Type 304 stainless steel consists of 0.08 percent carbon, 2 percent manganese, 0.045 percent phosphorous, 0.030 percent sulfur, 0.75 percent silicon, between 18.0 and 20.0 percent chromium and between 8.0 and 12.0 percent nickel.

Melting Range

• The melting range of 301 stainless steel is between 2,259 degrees Fahrenheit and 2,590 degrees Fahrenheit. Type 304 stainless steel offers a slightly higher, but narrower, melting range than 301 stainless steel. The melting range of 304 stainless steel is between 2,550 degrees Fahrenheit and 2,650 degrees Fahrenheit.

Density and Corrosion

• Type 301 stainless steel offers 0.285 pounds per cubic-inch density while type 304e stainless steel offers a density of 0.29 pounds per cubic-inch. Both types of stainless steel offer a mild resistance to corrosion. 301 stainless steel resists oxidation up to 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit and 304 stainless steel resists oxidation to up to 1,650 degrees Fahrenheit.