Corrosion resistance
Supports many indoor and general industrial environments when the surface is properly handled and specified.
Metal material
Stainless Steel 304 Manufacturing and Custom Parts
A general-purpose stainless grade for machined parts, brackets, panels, and enclosures.
- General corrosion resistance
- Formable
- Weldable
Material overview
A versatile stainless option for machined and fabricated equipment parts.
Stainless Steel 304 is regularly reviewed for panels, brackets, machine covers, food-contact-adjacent equipment, shafts, and general industrial components that need a durable natural-metal appearance and useful corrosion resistance.
Machined and sheet metal versions of the same design can behave differently. The RFQ should identify material form, visible faces, weld treatment, grain direction, passivation, and any areas that must remain free of handling marks.
Key properties
Performance characteristics translated into manufacturing decisions.
Forming capability
Commonly used for laser-cut and bent panels when bend direction and tooling access are considered.
Weldability
Suitable for welded frames and enclosures with joint design, distortion, and cleanup requirements defined.
Natural appearance
Can retain a stainless look through brushing, polishing, or passivation rather than an opaque coating.
Suitable processes
Manufacturing routes for this material.
Compatible Surface Finishes
Surface options reviewed with the base material.
Typical applications
Common Stainless Steel 304 part families.
Equipment panels and covers
Machine brackets
Control enclosures
Precision spacers
Fluid-control bodies
Visible stainless assemblies
Design considerations
Control the features that affect function and process stability.
G 01
State sheet thickness, grain direction, and visible faces.
G 02
Provide bend relief and tool access around closely spaced features.
G 03
Define weld type, cleanup, and appearance requirements.
G 04
Keep critical holes away from bends unless the process is reviewed.
Limitations
Requirements that need engineering review.
- It is heavier and often slower to machine than aluminum.
- Heat and work hardening require appropriate tooling and cutting strategy.
- Welding can distort thin panels unless joints and sequence are controlled.
- Brushed or polished faces require clear cosmetic acceptance criteria.
RFQ checklist
Material details to include in the quotation package.
Clear requirements help engineering, finishing, inspection, and purchasing review the same target.
- 01Specify 304 or the required regional equivalent on the controlled drawing.
- 02Sheet finish and grain direction should be stated for visible panels.
- 03Mill certificates and traceability should be requested during quotation when needed.
Related parts
Representative geometry from the parts gallery.
Gallery labels identify stainless applications but may not state a verified 304 grade. Use the drawing and material documents to control the final grade.
Related materials
Compare adjacent material options before freezing the drawing.
FAQ
Stainless Steel 304 questions from engineering and sourcing teams.
Can 304 stainless be used for both machined and bent parts?
Yes. The manufacturing method depends on geometry, thickness, quantity, tolerances, and assembly needs. A single project can combine machined details with fabricated panels.
Should brushed grain direction be shown on the drawing?
Yes. Identify visible faces and the required grain direction so cutting, bending, and handling can be planned around the cosmetic requirement.
Is passivation the same as polishing?
No. Passivation is a chemical treatment that supports the stainless surface condition, while polishing mechanically changes smoothness and reflectivity. They solve different requirements.
Start your RFQ
Upload your drawings and receive an engineer-reviewed quotation.
Share the material, process, quantity, finish, critical requirements, and delivery needs. contact@kewei-kw.com / +86-13929495765