Marketplace/Ferrous/Stainless Steel 304

Ferrous

Stainless Steel 304

Grade: 304 (18/8 Austenitic)Very High Tier

18/8 austenitic stainless (18% chrome, 8% nickel), non-magnetic

Market Price EstimateUpdated Daily

$1,850/ MT

+125 (7.2%)vs yesterday

Verified specifications & market data

Overview Specifications Price Calculator Logistics & Handling Compliance

Chemical Composition

Elemental breakdown by percentage weight.

Standard composition limits

Values represent maximum allowed percentage unless otherwise noted.

Physical Properties

Material form, density, and contamination specifications.

Austenitic stainless steel scrap; non-magnetic form; premium alloy material requiring strict segregation from carbon steel

Acceptable Inclusions

Surface discoloration and oxidation (stainless characteristic)
Light grease/oil <1%
Paint coating (burns off in furnace)
Mill scale

Prohibited Materials

Carbon steel mixing (CRITICAL; must be segregated 100%)
Other stainless grades (304 only; 316, 430, etc. contaminate)
Copper or brass fittings (non-ferrous contamination)
Non-ferrous metals >0.5% each
Radioactive materials
PCB or hazardous electronics
Asbestos materials
Mercury components

Quality Assurance

Testing protocols, sampling methods, and acceptance criteria.

Sampling Protocol

frequencyRandom selection from different material pieces

maximumQuantity40 samples per load

minimumQuantity1–2 tonnes or 20–30 samples

notesHigh-value material; robust sampling and testing required

percentage5–10% of lot

Acceptance Limits

all Criteria Must Passcriteria must be met; 304 grade purity essential

carbon LimitC <0.08%

chromium RangeCr 18.0–20.0%

iron RangeFe 67–74%

magnetic Testmagnetic response

molybdenumMo <0.75%

nickel RangeNi 8.0–10.5%

phosphorus LimitP <0.045%

sulfur LimitS <0.03%

Weight Tolerance

variance±2% acceptable from purchase order weight

Required Test Methods

Visual Inspection + Magnetic Test

CRITICAL

Method 1

Purpose

Verify non-magnetic (304 stainless)
detect carbon steel mixing

Acceptance Criteria

Pass: NO magnetic response (austenitic)
all material non-magnetic

Procedure

Handheld magnet test on every piece
ZERO magnetic response acceptable

XRF Spectrometry

Method 2

Purpose

Verify Cr 18–20%, Ni 8–10.5%, Fe 67–74%, Mo <0.75%

Acceptance Criteria

Pass: Cr 18–20% (critical), Ni 8–10.5% (critical 304 grade), Fe within range, Mo absent

Combustion Analysis

Method 3

Purpose

Verify carbon <0.08%, sulfur <0.03%

Acceptance Criteria

Pass: C <0.08%, S <0.03%

Procedure

Test on samples if material age/source uncertain

Portable XRF Verification

Method 4

Purpose

Rapid verification on-site before transport

Acceptance Criteria

Pass: Confirms Cr 18–20%, Ni 8–10.5% within field tolerance