Can 304 stainless steel be machined? Is it hard to machine?

Yes, 304 machines well with the right process, but it work hardens as it is cut. We use sharp coated tooling, steady feeds and plenty of coolant so every pass cuts below the hardened layer. That is how we CNC turn and mill it.

How much do custom 304 stainless steel parts cost?

It depends on size, geometry, finish and quantity. As a reference, a 304/304L stainless flange of Ø100 × 15 mm, with a Ø42 mm center bore and 4 × Ø14 mm holes on a 75 mm bolt circle, costs $98.63 USD for 1 part, $35.77 each at 25 and $32.79 at 100. Upload your file to get the exact price of your part instantly.

Is 304 stainless steel food grade?

Yes. 304 is one of the most common materials in food, beverage and dairy equipment: it is non-porous, doesn’t affect taste and stands up to cleaning and sanitizing. For food-contact parts, ask for passivation and a smooth finish that doesn’t trap residue.

Is 304 stainless steel magnetic?

Annealed 304 is non-magnetic. Machining, bending or cold working can make the worked areas slightly magnetic, without reducing its corrosion resistance.

Can you passivate or polish 304 stainless parts?

Yes. Parts can ship as machined, passivated, bead blasted for a matte finish, or brushed and polished for visible surfaces. Passivation is the most requested finish for food and medical parts.

Do you machine custom stainless steel parts from a single piece?

Yes. Upload your CAD file (STEP) and get an instant price and delivery date, from one part to production.

CNC turning and milling · From 1 part

304 Stainless Steel
CNC Machining

Couplings, flanges, bushings, shafts and brackets in 304 stainless, turned and milled from your file. Upload your CAD and order online, starting at a single part.

See 304 properties

Flange

304/304L Stainless · Ø100 × 15 mm · 4 × Ø14 mm holes

1 pc

$98.63 USD

per part

25 pcs

$35.77 USD

per part

-63.73%

100 pcs

$32.79 USD

per part

-66.75%

Loading…

Manufacturing services

CNC turning and milling · From 1 part

304 Stainless Steel
CNC Machining

Couplings, flanges, bushings, shafts and brackets in 304 stainless, turned and milled from your file. Upload your CAD and order online, starting at a single part.

See 304 properties

Flange

304/304L Stainless · Ø100 × 15 mm · 4 × Ø14 mm holes

1 pc

$98.63 USD

per part

25 pcs

$35.77 USD

per part

-63.73%

100 pcs

$32.79 USD

per part

-66.75%

Material Overview

What is Stainless Steel 304?

304 stainless steel is the most widely used stainless alloy: about 18% chromium and 8% nickel (hence the name 18-8), it resists rust in most environments, cleans easily and welds well. At PREMSA we CNC turn and mill it from your file into flanges, couplings, bushings, shafts, brackets and food-equipment parts, starting at a single part with an instant price.

304 stainless steel fabricated parts and welded assemblies

Specifications

Stainless Steel 304 Specifications

Engineering-grade properties of 304 stainless steel, including mechanical, physical, and corrosion characteristics relevant to fabrication, welding, and general industrial use. This data supports material selection across a wide range of environments.

304 Stainless Steel Engineering Properties

Alloy Type

Austenitic Stainless Steel (18-8)

Primary Characteristics

Excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability, good formability, general-purpose versatility

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

85 ksi (586 MPa)

Tensile Strength (Yield)

30 ksi (205 MPa)

Elongation at Break

50–60%

Hardness

Brinell ≤ 201 HB

Density

8.00 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³)

Elastic Modulus

28,000 ksi (193 GPa)

Poisson’s Ratio

0.29

Thermal Conductivity

16.2 W/m·K

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

17.2 µm/m·°C

Melting Range

1400–1450 °C (2550–2640 °F)

Machinability

Moderate (work hardens: machined with sharp tooling, steady feeds and coolant)

Formability

Excellent (suitable for bending, forming, and deep drawing)

Weldability

Excellent (widely used in welded structures)

Corrosion Resistance

Excellent (resistant to oxidation, moisture, and many chemicals)

Common Forms

Sheet, plate, bar, tube

Typical Applications

Food equipment, enclosures, structural components, tubing, tanks, brackets, industrial assemblies

Material Composition

Iron (Fe): balance, Chromium (Cr): 18–20%, Nickel (Ni): 8–10.5%, Carbon (C): ≤0.08%

ASTM Standard

ASTM A240 / A276 / A312

Performance

Material Performance Overview

Rating across key engineering and manufacturing criteria.

Strength

Weight

Machinability

Formability

Weldability

Corrosion Resistance

Thermal Resistance

Cost Efficiency

Need custom 304 stainless steel parts?

Upload your CAD file and get an instant price and delivery date. CNC turning and milling from one part to production.

Custom 304 Stainless Steel Parts We Machine

We CNC turn and mill 304 stainless parts for food equipment, pumps, piping, machinery and robotics.

Flanges and end caps

Couplings, plugs and threaded (NPT) fittings

Bushings, spacers and sleeves

Shafts, pins and axles

Brackets and mounting plates

Food and beverage equipment parts

Pump and valve components

Lab and pharmaceutical equipment parts

Custom machinery replacement parts

Material FAQs

304 Stainless Steel FAQs

Common questions about custom 304 stainless steel parts: machinability, tolerances, cost, food grade and magnetism.

The Universal Stainless Standard

304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Machining, Tolerances and Finishes

304 stainless steel is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel in the world. With about 18% chromium and 8% nickel, it forms a protective layer that resists rust indoors, outdoors, in fresh water and against most foods and mild chemicals.

At PREMSA Industries we machine 304 with CNC turning and milling from your file. It work hardens as it is cut, so we run it with sharp tooling, steady feeds and coolant to protect finish and dimensions.

Key manufacturing characteristics of SS 304

Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Highly resistant to rust in most atmospheric conditions and freshwater environments due to its high chromium content.
High Ductility and Toughness: Can be significantly deformed without fracturing, making it ideal for parts that require both strength and some level of flexibility.
Superior Weldability: One of the easiest stainless steels to weld using standard techniques like TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW).
Hygienic Surface Properties: Its non-porous surface resists bacterial growth and is easy to sanitize, a critical requirement for food and medical sectors.
Non-Magnetic Performance: In its annealed state, it is non-magnetic, which is vital for electronic enclosures and sensitive instrumentation.
Cryogenic Suitability: Maintains excellent mechanical properties and toughness even at extremely low temperatures.

Mechanical and physical properties of Stainless 304

304 is chosen when a part has to resist rust, carry load and be easy to clean or weld.

Typical performance profile

High tensile strength and excellent impact resistance
Low thermal conductivity: heat concentrates at the cutting edge and is controlled with coolant
Retains structural integrity at elevated temperatures up to 870°C
Significant work-hardening rate, which can be utilized to increase part strength
Outstanding aesthetic appeal with various brushed or polished finishes

Why engineers choose it

Standardized availability and well-documented performance data
Excellent for complex assemblies requiring both machined parts and welded frames
Ideal for food-grade equipment, laboratory hardware, and chemical containers

Strengths and advantages of SS 304

Broad Chemical Compatibility: Resists most oxidizing acids and household chemicals.
Structural Reliability: Offers high yield strength for load-bearing components.
Versatile Fabrication: Can be readily stamped, machined, and joined.
Ease of Sanitization: The preferred material for the pharmaceutical and dairy industries.
Longevity: Components typically enjoy a long service life with minimal maintenance.
Aesthetic Finish: Naturally bright finish that can be electropolished to a mirror shine.

Trade-offs and limitations of Stainless 304

Work hardening: Needs rigid setups, sharp tooling and steady feeds
Pitting in Chlorides: Vulnerable to localized corrosion (pitting) in warm chloride environments or salt-water spray.
Intergranular Corrosion: Welding can cause chromium carbide precipitation unless low-carbon versions (304L) or proper post-weld treatments are used.
Thermal expansion: It expands with heat, which must be accounted for in tight-tolerance assemblies
Material cost: A mid-to-high cost material per pound

Fabrication and machining considerations for SS 304

Tolerances on 304 stainless parts

If your drawing doesn’t specify tolerances, we machine to ISO 2768-m (medium). On dimensions you call out we can hold ±0.025 mm, and critical dimensions are checked in inspection.

Dual-certified 304/304L bar

Much 304 bar stock is sold dual-certified 304/304L, meeting both specifications at once. A part machined from that bar meets a drawing that calls for 304 or 304L, and is ready if it will be welded later.

Machining behavior

SS 304 is known for being 'gummy' and tough. Successful CNC milling requires constant chip evacuation and sharp, coated tools to prevent the material from hardening ahead of the cut.

Machined at moderate cutting speeds with steady feeds to stay below the work-hardened layer
Heavy, constant feeds are necessary to stay 'under' the work-hardened layer
Use of high-quality sulfur-free coolants is recommended for best results

Welding and Joining

This grade is the standard for welded stainless assemblies. It does not require post-weld annealing for many thin-section applications.

Excellent results with laser welding for precision instruments
Highly compatible with resistance welding for sheet metal components
Low carbon (304L) variants available for heavy-gauge welded structures

Finishes for 304 stainless parts

As machined
Passivation: removes free iron from the surface and boosts corrosion resistance
Bead blasting for a uniform matte finish
Brushed or polished for visible parts

Common applications for Stainless Steel 304

SS 304 is found in virtually every industry due to its balance of cost and performance in CNC machined components.

Food processing equipment (vats, pipes, and mixers)
Laboratory and chemical handling equipment
Medical device components and surgical tools
Heat exchangers and pressure vessel linings
Architectural trim, railings, and hardware
Automotive exhaust manifolds and trim
Aerospace fuel system components
Springs, nuts, bolts, and heavy-duty fasteners

When Stainless Steel 304 is the right material choice

Choose SS 304 when you need a 'one-size-fits-most' stainless steel that offers a balance of strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance.

When the part must resist rust in standard atmospheric or indoor environments
When the component requires extensive welding or forming
When hygienic or sanitary properties are a regulatory requirement
When a non-magnetic material with high strength is needed
When a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing metal finish is desired

Material Overview

What is Stainless Steel 304?

Specifications

Stainless Steel 304 Specifications

304 Stainless Steel Engineering Properties

Alloy Type

Austenitic Stainless Steel (18-8)

Primary Characteristics

Excellent corrosion resistance, good weldability, good formability, general-purpose versatility

Tensile Strength (Ultimate)

85 ksi (586 MPa)

Tensile Strength (Yield)

30 ksi (205 MPa)

Elongation at Break

50–60%

Hardness

Brinell ≤ 201 HB

Density

8.00 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³)

Elastic Modulus

28,000 ksi (193 GPa)

Poisson’s Ratio

0.29

Thermal Conductivity

16.2 W/m·K

Coefficient of Thermal Expansion

17.2 µm/m·°C

Melting Range

1400–1450 °C (2550–2640 °F)

Machinability

Moderate (work hardens: machined with sharp tooling, steady feeds and coolant)

Formability

Excellent (suitable for bending, forming, and deep drawing)

Weldability

Excellent (widely used in welded structures)

Corrosion Resistance

Excellent (resistant to oxidation, moisture, and many chemicals)

Common Forms

Sheet, plate, bar, tube

Typical Applications

Food equipment, enclosures, structural components, tubing, tanks, brackets, industrial assemblies

Material Composition

Iron (Fe): balance, Chromium (Cr): 18–20%, Nickel (Ni): 8–10.5%, Carbon (C): ≤0.08%

ASTM Standard

ASTM A240 / A276 / A312

Performance

Material Performance Overview

Rating across key engineering and manufacturing criteria.

Strength

Weight

Machinability

Formability

Weldability

Corrosion Resistance

Thermal Resistance

Cost Efficiency

Need custom 304 stainless steel parts?

Upload your CAD file and get an instant price and delivery date. CNC turning and milling from one part to production.

Custom 304 Stainless Steel Parts We Machine

We CNC turn and mill 304 stainless parts for food equipment, pumps, piping, machinery and robotics.

Flanges and end caps

Couplings, plugs and threaded (NPT) fittings

Bushings, spacers and sleeves

Shafts, pins and axles

Brackets and mounting plates

Food and beverage equipment parts

Pump and valve components

Lab and pharmaceutical equipment parts

Custom machinery replacement parts

Material FAQs

304 Stainless Steel FAQs

Common questions about custom 304 stainless steel parts: machinability, tolerances, cost, food grade and magnetism.

The Universal Stainless Standard

304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Machining, Tolerances and Finishes

Key manufacturing characteristics of SS 304

Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Highly resistant to rust in most atmospheric conditions and freshwater environments due to its high chromium content.
High Ductility and Toughness: Can be significantly deformed without fracturing, making it ideal for parts that require both strength and some level of flexibility.
Superior Weldability: One of the easiest stainless steels to weld using standard techniques like TIG (GTAW) and MIG (GMAW).
Hygienic Surface Properties: Its non-porous surface resists bacterial growth and is easy to sanitize, a critical requirement for food and medical sectors.
Non-Magnetic Performance: In its annealed state, it is non-magnetic, which is vital for electronic enclosures and sensitive instrumentation.
Cryogenic Suitability: Maintains excellent mechanical properties and toughness even at extremely low temperatures.

Mechanical and physical properties of Stainless 304

304 is chosen when a part has to resist rust, carry load and be easy to clean or weld.

Typical performance profile

High tensile strength and excellent impact resistance
Low thermal conductivity: heat concentrates at the cutting edge and is controlled with coolant
Retains structural integrity at elevated temperatures up to 870°C
Significant work-hardening rate, which can be utilized to increase part strength
Outstanding aesthetic appeal with various brushed or polished finishes

Why engineers choose it

Standardized availability and well-documented performance data
Excellent for complex assemblies requiring both machined parts and welded frames
Ideal for food-grade equipment, laboratory hardware, and chemical containers

Strengths and advantages of SS 304

Broad Chemical Compatibility: Resists most oxidizing acids and household chemicals.
Structural Reliability: Offers high yield strength for load-bearing components.
Versatile Fabrication: Can be readily stamped, machined, and joined.
Ease of Sanitization: The preferred material for the pharmaceutical and dairy industries.
Longevity: Components typically enjoy a long service life with minimal maintenance.
Aesthetic Finish: Naturally bright finish that can be electropolished to a mirror shine.

Trade-offs and limitations of Stainless 304

Work hardening: Needs rigid setups, sharp tooling and steady feeds
Pitting in Chlorides: Vulnerable to localized corrosion (pitting) in warm chloride environments or salt-water spray.
Intergranular Corrosion: Welding can cause chromium carbide precipitation unless low-carbon versions (304L) or proper post-weld treatments are used.
Thermal expansion: It expands with heat, which must be accounted for in tight-tolerance assemblies
Material cost: A mid-to-high cost material per pound

Fabrication and machining considerations for SS 304

Tolerances on 304 stainless parts

If your drawing doesn’t specify tolerances, we machine to ISO 2768-m (medium). On dimensions you call out we can hold ±0.025 mm, and critical dimensions are checked in inspection.

Dual-certified 304/304L bar

Machining behavior

SS 304 is known for being 'gummy' and tough. Successful CNC milling requires constant chip evacuation and sharp, coated tools to prevent the material from hardening ahead of the cut.

Machined at moderate cutting speeds with steady feeds to stay below the work-hardened layer
Heavy, constant feeds are necessary to stay 'under' the work-hardened layer
Use of high-quality sulfur-free coolants is recommended for best results

Welding and Joining

This grade is the standard for welded stainless assemblies. It does not require post-weld annealing for many thin-section applications.

Excellent results with laser welding for precision instruments
Highly compatible with resistance welding for sheet metal components
Low carbon (304L) variants available for heavy-gauge welded structures

Finishes for 304 stainless parts

As machined
Passivation: removes free iron from the surface and boosts corrosion resistance
Bead blasting for a uniform matte finish
Brushed or polished for visible parts

Common applications for Stainless Steel 304

SS 304 is found in virtually every industry due to its balance of cost and performance in CNC machined components.

Food processing equipment (vats, pipes, and mixers)
Laboratory and chemical handling equipment
Medical device components and surgical tools
Heat exchangers and pressure vessel linings
Architectural trim, railings, and hardware
Automotive exhaust manifolds and trim
Aerospace fuel system components
Springs, nuts, bolts, and heavy-duty fasteners

When Stainless Steel 304 is the right material choice

Choose SS 304 when you need a 'one-size-fits-most' stainless steel that offers a balance of strength, weldability, and corrosion resistance.

When the part must resist rust in standard atmospheric or indoor environments
When the component requires extensive welding or forming
When hygienic or sanitary properties are a regulatory requirement
When a non-magnetic material with high strength is needed
When a long-lasting, aesthetically pleasing metal finish is desired

304 Stainless SteelCNC Machining

304 Stainless SteelCNC Machining

What is Stainless Steel 304?

Stainless Steel 304 Specifications

304 Stainless Steel Engineering Properties

Material Performance Overview

Need custom 304 stainless steel parts?

Custom 304 Stainless Steel Parts We Machine

304 Stainless Steel FAQs

304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Machining, Tolerances and Finishes

Key manufacturing characteristics of SS 304

Mechanical and physical properties of Stainless 304

Typical performance profile

Why engineers choose it

Strengths and advantages of SS 304

Trade-offs and limitations of Stainless 304

Fabrication and machining considerations for SS 304

Tolerances on 304 stainless parts

Dual-certified 304/304L bar

Machining behavior

Welding and Joining

Finishes for 304 stainless parts

Common applications for Stainless Steel 304

When Stainless Steel 304 is the right material choice

What is Stainless Steel 304?

Stainless Steel 304 Specifications

304 Stainless Steel Engineering Properties

Material Performance Overview

Need custom 304 stainless steel parts?

Custom 304 Stainless Steel Parts We Machine

304 Stainless Steel FAQs

304 Stainless Steel: Properties, Machining, Tolerances and Finishes

Key manufacturing characteristics of SS 304

Mechanical and physical properties of Stainless 304

Typical performance profile

Why engineers choose it

Strengths and advantages of SS 304

Trade-offs and limitations of Stainless 304

Fabrication and machining considerations for SS 304

Tolerances on 304 stainless parts

Dual-certified 304/304L bar

Machining behavior

Welding and Joining

Finishes for 304 stainless parts

Common applications for Stainless Steel 304

When Stainless Steel 304 is the right material choice

304 Stainless Steel
CNC Machining

304 Stainless Steel
CNC Machining