Potential fit
- General industrial corrosion resistance is required
- The part combines machining and sheet-metal fabrication
- A clean uncoated stainless appearance is preferred
Austenitic stainless steel
Stainless Steel 304 for custom metal parts.
A widely specified stainless grade for general industrial, instrument and outdoor hardware where corrosion resistance, clean appearance and fabrication flexibility matter.
DIRECT ANSWER
How KEC Tour reviews stainless steel 304.
KEC Tour reviews 304 stainless steel for turned fittings, sleeves, housings, brackets and fabricated hardware. The released drawing must state the exact grade, condition, dimensional requirements, finish and any material-document expectations.
Release details
- Exact 304 designation and applicable standard
- Raw-material form and condition
- Passivation, polishing or as-machined finish
- Material certificate and traceability scope
ENGINEERING NOTES
Three decisions before manufacturing.
Corrosion context
Suitable performance depends on the actual medium, temperature, contamination and geometry.
Machining review
Work hardening, burr control, thread finish and tool access should be reviewed before production.
Welded parts
Weld condition, heat tint treatment and final appearance must be stated when fabrication is involved.
PROCESS MATCH
Manufacturing routes reviewed for this material.
Availability, geometry, quantity and quality scope determine the final route.
CNC turningCNC millingSheet-metal fabricationThread machining
Drawing-led part families
Instrument housingsGeneral fittingsOutdoor bracketsMachine sleeves
Specify appearance and protection
As machinedPassivationBrushingPolishing
MATERIAL EVIDENCE
Define the evidence package Ask for documents before the order—not after shipment.
State the material certificate, traceability, inspection and finish-report expectations in the RFQ. Document availability and scope are confirmed per material and order.
MATERIAL FAQ
Questions to settle before release.
Is 304 the same as 316?+
No. They are different grades with different chemistry and corrosion behavior. Select the grade around the actual environment and confirm it on the drawing.
Can a material certificate be requested?+
Yes. State the required document type and traceability level before quotation so availability and cost can be confirmed.
Can 304 parts be passivated?+
Passivation can be reviewed when the required standard, appearance and acceptance expectations are stated.
COMPARE MATERIALS
Review adjacent alloy families.
Corrosion-resistant austenitic stainless steel
Stainless Steel 316
Open guide
Lightweight non-ferrous alloys
Aluminum Alloys
Open guide
Copper-zinc alloys
Brass
Open guideREADY TO CONFIRM THE MATERIAL?
Start your RFQ →