Among available grades of stainless steel, 304 is one of the most popular. It offers a good balance of corrosion resistance, strength, and affordability. But how much does 304 stainless steel cost per ton? In this blog post, we will unpack the price of 304 stainless steel and explore some factors that can affect the cost.
What Is Stainless Steel?
Stainless steel is a combination of different metals that gives the metal extra strength and durability.
By adding other metals to steel, its properties can be changed in order to create a material that is ideal for a wide range of applications. Many people consider 304 stainless steel to be one of the best alloys on the market.[1]
What Is 304 Stainless Steel?
All stainless steels are iron-based alloys that contain at least 10.5% chromium. Chromium-rich alloys and chromium-nickel alloys have different microstructures and mechanical properties, so they are classified as separate types.
How Much Does 304 Stainless Steel Cost per Ton?
The price of 304 stainless steel varies depending on the type of product that you are purchasing. To exemplify, duplex stainless steel is more costly than austenitic grades because it contains higher levels of chromium and molybdenum. Products that need to withstand corrosion (such as food processing equipment) usually cost more than those that don’t face the same extreme conditions.
The cost of 304 stainless steel per ton varies depending on the type of product that you are buying. For example, austenitic grades typically cost more than ferritic grades because of their higher chromium and molybdenum content. Contrastingly, products that don’t need as much protection from the elements typically cost less than those that require a high level of corrosion resistance. A great example would be food processing equipment.
For an accurate estimate of 304 stainless steel products, it is recommended that you contact a Stainless Steel specialist.
Types of Stainless Steel
There are two primary types of stainless steel: austenitic and ferritic. Both 304 and 316 stainless steels (as well as other 300-series grades) use chromium, nickel, and molybdenum as their main alloying ingredients. Austenitic steels have a higher level of chromium compared to ferritic steels, providing better corrosion resistance. While austenitic steels are strong, they do not compare in strength to ferritic steels.
Many people prefer 304 stainless steel because it doesn’t corrode or rust as easily while still being easy to take care of and clean. 304 stainless steel costs more than other types of stainless steel because it contains more chromium and nickel. [3]
Factors to Consider When Calculating Stainless Steel Price
There are several factors to consider when calculating the price of stainless steel. These include:
Grade
The grade of stainless steel is one of the most important considerations when pricing stainless steel. The four grades are austenitic, ferritic, duplex and martensitic.
The grade of stainless steel is determined by its composition. The higher the percentage of chromium and nickel, the more expensive the alloy will be. For example, 304L costs about $4,000 per ton while 316L costs around $5,700 per ton.
Size and Thickness
The size and thickness of the material also play a role in determining price. In general, thicker materials will cost more than thinner materials.
For example, a sheet of 304 stainless steel that is 4’x8′ and 1/8″ thick will cost about $135 per square foot. A sheet of the same material that is 4’x8′ and 3/16″ thick will cost about $165 per square foot.
Finish
The finish of the stainless steel also affects its price. A No. 2B finish, which is the most common type of finish, will cost about $3,000 per ton. A No. 4 or brushed finish will cost slightly more, while a polished finish will cost around $4,000 per ton.
Quantity
The quantity of stainless steel you purchase also plays a role in pricing. In general, the more you buy, the lower the price per pound or ton.
For example, if you were to purchase 1,000 pounds of 304 stainless steel, it would cost you about $3,000. However, if you were to purchase 2,000 pounds of 304 stainless steel, it would only cost you about $2,500. This is because buying in bulk can often save you money.
Location
The location of where you purchase your stainless steel also affects its price. If you live in an area with a high cost of living, such as New York City or San Francisco, you will likely pay more for stainless steel than someone who lives in a less expensive area. This is because the cost of living in these areas is higher, and so are the costs of doing business.[4]
What Is 304 Stainless Steel Used For?
304 stainless steel is one of the most popular alloys on the market. It is widely used in a variety of applications, including:
- Food preparation equipment
- Kitchen sinks
- Aircraft parts
- Medical devices
- Architecture
- Chemicals
- Pressure vessels
- Tanks
- and more!
Will 304 Stainless Steel Ever Rust?
A frequent question we receive is whether or not stainless steel will rust– the answer is no, it will not!
The chromium in stainless steel is what gives it the ability to resist corrosion. When chromium comes into contact with oxygen, it forms a thin layer of chromium oxide on the surface of the metal. This layer protects the metal from further oxidation and corrosion.
So, no matter what environment you put 304 stainless steel in, it will not rust. However, it is important to note that 304 stainless steel is not completely impervious to corrosion. Under certain conditions, such as in highly acidic or salty environments, 304 stainless steel can corrode.
Is 304 Stainless Steel Waterproof?
No, 304 stainless steel is not waterproof. This is a common misconception about stainless steel.
While stainless steel does not corrode or rust as easily as other metals, it is not completely impervious to these forces. Under certain conditions, such as in highly acidic or salty environments, 304 stainless steel can corrode.
If you are looking for a metal that is completely waterproof, you might want to consider using aluminum instead. Aluminum does not corrode or rust, and it is also lightweight and easy to work with.
What Are the Advantages of 304 Stainless Steel?
There are many advantages of using 304 stainless steel. These include:
- Resistance to corrosion and staining
- Low maintenance costs
- Strength
- Durability
- and more!
General Tips on Using and Maintaining Stainless Steel in Construction
If you’re looking for an affordable, durable material for your construction project, look no further than 304 stainless steel. This versatile alloy is suitable for a wide range of applications, from structural supports to kitchen countertops. Here are a few tips on using and maintaining stainless steel in construction:
When working with stainless steel, always use gloves to avoid skin contact. This will help prevent rust and other damage to the steel.
Whenever possible, clean up any spills or messes immediately.
If you need to cut or drill through stainless steel, be sure to use high-quality tools that are designed for working with this material. Cheap tools can cause damage to the steel, which will ultimately shorten its lifespan.
With a little care and maintenance, your stainless steel construction project will last for years to come.
How to Cut Stainless Steel?
There are three ways to cut stainless steel, which include:
- Cutting with hand tools – this is the cheapest and most common way of cutting stainless steel. It is also the slowest method.
- Cutting with power tools – this is a faster way of cutting stainless steel, but it is more expensive.
- Cutting with laser – this is the fastest and most expensive way of cutting stainless steel. [6]
Alternatives to Stainless Steel 304
If you’re looking for an alternative to stainless steel 304, there are several options available. One popular option is duplex stainless steel. Duplex stainless steel is a type of steel that contains both austenitic and ferritic properties. This makes it more resistant to corrosion than traditional stainless steel.
Another option is aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight metal that is also highly resistant to corrosion. It is often used in applications where weight is a factor, such as in automotive and aerospace industries.
Finally, titanium is another possible alternative to stainless steel 304. Titanium has a similar resistance to corrosion as aluminum but is much stronger. It is often used in applications where strength and durability are important, such as in the construction industry.
FAQ
What is the cost of 304 stainless steel?
The cost of 304 stainless steel varies depending on the type and quantity that you are buying. The price per ton of 304 stainless steel is typically between $2,000 and $4,000. The cost of 304 stainless steel also depends on the type of finish. A No. 2B finish, which is the most common type of finish for stainless steel, costs between $1,200 and $1,800 per ton. A No. 4 finish, which is a brushed finish, costs between $1,500 and $2,500 per ton. A No. 8 mirror finish, which is a highly reflective surface, costs between $2,000 and $4,000 per ton. If you are buying in bulk, the cost of 304 stainless steel can be significantly lower. The price per ton of 304 stainless steel is typically between $2,000 and $4,000.
Is stainless steel 304 cheap?
No, stainless steel 304 is not cheap. The price per ton of stainless steel 304 is typically between $2,000 and $4,000.
What’s cheaper, 304 or 316?
The short answer is 304 stainless steel costs about 20-30% more than 316 stainless steel. The difference is due mostly to the increased cost of chromium and molybdenum in the alloy. However, because of its better corrosion resistance in saltwater and other harsh environments, 316 stainless steel may be the better choice for some applications.
How much does stainless steel cost per ton?
The price of stainless steel varies depending on the type of stainless steel you are buying. 304 stainless steel costs about 20-30% more than 316 stainless steel. The difference is due mostly to the increased cost of chromium and molybdenum in the alloy. However, because of its better corrosion resistance in saltwater and other harsh environments, 316 stainless steel may be the better choice for some applications.
What is the cost of 1 kg stainless steel?
The price of 1 kg stainless steel varies depending on the type of stainless steel you are buying. 304 stainless steel costs about 20-30% more than 316 stainless steel. The difference is due mostly to the increased cost of chromium and molybdenum in the alloy. However, because of its better corrosion resistance in saltwater and other harsh environments, 316 stainless steel may be the better choice for some applications.
What is 304 SS used for?
304 stainless steel is used for a wide variety of applications, from medical equipment to kitchen utensils. It is also found in some construction and industrial applications. Because it has good corrosion resistance in many environments, it is often used in food processing and chemical processing equipment. Additionally, 304 SS is often used for architectural applications, such as handrails and trim.
What is the strongest grade of stainless steel?
The strongest grade of stainless steel is duplex stainless steel. Duplex stainless steel is a combination of austenitic and ferritic stainless steel, which gives it both high strength and good corrosion resistance. Additionally, duplex stainless steel is less expensive than other grades of stainless steel, making it a good choice for many applications.
What is the most expensive type of stainless steel?
The most expensive type of stainless steel is duplex stainless steel. Duplex stainless steel is a combination of austenitic and ferritic stainless steel, which gives it both high strength and good corrosion resistance. Additionally, duplex stainless steel is less expensive than other grades of stainless steel, making it a good choice for many applications.
Useful Video: Scrapping Stainless Steel – Identification Tips 304 vs 316 – Scrap Metal Guide
Conclusion
The cost of 304 stainless steel per ton varies depending on the supplier and the current market conditions. However, generally speaking, the price of 304 stainless steel is around $2,000 per ton. Of course, prices can fluctuate depending on a number of factors, so it’s always best to check with your supplier for up-to-date pricing information.
Now that you know how much 304 stainless steel costs per ton, you can start planning your next project! Thanks for reading!
References:
- https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/metals/what-is-stainless-steel-part-i/
- https://www.reliance-foundry.com/blog/304-vs-316-stainless-steel
- https://www.tfgusa.com/types-of-stainless-steel/
- https://www.plandstainless.co.uk/concerned-about-the-price-of-stainless-steel/
- https://arthurharris.com/news/does-304-stainless-steel-rust/
- https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/169196/how-to-cut-stainless-steel-sheet-without-burning-it
