T304 / 304L DUAL GRADE
STAINLESS
ROUND BAR
The backbone of manufacturing. Precision ground shafting engineered for superior straightness and weldability. Available in h9 & h11 tolerances.
Engineered Finishes
We stock T304 in three distinct conditions. Select the right finish based on your machining requirements and tolerance needs.
Cold Drawn
The standard commercial finish. Bars are drawn through a die to achieve size. Matte gray appearance with reasonable straightness. Cost-effective for general use.
| Diameter | 1/16" - 1" |
| Straightness | Good |
| Application | Fasteners / Fittings |
Precision Ground
Also known as TGP. Bars are centerless ground to tight ISO h9 tolerances. Defects are removed, resulting in a bright, mirror-like surface.
| Diameter | 1/8" - 4" |
| Straightness | Superior (1/8" : 5') |
| Application | Pump Shafts / CNC |
Peeled & Polished
Designed for large diameters. The rough "skin" is machined off (peeled) and then burnished. Removes all hot-rolled surface defects.
| Diameter | 3" - 20" |
| Straightness | Standard |
| Application | Heavy Equipment |
THE "L" ADVANTAGE
WHY WE STOCK
DUAL CERTIFIED
Historically, engineers had to choose between T304 (for high strength) and T304L (for welding). We solved this by stocking Dual Certified material.
The "L" stands for Low Carbon. By keeping carbon below 0.03%, our round bars prevent the formation of chromium carbides during welding, eliminating the risk of intergranular corrosion (weld decay).
| Element | 304 Std | 304L Std | Dual Cert |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARBON (C) | 0.08% | 0.03% | 0.03%MAXIMUM |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.0 - 20.0 | 18.0 - 20.0 | 18.0 - 20.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.0 - 10.5 | 8.0 - 12.0 | 8.0 - 10.5 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.0% | 2.0% | 2.0% |
| Tensile (ksi) | 75 min | 70 min | 75 minMEETS BOTH |
*Dual Certified meets the low carbon of 'L' AND the high strength of 'Standard'.
Powering Heavy Industry
From precision shafts to structural supports, T304 is the universal standard for durability and strength.
Precision Machining
Used extensively for bushings, fasteners, and fittings. Our h9 tolerance ground bar reduces setup time and ensures concentricity in CNC operations.
Pump Shafts & Valves
The core component for fluid handling systems. TGP (Turned Ground Polished) shafts provide the straightness required for high-RPM pump applications without vibration.
Food Processing
304 grade is the industry standard for hygiene. Used for mixer agitators and conveyor rollers where frequent washdowns and corrosion resistance are mandatory.
Structural & Arch.
Heavy duty supports, braces, and architectural handrails. T304 offers excellent weldability (L-grade) and aesthetic appeal for exposed structural elements.
Stock Availability
Imperial and Metric sizes ready for immediate dispatch. Material Test Reports (MTRs) provided with every shipment.
Small Diameter
Cold Drawn (h11)| Standard Length | 12' (3.66m) |
| Surface | Bright / Matte |
| Stock Status | ● In Stock |
Medium Diameter
Centerless Ground (h9)| Standard Length | 12' & 20' |
| Surface | Polished / TGP |
| Stock Status | ● High Vol. |
Large Diameter
Rough Turned / Forged| Standard Length | Random (R/L) |
| Surface | Peeled (k12) |
| Stock Status | ● Low Vol. |
Processing Services
We don't just ship bars; we cut them to your exact print requirements.
Machinability FAQ
Expert answers to common processing questions regarding T304 Stainless Steel.
Is T304 hard to machine compared to mild steel?
Yes, it work-hardens rapidly. Unlike mild steel (e.g., 1018), 304 will harden instantly if the tool rubs instead of cuts. To succeed, you must use sharp carbide tooling, rigid setups, and maintain a constant, aggressive feed rate. If welding is not required for your part, consider switching to Grade 303 (free-machining) for significantly faster production speeds.
What is the difference between "Round Bar" and "Rod"?
While often used interchangeably, there is a nuance. In the metals industry, "Rod" typically refers to smaller diameters (usually under 1") that may be supplied in coiled form or straight lengths. "Bar" implies straight lengths only, typically with tighter dimensional tolerances (like our h9 ground stock) specifically designed for machining shafts.
Is T304 magnetic?
Generally Non-Magnetic in the annealed condition. However, cold working (such as drawing, turning, or forming) can induce a slight magnetic response due to the partial transformation of the austenite structure into martensite. This is normal for 304 and does not negatively affect its corrosion resistance.
How do I prevent "galling" on stainless threads?
Stainless steel threads are prone to galling (cold welding/seizing) under high pressure. We recommend using a different hardness grade for the nut versus the bolt (e.g., a cold-worked 304 bolt with a softer nut) and always applying a high-quality anti-seize lubricant containing Molybdenum Disulfide or Nickel during assembly.