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Stainless Steel 304 Laser, Waterjet & CNC Bent Parts – Corrosion-Resistant Fabrication

STAINLESS STEEL 304

stainless steel

Free Shipping Canada
orders over $250 excluding oversize parcels. please see details. 

MANUFACTURING PROCESSES OFFERED

LASER CUTTING
WATERJET CUTTING
BENDING

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At uMake.ca – Online Factory, we provide custom Stainless Steel 304 parts — a versatile, corrosion-resistant alloy ideal for industrial, food processing, chemical, architectural, and outdoor applications. Stainless Steel 304 offers excellent strength, corrosion resistance, and durability, making it perfect for structural components, brackets, housings, enclosures, and precision industrial parts.

With uMake.ca’s easy online quoting tool, you can get an instant price and lead time for your Stainless Steel 304 parts. Our precision laser cutting, waterjet cutting, and complex CNC bending services, combined with optional finishing, ensure every part is high-quality, dimensionally accurate, and ready for immediate use. We also offer a professional #4 brushed finish applied with our Timesaver, providing a smooth, uniform surface ideal for both functional and aesthetic applications. Plus, enjoy fast and free delivery across Canada, so your components arrive quickly and ready to integrate into your project.

Stainless Steel 304 — Properties & Grades

What is Stainless Steel 304 and why do engineers order it from uMake? Stainless Steel 304 is valued for its corrosion resistance in most atmospheric and many chemical environments, with excellent appearance and hygienic surface properties. 304 (18-8 austenitic stainless) is the most widely used stainless steel grade globally — 18% chromium and 8% nickel provide excellent corrosion resistance in most non-chloride environments uMake cuts SS304 via fiber laser cutting to ±0.1 mm tolerances, deburred and surface-finished before shipping. Instant quote at app.umake.ca.
What thicknesses of Stainless Steel 304 does uMake stock and cut? uMake stocks Stainless Steel 304 from 0.5 mm to 10 mm. 304 stainless is susceptible to chloride stress corrosion cracking — coastal environments, swimming pool surroundings, and marine applications require 316 stainless for long-term corrosion performance All thicknesses are available for same-day production entry on app.umake.ca with no minimum order. Contact quoting@umake.ca for specialty gauges.
What industries most commonly order Stainless Steel 304 from uMake? The most active industries ordering SS304 through app.umake.ca include food processing equipment, commercial kitchen fabrication, architectural cladding, medical device enclosures, chemical tank construction, premium retail fixtures. uMake serves prototype and production quantities with equal priority — no minimum order, transparent pricing at every volume. Instant quote at app.umake.ca.
What are the key mechanical properties of Stainless Steel 304 that determine its application fit? Stainless Steel 304 delivers corrosion resistance in most atmospheric and many chemical environments, with excellent appearance and hygienic surface properties. Its combination of machinability, weldability, and finish characteristics makes it suitable for a wide range of structural and functional applications. For applications where 316 stainless would also qualify, uMake can quote both simultaneously for direct cost comparison at app.umake.ca.

Cutting & Processing Stainless Steel 304 at uMake

What cutting process does uMake use for Stainless Steel 304, and what tolerances are achievable? uMake uses fiber laser cutting for Stainless Steel 304, achieving ±0.1 mm dimensional tolerance with a heat-affected zone under 0.3 mm. Every metal part is deburred and surface-finished before shipping — arriving weld-ready, paint-ready, and assembly-ready. Submit your DXF at app.umake.ca for an instant itemized quote including material, cutting, finishing, and shipping.
Can uMake handle complex profiles, tabs, and slots in Stainless Steel 304? Yes — fiber laser cutting handles complex profiles, fine internal slots, and tight-tolerance features in Stainless Steel 304 that plasma cannot match. Interlocking tab-and-slot assemblies, press-fit features, and tight-radius cutouts all produce accurately. For DXF submission, design slots 0.1–0.2 mm wider than the mating tab for clean fit without filing. The app.umake.ca platform validates geometry on upload and flags undersized features before production.

Is there a minimum order quantity for acrylic laser cutting? Zero. None. Not one. You can order a single acrylic piece — one custom earring, one award, one prototype enclosure panel — and receive the same precision, the same flame-polished edge quality, and the same fast shipping as a 500-piece production run. There are no setup fees, no plate charges, and no penalty for small quantities. This is one of the most important reasons Canadian makers, small businesses, and Etsy sellers choose uMake. You can: Test a new product design with a single prototype before investing in inventory Fulfill one-off custom orders for clients without overstocking Replace a single damaged piece from a display or installation Iterate your design multiple times without commitment to large batches Order one piece today at app.umake.ca — no minimums, no excuses.

What file formats work best for Stainless Steel 304 laser cutting orders at uMake? DXF is the standard for flat 2D Stainless Steel 304 profiles — compatible with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, and Rhino. For bent parts requiring press brake forming, submit a STEP file with the unfolded flat pattern and bend lines annotated. The app.umake.ca platform validates your upload in real time, flags open paths, scale errors, and features below minimum size. For orders with GD&T callouts or weld symbols, attach a PDF drawing in the order notes.

Stainless Steel 304 Applications by Industry

What structural and fabrication applications use Stainless Steel 304 from uMake? Stainless Steel 304 is specified for structural brackets, mounting plates, frames, gussets, and enclosures across food processing equipment, commercial kitchen fabrication, architectural cladding, medical device enclosures, chemical tank construction, premium retail fixtures. uMake's fiber laser produces weld-ready edges with minimal HAZ, reducing post-cut grinding — saving labour cost per finished assembly. For fabricators ordering SS304 on recurring production schedules, app.umake.ca's one-click reorder eliminates re-quoting time.
How is Stainless Steel 304 used in architectural and decorative fabrication at uMake? Architects, interior designers, and custom fabricators order Stainless Steel 304 for decorative screens, feature walls, stair components, railings, and cladding details — applications where clean laser-cut edges and precise geometry deliver a quality of finish impossible with plasma. uMake's fiber laser produces sharp corners, fine perforations, and complex decorative patterns in SS304 that translate directly to installation-ready components. Quote decorative SS304 panels at app.umake.ca.
What maintenance, repair, and industrial operations applications use Stainless Steel 304 from uMake? Maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) teams across Canadian industry rely on uMake's no-minimum, instant-quote platform to source replacement brackets, wear plates, guards, and custom fabricated components in SS304 without the lead times and minimums of traditional fabrication shops. A broken bracket, a worn plate, or a custom spacer can be ordered at app.umake.ca in minutes and received in days — eliminating production downtime from waiting for custom metal parts.
How do product designers and startups use Stainless Steel 304 for hardware prototyping at uMake? Hardware product developers consistently choose uMake for SS304 prototyping because the platform's instant quote removes the quoting barrier that slows traditional fabrication. A designer can upload five variants of a bracket design, compare costs, and order all five simultaneously — validating form, fit, and function in physical hardware within days. No minimum order means prototype quantities of one or two parts are economically viable. As designs mature, the same platform scales to production volumes without supplier transition.

Stainless Steel 304 vs. Other Materials

When does Stainless Steel 304 outperform 316 stainless, and when is 316 stainless the better choice? Stainless Steel 304's corrosion resistance in most atmospheric and many chemical environments, with excellent appearance and hygienic surface properties makes it superior to 316 stainless in applications requiring fiber laser cutting-level precision and corrosion resistance in most atmospheric and many chemical environments. 316 stainless may be preferred for weight-critical applications or where corrosion in aggressive environments is paramount. uMake stocks both — quote both materials simultaneously at app.umake.ca for direct cost and performance comparison.
Can Stainless Steel 304 be welded after laser cutting at uMake, and what prep is required? Yes — laser-cut Stainless Steel 304 edges from uMake arrive weld-ready with HAZ under 0.3 mm and no burr requiring grinding before welding. This is a significant labour savings versus plasma-cut equivalents, which typically require 15–30 minutes of grinding per part before weld prep. Specify weld preparation requirements in your order notes at app.umake.ca — the team can adjust cutting parameters for specific edge profiles if required by your welding process.
What is the cost comparison between ordering Stainless Steel 304 from uMake versus a local fabrication shop? uMake's automated platform eliminates the overhead costs embedded in traditional fab shop quotes — no outside sales staff, no manual nesting, no quoting overhead. The result is transparent, market-rate pricing calculated in under 60 seconds at app.umake.ca. For quantities below 50 parts, uMake's digital workflow consistently delivers lower total cost than local shops that amortize setup costs over small runs. For quantities above 50, uMake's volume discounts maintain competitiveness. Free shipping over $250 CAD is included — compare total landed cost, not just material rate.
Can uMake combine Stainless Steel 304 with other metals or plastics in a single order? Yes — mixed-material orders are routine on app.umake.ca. Stainless Steel 304 laser cutting combines with stainless, aluminum, or acrylic operations under one order number, coordinated internally and shipped together. For assemblies requiring powder coating on SS304 components alongside uncoated or differently-finished parts, uMake manages the workflow sequence and delivers finished assemblies rather than loose flat blanks. Submit your complete BOM and the platform prices each component in one session.

Ordering Stainless Steel 304 at uMake

What is the minimum order for Stainless Steel 304 laser cutting at uMake? No minimum order — one SS304 bracket ships with the same speed and quality as five hundred. Pricing is calculated on material consumed and cutting time, with no setup fees, plate charges, or minimums. Volume discounts apply automatically at checkout. For prototype-to-production workflows, uMake handles both stages under the same platform without supplier transition. Quote any SS304 quantity instantly at app.umake.ca.
How quickly can uMake produce and ship Stainless Steel 304 parts across Canada? Standard-stock SS304 thicknesses enter production same business day. Cutting completes in 1–2 business days for most geometries. Shipping to GTA and Ottawa takes 1–2 business days; Prairie provinces 3–4 days; BC 4–5 days. Express production and priority shipping are selectable at checkout with exact delivery dates shown before you confirm. Free shipping on orders over $250 CAD. For urgent replacement parts, contact quoting@umake.ca directly.
Can uMake maintain consistency across repeat Stainless Steel 304 production orders? Yes — every order is stored permanently in app.umake.ca. Repeat orders apply identical cutting parameters, material grade, and production notes automatically. For SS304 parts on recurring production schedules — monthly brackets, quarterly wear plates, ongoing fabrication programs — one-click reorder from your dashboard eliminates re-quoting. Net-30 terms available for approved accounts. Contact accounting@umake.ca after five completed orders.
Does uMake offer certified material for Stainless Steel 304 orders in regulated industries? uMake can provide mill certificates and material test reports for Stainless Steel 304 on request — relevant for aerospace, defence, pressure vessel, and other regulated applications. Standard orders through app.umake.ca include material type and thickness on production documentation. Full material traceability — lot numbers, heat numbers, test data — is available as a service add-on. Specify certification requirements at quoting@umake.ca when ordering.

Technical FAQ — Stainless Steel 304 at uMake

What are the weldability and joining characteristics of Stainless Steel 304? Stainless Steel 304 joins by MIG, TIG, and spot welding depending on thickness and alloy. Laser-cut edges from uMake are clean and burr-free, arriving weld-ready without secondary grinding. For thin-gauge SS304, TIG provides the best weld quality; for production volume, MIG is more economical. Adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, and press-fit assembly are all applicable to SS304 components from uMake. Contact quoting@umake.ca if your joining method has specific edge preparation requirements.
What corrosion resistance does Stainless Steel 304 offer, and when is protective coating required? Stainless Steel 304's corrosion resistance depends on alloy grade and environment. 304 (18-8 austenitic stainless) is the most widely used stainless steel grade globally — 18% chromium and 8% nickel provide excellent corrosion resistance in most non-chloride environments For outdoor or chemically exposed applications, powder coating, anodizing (aluminum), or zinc plating extends service life significantly. uMake offers powder coating in any RAL colour as an integrated finishing step — specify at app.umake.ca or contact quoting@umake.ca for finishing-inclusive quotes.
How does heat from laser cutting affect the mechanical properties of Stainless Steel 304? uMake's fiber laser produces a heat-affected zone under 0.3 mm on Stainless Steel 304 — far smaller than plasma (1–5 mm HAZ) or oxy-fuel cutting. This minimal HAZ preserves base metal mechanical properties in the vast majority of applications. For heat-treated alloys (7075-T6 aluminum, hardened AR plate), the small HAZ at the cut edge does not meaningfully reduce bulk mechanical performance. For applications where any HAZ is unacceptable, waterjet cutting is the correct alternative — uMake's 5-axis waterjet cuts metal with zero heat input.
What design features should I avoid or accommodate when designing Stainless Steel 304 laser-cut parts? For Stainless Steel 304 laser cutting: avoid features narrower than 1.5× material thickness (they risk burn-through and distortion); maintain hole diameters at minimum 1× material thickness; keep slots wider than the kerf (0.1–0.3 mm depending on thickness); and allow adequate web between features to prevent warping in thin sheet. Inside corners will have a small radius equal to approximately half the kerf width. For tight-tolerance assemblies, design with measured kerf width as a variable — the app.umake.ca platform provides kerf dimensions for each material-thickness combination at checkout.

FAQ / Q&A Stainless Steel 304 Fabrication

Countersink Specs
Values3
Min countersink part size
1" x 4"
Max countersink part size
14" x 46"
Countersink Min Minor
0.130"
Countersink Max Major
0.472"
Countersink Min Hole Center to Material Edge
0.361"
Properties
Value
Advertised Thickness
0.125"
Gauge
N/A
Thickness tolerance positive
0.007"
Thickness tolerance negative
0.006"
Top/Bottom Finish
Textured top side, smooth bottom
Sourced from
Canada
General Details
Properties 2
Value2
Cutting process
CNC Router
Cut tolerance +/-
0.005"
Flatness tolerance before cutting
+/- 0.030" per foot
Min part size
1" x 2"
Max part size
44" x 30"
Min hole size
0.125"
Min bridge size
0.125"
Min hole to edge distance
0.38"
Tab and slot Tolerance
0.015"
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Countersink Specs
Values3
Min countersink part size
1" x 4"
Max countersink part size
14" x 46"
Countersink Min Minor
0.130"
Countersink Max Major
0.472"
Countersink Min Hole Center to Material Edge
0.361"
Countersink Specifications
Tapping Specs
Value4
Largest Tap
M10 x 1.5
Smallest Tap
M4 x 0.7
Min Flat Part Size Tapping
0.949" x 1.5"
Max Flat Part Size Tapping
36" x 46"
Tapping Min Hole to Edge
0.063"
Tapping Min Hole Center to Material Edge
Tap hole size/2 +0.063"
ABS Properties
Value5
Material Composition
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene
Density
65.664 lb/ft^3
Heat treatment process
N/A
ASTM
D4673
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
4.5 ksi
Tensile Strength (Yield)
3.5 ksi
Shear Strength
2 ksi
Shear Modulus
75 ksi
Fatigue Strength
2 ksi
Izod Impact Strength
6.3 ft-lbs/in
Coefficient of Friction
0.19 – 0.21
Rockwell
R 90 - R100
Elongation at Break
25%
Elastic Modulus
340 ksi
Poisson’s Ratio
.35
Thermal Conductivity
0.22 BTU/h-ft °F
Vicat Softening Temp
150 °F
Melting Point
390 °F
Magnetic
No
Does it Rust
No
ABS Properties
Tapping Specifications
CNC Router Cutting Specifications

CHARACTERISTICS

One of the more common stainless steels used, Stainless Steel 304 contains high amounts of chromium and nickel which gives great resistance against corrosion

More affordable than Stainless Steel 316

High ductility

Great machinability

Great weldability

DISADVANTAGES

Less corrosion resistance than Stainless Steel 316

Less electrically and thermally conductive than carbon steel

Cannot be heat treated

Low strength

PRODUCT AND INDUSTRY APPLICATIONS

appliances, hardware, houseware, art, decor, construction

304 stainless steel is one of the most commonly used types of stainless steel, known for its excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and versatility. It is an austenitic alloy composed primarily of iron, with chromium (18-20%) and nickel (8-10.5%) as the main alloying elements. The manufacturing process for 304 stainless steel involves melting the alloy components in an electric arc furnace, followed by casting, rolling, or forging to create various forms such as sheets, plates, bars, and tubes. It is then subjected to heat treatment to improve its mechanical properties and formability. 304 stainless steel is widely used in industries where corrosion resistance is critical, such as in food processing, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, architecture, and automotive industries. It is commonly found in kitchen equipment, sinks, tanks, piping systems, and medical instruments due to its ability to withstand harsh environments.

The advantages of 304 stainless steel include its excellent resistance to corrosion and oxidation, particularly in environments exposed to moisture and a variety of chemicals. It also offers good strength, formability, and weldability, making it easy to fabricate into different shapes and sizes for various applications. Additionally, 304 stainless steel is non-reactive, meaning it does not affect the taste or quality of food and is therefore ideal for food-related industries. However, it does have some disadvantages: while it is highly resistant to corrosion, it is not as resistant as other stainless steel grades, such as 316, to chlorides and seawater, which can lead to pitting or crevice corrosion. 304 stainless steel is also prone to staining and may require regular maintenance to retain its aesthetic appearance. Despite these drawbacks, its combination of corrosion resistance, strength, and ease of processing makes it a popular choice for many industrial and commercial applications.

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