304 Stainless Steel Sheet Wholesale: Corrosion-Resistant Sheet Price & Application Scenarios

304 Stainless Steel Sheet Wholesale Pricing (2024)

Raw Material Costs: Nickel (a core component of 304 steel, accounting for ~8%) drives price fluctuations. A $1,000/ton increase in nickel prices typically raises 304 sheet costs by $80–$100/ton.

Sheet Specifications: Thickness (0.3mm–10mm for common wholesale grades) and surface finish (2B, BA, or HL) impact pricing. For example, 1mm-thick 2B-finish 304 sheets cost ~$2,800–$3,200/ton in wholesale, while 5mm-thick sheets rise to $3,500–$3,800/ton.

Order Volume: Orders of ≥50 tons often get 5–8% discounts; orders over 100 tons may secure 10% off or free logistics, a key advantage of wholesale purchasing.

304 vs. 316L Stainless Steel Sheets: Key Differences

Corrosion Resistance: 304 resists mild acids (vinegar, citrus) and freshwater but struggles with harsh chemicals (chlorides, seawater). 316L adds molybdenum (~2–3%), making it 50% more corrosion-resistant in salty or chemical-heavy environments.

Price: 316L wholesale prices are 30–40% higher than 304 (e.g., $4,000–$4,500/ton for 1mm 316L sheets), so 304 is preferred for cost-sensitive, non-harsh applications.

Mechanical Properties: Both have similar tensile strength (~515MPa), but 316L offers better high-temperature stability (up to 870°C vs. 815°C for 304), suited for industrial heating systems.

304 Stainless Steel Sheet Application Scenarios

Food & Beverage Industry: Used for equipment like dairy tanks, bakery ovens, and food processing conveyors—its non-porous surface prevents bacterial growth and resists acid from fruits/vegetables.

Construction & Decoration: Applied in kitchen backsplashes, elevator panels, and exterior cladding (for mild climates)—the 2B or BA finish offers a sleek, easy-to-clean look.

Household Appliances: Found in refrigerators, washing machines, and microwave interiors—its corrosion resistance withstands moisture and cleaning agents.

Light Industrial Equipment: Used for water treatment tanks, HVAC ducting, and small machine parts—wholesale orders here often prioritize 0.5–3mm thick sheets for cost and weight efficiency.