The term "304 stainless steel" refers to a specific type of stainless steel alloy. The "304" in the name is a designation that indicates the composition of the alloy. In the case of 304 stainless steel, the alloy primarily consists of:
* 18-20% chromium
* 8-10.5% nickel
* Up to 0.08% carbon
* Up to 2% manganese
* Up to 1% silicon
* Up to 0.045% phosphorus
* Up to 0.03% sulfur

The exact composition may vary slightly depending on the specific standard or specification used, such as ASTM A240 or ASTM A276. The presence of chromium provides corrosion resistance, while nickel enhances its corrosion resistance and gives it a non-magnetic property.

304 stainless steel is widely used in various applications due to its corrosion resistance, good formability, and versatility. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of kitchen equipment, food processing equipment, chemical containers, architectural applications, and more.