| Item | AISI 304 | AISI 304L |
|---|---|---|
| UNS | S30400 | S30403 |
| EN Grade | 1.4301 | 1.4307 |
| JIS Grade | SUS304 | SUS304L |
| Main Difference | Standard carbon level | Lower carbon content |
| Typical Hardness | Depends on cold working | Depends on cold working |
| Recommended Selection | General industrial applications | Projects specifically requiring a low-carbon grade |
International Standards and Material Codes
| Material | AISI | GB/T | EN | JIS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 304 | 06Cr19Ni10 | 1.4301 | SUS304 |
| 304L | 304L | 022Cr19Ni10 | 1.4307 | SUS304L |
Chemical Composition
| C | Si | Mn | P | S | Cr | Ni | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | ≤0.07% | ≤1.00% | ≤2.00% | ≤0.045% | ≤0.03% | 17.0-19.0% | 8.0-10.5% |
| 304L | ≤0.03% | ≤1.00% | ≤2.00% | ≤0.045% | ≤0.03% | 18.0-20.0% | 8.0-12.0% |
304/304L Stainless Steel Ball Physical Properties
| Item | Parameters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | 100,000 to 180,000 psi | ||||
| Yield strength | 50,000 to 150,000 psi | ||||
| Elongation | 55 to 60% | ||||
| Elastic modulus | 29,000,000 psi | ||||
| Density | .286 lbs/cubic inch | ||||
Grade: G40 to G1000
| Ball diameter variation | Spherical deviation | Surface roughness | Diameter variation | Diameter tolerance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | Vdws | △Sph | Ra | Vdwl | Tdn |
| Not Over | |||||
| μm | |||||
| 40 | 1 | 1 | 0.08 | 2 | * |
| 60 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1 | 3 | * |
| 100 | 2.5 | 2.5 | 0.1 | 5 | ±12.5 |
| 200 | 5 | 5 | 0.15 | 10 | ±25 |
| 500 | 12.5 | 12.5 | * | 25 | ±50 |
| 1000 | 25 | 25 | * | 50 | ±125 |
AISI 304 or 304L stainless steel wire is checked for material grade, chemical composition, diameter and batch traceability before production.
The stainless steel wire is cut to the required length and cold headed into spherical ball blanks. This forming process improves material strength and production efficiency while preparing the blanks for subsequent flashing and precision grinding.Because AISI 304 and 304L are austenitic stainless steels, cold heading may also produce a slight magnetic response.
The equatorial flash created during cold heading is removed through flashing and soft grinding. The ball blanks are gradually shaped into more uniform spheres, improving roundness and preparing the surface for fine grinding and lapping.Unlike hardened 420 or 440C balls, AISI 304 stainless steel balls obtain much of their finished strength from cold working rather than conventional hardening heat treatment.
Fine grinding and precision lapping further control the ball diameter, sphericity and diameter variation. The balls are then polished to achieve the required surface condition for valves, pumps, cosmetic dispensers, food-processing equipment and light-load mechanical components.The finishing process is adjusted according to the required diameter, surface finish and ISO 3290 precision grade.
After grinding, lapping and polishing, the finished 304 stainless steel balls are thoroughly cleaned to remove processing oil, abrasive residue and surface contamination. The balls are then dried before inspection and export packaging.Additional surface cleaning, passivation or special packaging can be discussed according to the operating environment and customer requirements.
Measuring, Sorting and Final Inspection
finished 304/304L stainless steel balls are measured for diameter variation, sphericity, hardness and surface condition. Automatic and manual sorting removes non-conforming balls before final packaging, helping maintain consistent quality across each production lot.
Reliable corrosion resistance: AISI 304/304L stainless steel balls resist atmospheric moisture, fresh water and many mild industrial media.
Low magnetic response: The austenitic material is generally non-magnetic when annealed, although cold forming may produce slight magnetism.
Cold-worked strength: Typical hardness is HRC 25–39, achieved mainly through cold working rather than conventional heat treatment.
Smooth precision finish: Grinding, lapping and polishing provide consistent diameter, roundness and surface quality for OEM applications.
Changzhou Risheng Steel Ball Co., Ltd. is located on the eastern shore of Taihu Lake, adjacent to Shanghai, with convenient transportation. Since its establishment in June 1995, the company has been dedicated to developing and manufacturing steel balls, integrating research and development with trade.
AISI 304/304L stainless steel balls are the most widely specified precision balls in global industrial procurement — valued for outstanding corrosion resistance, non-magnetic properties, and consistent dimensional accuracy across a wide range of demanding environments.
As critical components in precision bearing assemblies, ball valves and check valves, food processing equipment, medical devices, and chemical processing systems, these balls must meet tight tolerances with zero compromise on surface finish or material traceability.
Risheng has manufactured 304/304L stainless steel balls since 1995, supplying 0.8–25.4mm precision balls in grades G40 to G1000. Every batch ships with a Material Test Report (MTR), backed by ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 certification.
For many years, Risheng building on the foundation of the Wujin Metal Ball Research Institute, has been committed to researching steel ball manufacturing technology. We primarily produce shaft steel balls (AISI 52100), stainless steel balls (AISI 201/304/316/420/440/430), and carbon steel balls (AISI 1015/1045/1085) with diameters ranging from 0.8mm to 25.4mm, with precision grades up to G40, and G100 for OEM precision steel balls . We are also Custom size steel balls manufacturer for alloy steel balls, military steel balls, copper balls, UFO balls, ceramic balls, and other metal balls.
1.High-Strength Inner Packaging & Surface Protection
To prevent metal-to-metal friction and surface abrasions, each 304L precision ball is secured using shock-absorbent materials.
Shockproof Foam Bags: Tailored for smaller batches to eliminate impact energy.
Custom Molded Plastic Trays: For high-precision grade orders, custom grids keep each stainless steel sphere isolated, preventing scratches and maintaining strict G40-G1000 tolerances.
2.Anti-Corrosion & Moisture-Proof Barriers
While 304-grade stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, long-term sea freight exposure to salt air can be harsh.
Desiccant Integration: We include high-grade moisture-proofing agents (silica gel packs) within the primary seal.
3.Reinforced Outer Packaging for Global Transit
We offer scalable industrial-strength housing based on your order volume:
Heavy-Duty Corrugated Cartons: Double-walled, thickened fiberboard tested for burst strength.
4.Precision Labeling & Traceability
Every shipment features comprehensive logistical labeling to streamline your warehouse receiving process:
Product Specifications: Clear marking of Grade (304/304L), Diameter (mm/inch), and Quantity.
Quality Assurance: Batch numbers for full material traceability.
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