January 12, 2026
Imagine kitchen backsplashes gleaming with near-mirror finishes, food processing equipment with effortlessly cleanable surfaces, or architectural trim with sleek modern lines. These applications often share a common material foundation: 304 BA grade stainless steel plates. What makes this material stand out across diverse industries?
304 BA grade stainless steel, formally known as 304 stainless steel bright annealed plate, undergoes specialized cold-rolling and controlled-atmosphere annealing processes. This treatment creates exceptional surface reflectivity—while not quite matching true 8K mirror finishes, the visual effect approaches it closely enough to satisfy most high-gloss applications.
As the most widely used austenitic stainless grade, 304 earns its "universal stainless steel" reputation through balanced performance. The BA variant preserves these qualities while adding distinctive surface characteristics.
The 18% chromium and 8% nickel composition delivers outstanding corrosion resistance and oxidation protection. The material also offers excellent ductility, toughness, and welding compatibility.
Note that 304's austenitic structure typically renders it non-magnetic. For magnetic applications, 430 ferritic stainless serves as an alternative—though with reduced corrosion resistance.
With its exceptional properties and broad applicability, 304 BA stainless steel continues enabling innovative designs across multiple industries. Proper material selection and fabrication approaches maximize its performance potential.