304 Stainless is a low carbon (0.08% max)
version of basic 18-8 also known as 302. Type 302 has 18% chromium and 8%
nickel. Type 304 has slightly lower strength than 302 due to
its lower carbon content. Type 304 finds extensive use in
welding applications because the low carbon permits some exposure in the carbide
precipitation range of 800°F - 1500°F without the need for post-annealing
operations. However, the severity of corrosive environments may necessitate
annealing after welding or the use of 304L.
Type 304L has a carbon content of 0.03% or less.
This alloy can be used in the as-welded condition without becoming susceptible
to intergranular corrosion.
Stainless Steel Grade 304 is the standard "18/8" stainless; it is the most
versatile and most widely used stainless steel, available in a wider range of
products, forms and finishes than any other. It has excellent forming and
welding characteristics. The balanced austenitic structure of Grade 304 enables
it to be severely deep drawn without intermediate annealing, which has made this
grade dominant in the manufacture of drawn stainless parts such as sinks,
hollow-ware and saucepans. For these applications it is common to use special
"304DDQ" (Deep Drawing Quality) variants. Grade 304 is readily brake or roll
formed into a variety of components for applications in the industrial,
architectural, and transportation fields. Grade 304 also has outstanding welding
characteristics. Post-weld annealing is not required when welding thin sections.
Grade 304L, the low carbon version of 304, does not require
post-weld annealing and so is extensively used in heavy gauge components (over
about 6mm). Grade 304H with its higher carbon content finds application at
elevated temperatures. The austenitic structure also gives these grades
excellent toughness, even down to cryogenic temperatures.
Key Properties
These properties are specified for flat rolled product (plate, sheet and coil) in
ASTM A240/A240M. Similar but not necessarily identical properties are specified
for other products such as pipe and bar in their respective specifications.
Oxidation resistance up to 1650°F for continuous service and up to 1500°F
where cyclic heating is involved.
General purpose corrosion resistance.
Non-hardenable except by cold working.
Non-magnetic except when cold worked.
May be susceptible to chloride stress corrosion cracking.
Used where field working is employed.
Typical Applications - Stainless Steel 304/304L
Sanitary
Dairy and food processing
Heat exchangers, evaporators
Feedwater heaters
Tensile Requirements - Stainless Steel 304/304L Tensile Strength (KSI): 70 Yield Strength (KSI): 25 KSI can be converted to MPA (Megapascals) by multiplying by 6.895.
Most useful fittings in Stainless steel 304/304L (Butt-weld Stainless Steel Pipe
Fittings)
Stainless Steel Elbows – Long Radius
Stainless Steel Elbows – Short Radius
Stainless Steel Reducing Elbows
Stainless Steel 45° Elbows
Stainless Steel Tees
Stainless Steel Reducers
Stainless Steel Concentric Reducers
Stainless Steel Eccentric Reducers
Stainless Steel 3D Elbow
Stainless Steel 5D Elbow
Stainless Steel Stub Ends
Stainless Steel Crosses
Stainless Steel Reducing Crosses
Stainless Steel 180° LR Return Bends
Stainless Steel 180° SR Return Bends
Stainless Steel Pipe Bends / Piggable Bends
Stainless Steel Couplings
Stainless Steel Pipe Nipples
Stainless Steel Forged/Plate Cut Rings
Stainless Steel End Caps
Stainless Steel Forged / Plate Circles
High Pressure Forged Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings
What is Stainless Steel 304/304L?
304 Stainless is a low carbon (0.08% max) version of basic 18-8 also known as 302. Type 302 has 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Type 304 has slightly lower strength than 302 due to its lower carbon content. Type 304 finds extensive use in welding applications because the low carbon permits some exposure in the carbide precipitation range of 800°F - 1500°F without the need for post-annealing operations. However, the severity of corrosive environments may necessitate annealing after welding or the use of 304L.
Type 304L has a carbon content of 0.03% or less. This alloy can be used in the as-welded condition without becoming susceptible to intergranular corrosion. Stainless Steel Grade 304 is the standard "18/8" stainless; it is the most versatile and most widely used stainless steel, available in a wider range of products, forms and finishes than any other. It has excellent forming and welding characteristics. The balanced austenitic structure of Grade 304 enables it to be severely deep drawn without intermediate annealing, which has made this grade dominant in the manufacture of drawn stainless parts such as sinks, hollow-ware and saucepans. For these applications it is common to use special "304DDQ" (Deep Drawing Quality) variants. Grade 304 is readily brake or roll formed into a variety of components for applications in the industrial, architectural, and transportation fields. Grade 304 also has outstanding welding characteristics. Post-weld annealing is not required when welding thin sections.
Grade 304L, the low carbon version of 304, does not require post-weld annealing and so is extensively used in heavy gauge components (over about 6mm). Grade 304H with its higher carbon content finds application at elevated temperatures. The austenitic structure also gives these grades excellent toughness, even down to cryogenic temperatures.
Key Properties
These properties are specified for flat rolled product (plate, sheet and coil) in ASTM A240/A240M. Similar but not necessarily identical properties are specified for other products such as pipe and bar in their respective specifications.
Specifications - Stainless Steel 304/304L
A249, A403, A182, A351
SA269, SA249,SA403, SA182, SA351
Chemical Composition - Stainless Steel 304/304L
Design Features - Stainless Steel 304/304L
Typical Applications - Stainless Steel 304/304L
Tensile Requirements - Stainless Steel 304/304L
Tensile Strength (KSI): 70
Yield Strength (KSI): 25
KSI can be converted to MPA (Megapascals) by multiplying by 6.895.
Most useful fittings in Stainless steel 304/304L (Butt-weld Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings)
High Pressure Forged Stainless Steel Pipe Fittings