304 stainless steel pipe
304 stainless steel pipe
304 stainless steel pipe
304 stainless steel pipe
304 stainless steel pipe
304 stainless steel pipe
304 stainless steel pipe (5)
304 stainless steel pipe
304 stainless steel pipe
304 stainless steel pipe
304 stainless steel pipe
304 stainless steel pipe

304 Stainless Steel Pipe/Tube

304 stainless steel pipes/tubes are austenitic alloys composed of 18% chromium (Cr) and 8% nickel (Ni), with a carbon (C) content ≤0.08%. This composition forms a dense, self-healing chromium oxide layer, providing excellent corrosion resistance in various environments, including acidic, alkaline, and chloride-rich conditions.
  • Structure: Austenitic crystal structure ensures non-magnetic behavior (unless cold-worked) and high ductility.
  • Formability: Easily welded, bent, and formed without heat treatment, making it ideal for complex designs.
  • Temperature Resistance: Operates reliably from -180°C to 870°C, maintaining strength and toughness.
  • Standards: Compliant with ASTM A213/A312, ASME SA213, EN 10216-5, and GB/T 20878-2007.
  • Certificated：ISO9001:2015, CE, ROHS

Gengfei Steel is an experienced steel supplier, providing the best prices and services.

Categories: , Tags: , , , , ,
Get Price
WhatsApp

[email protected]

Description

What is the 304 Stainless Steel Pipe/Tube?

304 Stainless Steel pipe and tube are hollow cylindrical products manufactured from this specific stainless steel alloy. They are renowned for their non-magnetic properties (in the annealed condition), excellent weldability, and good resistance to oxidation and corrosion in many environments.

  • Composition: The primary alloying elements are chromium (18-20%) and nickel (8-11%), which provide its characteristic corrosion resistance. It also contains small amounts of carbon (up to 0.08%), manganese, silicon, sulfur, and phosphorus.
  • Sub-grades:
    • 304L (Low Carbon): Contains a maximum carbon content of 0.03%. This lower carbon content minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, making it highly resistant to intergranular corrosion in the weld heat-affected zone. It’s ideal for welded applications where post-weld annealing is not feasible.
    • 304H (High Carbon): Contains a carbon content range of 0.04-0.10%. The higher carbon content provides enhanced strength at elevated temperatures, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
  • Manufacturing Processes:
    • Seamless: Produced from a solid billet that is pierced and then rolled or drawn to the desired dimensions. Seamless pipes/tubes offer superior pressure handling and are preferred for high-purity and critical fluid transfer.
    • Welded: Manufactured from a strip or sheet that is formed into a cylindrical shape and then welded along the seam. Welded pipes/tubes are generally more cost-effective for less demanding applications. They can be further cold-worked for improved properties.

Technical Parameters of 304 Stainless Steel Pipe

Property Value
Material Grade 304 / 1.4301
Chemical Composition 18–20% Cr, 8–10.5% Ni, max 0.08% C
Standard ASTM A312, ASTM A213, ASTM A269
Pipe Size Range 1/8” to 48” (DN6–DN1200)
Wall Thickness SCH 5S to SCH XXS, or customized
Finish Annealed, pickled, polished (as requested)
Length 6m, 12m, or custom cut-to-length
Type Seamless or Welded
Surface Finish Options 2B, BA, No.4, Mirror, etc.

304 Stainless Steel Chemical Composition (Weight %)

Element 304 (UNS S30400) Max. 304L (UNS S30403) Max. 304H (UNS S30409)
Carbon (C) 0.08 0.030 0.04-0.10
Manganese (Mn) 2.00 2.00 2.00
Phosphorus (P) 0.045 0.045 0.045
Sulfur (S) 0.030 0.030 0.030
Silicon (Si) 1.00 1.00 1.00
Chromium (Cr) 18.00-20.00 18.00-20.00 18.00-20.00
Nickel (Ni) 8.00-11.00 8.00-13.00 8.00-10.50

304 Stainless Steel Mechanical Properties

Property 304 (Min.) 304L (Min.) 304H (Min.)
Tensile Strength (MPa) 515 485 515
Yield Strength (0.2% Offset, MPa) 205 170 205
Elongation (% in 50mm) 40 40 40
Hardness (Rockwell B) 92 (max) 92 (max) 92 (max)
Hardness (Brinell HB) 201 (max) 201 (max) 201 (max)

Advantages of 304 Stainless Steel Pipe

  • Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Forms a passive chromium oxide layer that protects against rust and corrosion in various atmospheric, fresh water, and mild chemical environments.
  • Good Formability and Weldability: Can be easily formed, fabricated, and welded using common techniques. The 304L variant is particularly well-suited for welding.
  • High Strength and Durability: Offers good tensile strength and ductility, providing long-term reliability and resistance to impact and abrasion.
  • Hygienic Properties: Its non-reactive surface makes it safe for use with food and beverages, and it’s easy to clean, making it suitable for sanitary applications.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Available in various surface finishes, from bright annealed to satin-polished, offering an attractive appearance for architectural and decorative uses.
  • Cost-Effective (Long-Term): While initial costs might be higher than some alternatives, its longevity, minimal maintenance, and recyclability contribute to a lower total cost of ownership.
  • Temperature Resistance: Exhibits good heat resistance, though 304 can be prone to sensitization (carbide precipitation) in the temperature range of 425-860°C (800-1580°F) if held for prolonged periods, which can lead to intergranular corrosion. For applications within this range or welding, 304L is often preferred.

Applications of 304 Stainless Steel Tube

The versatility of 304 Stainless Steel makes it suitable for numerous applications, including:

  • Food and Beverage Industry: Dairy processing, brewing, winemaking, food preparation equipment, and sanitary piping systems.
  • Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries: Chemical processing equipment, storage tanks, and pipelines for various chemicals (excluding highly corrosive chlorides).
  • Architectural and Construction: Handrails, structural components, decorative elements, and outdoor furniture.
  • Oil and Gas: Heat exchangers, fluid transport systems (though 316 is often preferred for more aggressive environments).
  • Water Treatment: Water purification systems, wastewater treatment plants.
  • Automotive: Exhaust systems, trim components.
  • Medical Devices: Surgical instruments, hospital equipment.
  • General Industrial: Machinery components, heat exchangers, instrumentation tubing.

galvanized pipe application

Comparison of Stainless Steel Pipe/Tube Grades

Grade Corrosion Resistance Temperature Resistance Main Difference
304 Excellent for most environments Up to ~870°C (intermittent) General-purpose, most common
316 Superior (chloride resistance) Up to ~870°C Contains molybdenum for better pitting resistance
201 Moderate Slightly lower Lower nickel, more economical
321 Excellent, stabilized Up to ~870°C Titanium stabilized to resist carbide precipitation
310 Excellent in high-heat Up to 1150°C High chromium/nickel for heat resistance

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “304 Stainless Steel Pipe/Tube”

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 WhatsApp / Phone: +86 191 3986 3252
🌐 Website: www.gengfeisteel.com