Stainless Steel 304 / 304L Seamless Pipes & Tubes
SS 304 / 304L (UNS S30400 / S30403) are the most widely used austenitic stainless steel grades. 304 is the standard 18/8 grade offering excellent corrosion resistance and formability. 304L is the low-carbon variant (C: 0.030% max) that prevents carbide precipitation during welding, making it preferred for welded fabrication and cryogenic applications.
Size Range
1/4" NPS to 10" NPS (6.35mm to 273.1mm OD)
Wall Thickness
SCH 5S to SCH 160, XXS
Standards
4 specs
Chemical Composition Comparison (% by weight)
SS 304 S30400
SS 304L S30403
| Grade | C | Mn | Si | Cr | Ni | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 304S30400 | 0.08 max | 2.00 max | 0.75 max | 18.0-20.0 | 8.0-10.5 | 0.045 max | 0.030 max |
| SS 304LS30403 | 0.030 max | 2.00 max | 0.75 max | 18.0-20.0 | 8.0-12.0 | 0.045 max | 0.030 max |
Mechanical Properties Comparison
SS 304
SS 304L
| Grade | Tensile Strength | Yield Strength | Elongation | Hardness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 304 | 515 MPa min | 205 MPa min | 35% min | 92 HRB max |
| SS 304L | 485 MPa min | 170 MPa min | 35% min | 92 HRB max |
Physical Properties - SS 304 / 304L
| Density | Melting Range | Thermal Conductivity | Electrical Resistivity | Specific Heat | Coeff. of Thermal Expansion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.93 g/cm3 | 1400-1450 C | 16.2 W/m-K | 720 nOhm-m | 500 J/kg-K | 17.2 um/m-C |
Corrosion Resistance - SS 304 / 304L
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Pitting Resistance (PREN) | ~18 |
| Max Service Temp (Oxidizing) | 870 C |
| Intergranular Corrosion | 304: Susceptible if sensitized / 304L: Resistant (low carbon) |
| Stress Corrosion Cracking | Susceptible in chlorides >60C |
| General Corrosion Rate | <0.1 mm/yr in mild acids |
| Seawater Resistance | Limited - pitting risk |
Equivalent International Grades
| ASTM | JIS | BS | GOST |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP304 / TP304L | SUS 304 / SUS 304L | 304S31 / 304S11 | 08Kh18N10 / 03Kh18N11 |
SS 304 / 304L vs Comparable Grades
| Grade | UNS | Tensile | Yield | PREN | Max Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SS 316 / 316LAustenitic Stainless Steel | S31600 | 515 / 485 MPa min | 205 / 170 MPa min | ~24 | 870 C |
| SS 321Austenitic Stainless Steel | S32100 | 515 MPa min | 205 MPa min | ~17.5 | 900 C (continuous) |
| SS 304HAustenitic Stainless Steel | S30409 | 515 MPa min | 205 MPa min | ~18 | 870 C (continuous) |
Applicable Standards
Applications
Key Advantages of SS 304 / 304L
SS 304 / 304L Applications by Region
Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait)
Widely used in desalination plants, oil & gas facilities, and water treatment systems across UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain. 304L preferred for welded petrochemical piping.
Europe (Germany, UK, Norway, Netherlands, Italy)
Standard grade for food processing, pharmaceutical, and chemical plants in Germany, UK, France, Netherlands, and Italy.
United States
Most commonly specified austenitic grade for process piping, heat exchangers, and general industrial applications.
Frequently Asked Questions about SS 304 / 304L Seamless Pipes
Quick Specifications
1/4" NPS to 10" NPS (6.35mm to 273.1mm OD)
SCH 5S to SCH 160, XXS
Industries Served
Related Grades
Compare With
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Heat Exchanger Tubes →Ready to Order SS 304 / 304L Seamless Pipes?
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