Alloy 304 & 304H Stainless Steel
The world’s most common stainless steel.
Applications
Alloy 304 stainless steel is the world’s most common stainless steel and as such, alloy 304 & 304H stainless steel has a wide variety of uses. 304 stainless steel plate, pipe, fittings and flanges are commonly found in: petroleum refineries, boilers., heat exchangers, condensers, pipelines, cooling towers, steam exhausts, and electric generation plants. On occasion it will also be used in fertilizer and chemical plants.
Properties
Alloy 304 is probably the world’s most common stainless steel.
The “H” in 304H stands for “High” carbon content. 304H must contain not less than 0.04 percent carbon, nor more than 0.10 percent. The higher carbon content of 304H increases its strength, so the ASTM tensile and yield strength of 304H is greater than 304L.
304H also has a greater short term and long term creep strength than 304L at temperatures up to 500 degrees C, and 304H may be more resistant to sensitization than 304L. In ASME pressure vessels for use above 525 °C, the carbon content of 304 stainless must be 4 percent or more. 304H is required in such applications.
Specifications
| Type | Sizes | Schedules | ASTM Standards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar | A276, A479 | ||
| Butt Weld Fittings | 1/2″ thru 12″ | Sch 10, 40, 80, 160 & XXH | A403 |
| Forgings | 1/2″ thru 8″ | A182 | |
| Pipe Welded & Seamless | 1/4″ thru 16″ | Sch 10, 40, 80, 160 & XXH | A312 |
| Tube, Welded | A249 | ||
| Tube, Seamless | A213 | ||
| Plate | A240 | ||
| Flange & Pressure Fittings | All Descriptions |