We manufacture welded 304 and 304L stainless steel tube from 6mm to 63.5mm OD with 0.4mm to 2mm wall thickness, to ASTM A249, A269, and A554 standards.
We manufacture welded 304 and 304L stainless steel tube from 6mm to 63.5mm OD with 0.4mm to 2mm wall thickness, to ASTM A249, A269, and A554 standards. 304 is the most widely used austenitic stainless grade, offering good general corrosion resistance with 18-20% chromium and 8-10.5% nickel; 304L is the low-carbon variant, used where welding may otherwise cause sensitization.
| Element | 304 | 304L |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.0–20.0 | 18.0–20.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.0–10.5 | 8.0–12.0 |
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.08 | ≤0.03 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤2.00 | ≤2.00 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤1.00 | ≤1.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.045 | ≤0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.030 | ≤0.030 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤0.10 | ≤0.10 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Balance |
| Property | 304 | 304L |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile strength | ≥515 MPa | ≥485 MPa |
| Yield strength (0.2%) | ≥205 MPa | ≥170 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥40% | ≥40% |
| Density | 7.9–8.0 g/cm³ | 7.9–8.0 g/cm³ |
| Melting range | 1400–1450°C | 1400–1450°C |
Figures shown are standard reference values for this grade; exact limits are governed by the applicable ASTM/ASME specification on your order and Mill Test Certificate.
| 304 | 316 | |
|---|---|---|
| Molybdenum | None | 2–3% |
| Chloride/pitting resistance | Moderate | Higher |
| Typical use | General-purpose, food/pharma, indoor/mild environments | Marine, chemical processing, chloride-exposed environments |
| Relative cost | Lower | Higher |
In short: if your application involves chlorides, marine exposure, or aggressive chemical media, 316 is usually the safer choice; for general-purpose and indoor/food-grade use, 304 typically performs well at lower cost.
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