Astm a240 304 equivalent stainless steel material

In the stainless steel landscape, ASTM A240 Grade 304 (UNS S30400) is a cornerstone austenitic alloy known for its versatility, corrosion resistance, and affordability, but sourcing equivalents becomes vital for global supply chains, regional compliance, or cost efficiencies. These equivalent materials match 304's core attributes—18-8 Cr-Ni composition, non-magnetic nature, and general-purpose weldability—allowing seamless substitution in applications from kitchen equipment to chemical tanks. As a top-tier manufacturer and exporter in China, Gangsteel produces ASTM A240 304 and its equivalents, offering dual-certified options to meet diverse standards while ensuring performance parity.

ASTM A240 304 equivalents include grades like EN 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10), DIN 1.4301, JIS SUS304, and BS 304S31, all sharing similar low-carbon leanings for IGC resistance, though slight variations in Ni or Si may apply. This article breaks down these equivalents, their specs, and how they stack up, helping engineers and buyers navigate cross-standard selections. For our austenitic lineup, browse the ASTM A 240/A 240M stainless steel plate collection, including ASTM A 240 Gr 304 and low-carbon ASTM A 240 Gr 304L.

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1. Understanding ASTM A240 Grade 304: The Foundation for Equivalents

ASTM A240 Grade 304 is an austenitic stainless steel under ASTM A240/A240M for chromium-nickel plate, sheet, and strip in pressure vessels and general use. It's the "18-8" classic—18% Cr for corrosion resistance, 8% Ni for austenite stability—offering a PREN of 18-20 for mild corrosives like atmospheres, dilute acids, and foods. Carbon ≤0.08% balances strength and weldability, though for heavy welds, 304L is preferred to avoid sensitization.

Key traits:

  • Chemistry: C ≤0.08%, Cr 18.0-20.0%, Ni 8.0-10.5%, Mn ≤2.0%, Si ≤0.75%, P ≤0.045%, S ≤0.030%, N ≤0.10%.
  • Mechanics: Tensile ≥515 MPa, Yield ≥205 MPa, Elongation ≥40%, Hardness ≤201 HB.
  • Corrosion: Resists rust in ambient; IGC per A262 after anneal.
  • Fabricability: Welds with 308 filler; forms to 180° bends.

Equivalents must replicate this for ambient duties. Gangsteel mills 304 with C <0.06% for better equivalence to low-C variants.

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2. Why Equivalents Matter: Benefits and Key Considerations

Equivalents enable flexibility:

  • Sourcing: JIS SUS304 in Japan vs ASTM in US.
  • Cost: GB 0Cr18Ni9 ~20% cheaper.
  • Compliance: EN 1.4301 for PED; BS for UK codes.
  • Performance: Matches in IGC/welds per ISO 15510.

Consider:

  • Variations: EN Ni 8.0-10.5% vs 8.0-10.5%—negligible.
  • Testing: Verify A262 for IGC.
  • Limits: Not for chlorides; use 316 equivalents.

Gangsteel’s 304 equivalents have aided 400+ projects, cutting costs 15-25%.

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3. Key Criteria for Determining Equivalents

Equivalents align on:

  • Chemistry: Low C, Cr 17-20%, Ni 8-12%.
  • Mechanics: Yield 205-220 MPa, elongation >40%.
  • Corrosion: PREN 18-20, A262 pass.
  • Standards: EN 10088, JIS G4305 equivalents.
  • Fabricability: Weld/ form similar.

Gangsteel verifies via lab tests.

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4. Comprehensive List of ASTM A240 304 Equivalents

From standards:

Standard

Grade/Designation

Full Spec Details

Notes on Interchangeability

UNS

S30400

Unified Numbering System

Direct; base for all.

EN

1.4301 / X5CrNi18-10

EN 10088-2/3: Stainless delivery

Excellent; Ni 8.0-10.5%, mechanics match; EU PED. Gangsteel dual-certs.

DIN

1.4301

DIN EN 10088-2: Flat products

Same as EN; German historical.

JIS

SUS304

JIS G4305: Cold-rolled plate

Near-identical; C ≤0.08%, widespread in Asia.

BS

304S31

BS EN 10088-2: Sheet/plate

UK match to EN; for BS 5500.

AFNOR

Z7CN18-09

NF EN 10088-3: Bars/rods

French; aligns with EN for nuclear.

ISO

X5CrNi18-10

ISO 15510: Composition

Harmonized; global reference.

GOST

08Ch18N10

GOST 5632: High-alloy steels

Russian approx; similar, verify weld.

GB

06Cr19Ni10

GB/T 20878: Stainless steels

Chinese close; C ≤0.08%, cost-effective equivalent.

These are functional per ISO 15510; minor Ni diffs don't impact use.

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5. Detailed Comparison: ASTM 304 vs Key Equivalents

ASTM 304 vs EN 1.4301

  • Chemistry: Identical C/Cr; EN Ni narrower.
  • Mechanics: Tensile 515-620 MPa match.
  • Corrosion: Equivalent PREN/IGC.
  • Use: Interchangeable; EN for CE marking.

ASTM 304 vs JIS SUS304

  • Chemistry: Matching; JIS Si ≤1.00%.
  • Mechanics: Yield 205-230 MPa aligned.
  • Corrosion: Same; JIS for Japanese codes.
  • Use: Seamless; dual-cert available.

ASTM 304 vs BS 304S31

  • Chemistry: Per EN.
  • Mechanics: BS EN 10088 matches.
  • Corrosion: Identical.
  • Use: For UK/BS vessels.

Differences minimal; Gangsteel ensures compliance.

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6. Applications Where Equivalents Excel

Equivalents extend 304’s reach:

  • Food: JIS SUS304 for Asian breweries; EN for EU dairy.
  • Chemical: BS 304S31 for UK tanks; GB for Chinese piping.
  • Architecture: DIN 1.4301 for European facades.
  • General: ISO for global fabrication.

Gangsteel’s equivalents in 200+ projects, e.g., EN in French pharma.

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7. How to Source and Verify Equivalents

  • Sourcing: Mill like Gangsteel for dual-certs.
  • Verification: MTCs with PMI/IGC; third-party SGS.
  • Testing: A262 corrosion, E8 mechanics.
  • Customization: Annealed cuts.

Contact for equivalents.

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8. Price Comparison of Equivalents

November 2025 (USD/kg FOB):

  • ASTM 304: 3-5
  • EN 1.4301: 3.2-5.2
  • JIS SUS304: 2.8-4.8
  • BS 304S31: 3-5
  • GB 06Cr19Ni10: 2.5-4.5

Ni ~$17k/ton affects; discounts for bulk.

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9. FAQ on ASTM A240 304 Equivalents

Q: Is EN 1.4301 equivalent to ASTM 304?

A: Yes; matching low C/properties per ISO 15510—interchangeable for ambient duties.

Q: Can JIS SUS304 replace ASTM 304?

A: Absolutely; identical specs, G4305 aligns with A240.

Q: Difference between 304 equivalents and 304L?

A: Equivalents have C ≤0.08% like 304; 304L lower for welds.

Q: Chinese equivalents to 304?

A: GB 06Cr19Ni10; similar, verify for GB codes.

Q: Test 304 equivalents?

A: IGC (A262), tensile (E8), chemistry (PMI).

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10. Why Choose Gangsteel for 304 and Equivalents?

Gangsteel’s 25+ years ensure equivalent quality with dual-certs. 110k tons/year, DNV/TUV approved. For 304: 100% UT, custom low C, fast ship. Explore ASTM A 240 Gr 316L.

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11. Conclusion

ASTM A240 304 equivalents like EN 1.4301, JIS SUS304, and BS 304S31 provide versatile alternatives with matching 18-8 performance for welds and mild corrosion. For compliance or savings, these grades maintain reliability. Gangsteel bridges with certified materials—contact for quotes on 304 equivalents or ASTM A 240 Gr 321. Select smartly.

 

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