304H Density Value and Comparison with Other Grades

304H Density Value and Comparison with Other Grades

At Gangsteel, a leading manufacturer and exporter of stainless steel products, we supply premium 304H stainless steel plates compliant with ASME SA 240 and ASTM A240 standards. 304H stainless steel, also known as AISI 304H, UNS S30409, or EN 1.4948, is a high-carbon austenitic stainless steel optimized for high-temperature strength and creep resistance up to 1500°F (815°C). Gangsteel focuses on the density value of 304H stainless steel and compares it with other stainless steel grades, highlighting its significance for applications like boilers, heat exchangers, and SA 240 GR 304 pipe. For inquiries, contact us at admin@gangsteel.com or explore our ASME SA240 Stainless sheet offerings.

Density Value of 304H Stainless Steel

The density of 304H stainless steel is 8.00 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), as specified by ASME SA 240 and ASTM A240 standards. This value reflects the material’s mass per unit volume and is consistent across the 304-series grades due to their similar chemical compositions. The density is critical for:

• Weight Calculations: A 1m x 1m x 3mm plate weighs approximately 24 kg, aiding in structural design and cost estimation for applications like plat SS 304 3mm or plate 2 mm SUS 304.
• Design Applications: The density supports lightweight yet durable designs in high-temperature environments, balancing strength and corrosion resistance.
• Practical Use: Ensures accurate material selection for weight-sensitive applications like pressure vessels and piping.

For detailed specifications, refer to our SS 304 data sheet.

Density Comparison with Other Stainless Steel Grades

The density of 304H stainless steel is compared below with other common grades to highlight similarities and differences:

Analysis of Density Comparisons

• Austenitic Grades (304H, 304, 304L, 316L): Share a density of 8.00 g/cm³ due to similar chromium (18-20%) and nickel (8-14%) content. The high carbon (0.04-0.10%) in 304H does not significantly affect density.
• Low-Nickel Austenitic (201): Slightly lower at 7.93 g/cm³ due to higher manganese (5.5-7.5%) and lower nickel (3.5-5.5%), reducing weight slightly.
• Ferritic Grades (430): Lower at 7.74 g/cm³ due to minimal nickel and a ferritic structure, making them lighter but less corrosion-resistant.
• High-Alloy Austenitic (904L): Slightly higher at 8.05 g/cm³ due to increased nickel (23-28%) and molybdenum (4-5%).

The consistent 8.00 g/cm³ density of 304H stainless steel makes it interchangeable with 304/304L for weight calculations but superior for high-temperature applications.

Chemical Composition Supporting Density

The density of 304H stainless steel is driven by its chemical composition:

The high iron content and balanced Cr-Ni alloying result in the 8.00 g/cm³ density, consistent with other 304-series grades. For comparison with lower-density grades, see sa240 gr 201.

Mechanical Properties Supporting Density

The density supports robust mechanical properties for annealed plates (8-75 mm thick):

The 8.00 g/cm³ density ensures lightweight yet strong designs, with high-temperature creep resistance (25.5 ksi at 1000°F) compared to sa240 gr 304l.

Other Physical Properties

• Melting Point: 1400-1450°C, suitable for high-temperature processing.
• Thermal Conductivity: 16.2 W/m·K at 100°C.
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 17.2 × 10⁻⁶/K (20-100°C).
• Service Temperature: Continuous up to 1500°F (815°C); intermittent up to 1600°F (871°C).

These properties complement the density for high-heat applications, unlike ferritic grades like sa240 gr 430.

Corrosion Resistance

304H stainless steeloffers excellent corrosion resistance in:

• Atmospheric conditions, freshwater, and mild acids (food-grade).
• General environments, outperforming SS204 vs SS 304 due to higher nickel.

Higher carbon (0.04-0.10%) increases sensitization risk in weld zones (797°F-1580°F), requiring annealing. For chloride-heavy environments, see sa240 gr 317l.

Weldability

Weldability is fair using ER308H fillers. Higher carbon risks sensitization, necessitating low heat input (<2.0 kJ/mm) or post-weld annealing (1870-2100°F). For better weldability, see sa240 gr 321.

Applications Leveraging Density

The 8.00 g/cm³ density supports:

• Boilers and pressure vessels (lightweight structural integrity).
• Heat exchangers (tubes, shells).
• Power generation (superheaters, reheaters).
• Chemical processing (vessels, SA 240 GR 304 pipe).

For cost-effective alternatives, see sa240 gr 202.

Pricing and Availability

As of October 19, 2025, 304H stainless steel plate prices (2B finish, 3-6mm) range from $1.60-$3.50/kg. Gangsteel offers $1.60/kg FOB (MOQ 1 ton) for sa240 gr 304h. Contact admin@gangsteel.com or visit astm a 240 stainless plate.

FAQ on 304H Stainless Steel Density

What is the density of 304H stainless steel?

The density is 8.00 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), identical to 304 and 304L, ideal for lightweight designs in high-temperature applications.

How does 304H density compare to 316L?

Both 304H and 316L have a density of 8.00 g/cm³ due to similar Cr-Ni compositions, ensuring consistent weight calculations.

Why is 304H density similar to 304 and 304L?

The similar chromium (18-20%) and nickel (8-10.5%) content results in a consistent 8.00 g/cm³ density across the 304 series.

How does 304H density compare to 430?

304H (8.00 g/cm³) is denser than 430 (7.74 g/cm³) due to 430’s ferritic structure and minimal nickel, making 430 lighter but less corrosion-resistant.

What applications benefit from 304H’s density?

The 8.00 g/cm³ density supports lightweight, durable designs in boilers, heat exchangers, and piping, balancing strength and weight.