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Introduction to SA240 Type 304/304L Plates

SA240 Type 304/304L plates are versatile stainless steel materials widely used across industries like chemical processing, construction, and food production. These austenitic stainless steels, defined by the ASME SA240 standard, offer excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and weldability. Type 304 is known for its strength, while Type 304L, with lower carbon content, excels in welding applications. Gangsteel, a leading manufacturer and exporter of ASME SA240 stainless steel plates, provides high-quality SA240 Type 304/304L plates for global projects. This article explains their properties, applications, and benefits in simple terms, using tables for clarity.

 

What is SA240 Type 304/304L?

SA240 Type 304 and 304L are austenitic stainless steels with similar compositions but distinct advantages. Type 304 has a maximum carbon content of 0.08%, offering robust strength, while Type 304L, with ≤0.03% carbon, is designed for superior weldability. Both contain 18–20% chromium and 8–12% nickel, ensuring excellent corrosion resistance. The following table summarizes their key compositional differences:

Property

SA240 Type 304

SA240 Type 304L

Carbon (C)

≤ 0.08%

≤ 0.03%

Chromium (Cr)

18.0–20.0%

18.0–20.0%

Nickel (Ni)

8.0–10.5%

8.0–12.0%

Manganese (Mn)

≤ 2.0%

≤ 2.0%

Silicon (Si)

≤ 0.75%

≤ 0.75%

Gangsteel’s SA240 Gr 304 and SA240 Gr 304L plates meet ASTM A240 stainless plate standards, ensuring consistent quality for industrial use.

 

Key Properties of SA240 Type 304/304L Plates

SA240 Type 304/304L plates are valued for their balanced properties, making them suitable for diverse applications. Here’s a breakdown of their key features:

Feature

Description

Corrosion Resistance

Excellent resistance to corrosion in mild environments, ideal for chemical and food industries.

Weldability

Type 304L’s low carbon content prevents carbide precipitation, ensuring strong welds.

Strength

Type 304 offers higher strength, while 304L prioritizes weldability with slightly lower strength.

Formability

Easily shaped for complex designs in manufacturing and construction.

Density

Approximately 7.93 g/cm³, aiding precise weight calculations for engineering.

These properties make SA240 Type 304/304L plates a top choice compared to grades like SA240 Gr 201 or SA240 Gr 316, which Gangsteel also supplies.

 

Applications of SA240 Type 304/304L Plates

SA240 Type 304/304L plates are used in a variety of industries due to their versatility. Below are key applications, summarized in a table for clarity:

Industry

Application

Relevant Products

Chemical Processing

Tanks, reactors, and piping systems for corrosive chemicals.

SA240 Gr 317L, SA240 Gr 316L

Food Processing

Equipment like storage tanks and conveyors due to non-reactive surfaces.

SA240 Gr 301

Construction

Structural components, cladding, and roofing for durability and aesthetics.

SA240 Gr 321

Marine

Components in less aggressive marine environments.

SA240 Gr 904L

Gangsteel’s ASME SA 312/SA 312M stainless pipes complement these plates for integrated systems.

 

Why SA240 Type 304L Excels in Welding

Type 304L’s low carbon content (≤0.03%) minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, preventing corrosion at weld sites. This makes SA240 Gr 304L ideal for applications requiring strong, corrosion-resistant welds without post-weld annealing. Type 304, while strong, may require additional treatment for welded structures. Gangsteel’s plates are designed for seamless integration with ASME SA 213/SA 213M stainless pipes in welded systems.

 

Weight Calculation Using SA240 Type 304/304L Density

Both Type 304 and 304L have a density of approximately 7.93 g/cm³ (7930 kg/m³). To calculate the weight of a plate:

Weight (kg) = Density (kg/m³) × Volume (m³)
Volume (m³) = Length (m) × Width (m) × Thickness (m)

Example Calculation:

  • Plate: 2 meters long, 1 meter wide, 5 mm (0.005 meters) thick.
  • Volume = 2 × 1 × 0.005 = 0.01 m³.
  • Weight = 7930 kg/m³ × 0.01 m³ = 79.3 kg.

This is critical for applications like SA240 Gr 310S or SA240 Gr 347, where precise weight is needed.

 

Comparing SA240 Type 304/304L with Other Grades

The following table compares SA240 Type 304/304L with other stainless steel grades offered by Gangsteel:

Grade

Key Features

Best Use Case

SA240 Gr 304

Higher strength, good corrosion resistance.

General industrial, construction.

SA240 Gr 304L

Low carbon, excellent weldability.

Welded structures, chemical processing.

SA240 Gr 316

Molybdenum-enhanced corrosion resistance.

Marine, high-chloride environments.

SA240 Gr 201

Cost-effective, lower corrosion resistance.

Budget-friendly applications.

Gangsteel’s ASTM A 959 stainless steel plates provide further comparisons across grades.

 

Why Choose Gangsteel’s SA240 Type 304/304L Plates?

Gangsteel is a trusted manufacturer and exporter of ASME SA240 stainless steel plates, offering:

  • High-Quality Standards: Compliant with ASME SA240 and ASTM A240 for reliable performance.
  • Custom Sizes: Available in various thicknesses, including SA240 Gr 201L and SA240 Gr 202.
  • Competitive Pricing: Affordable solutions for global markets, ensuring cost-effectiveness.
  • Global Reach: Exported worldwide, supporting industries with products like nickel alloy steel plates.

 

Conclusion

SA240 Type 304/304L plates offer a perfect balance of corrosion resistance, strength, and weldability, making them ideal for chemical, food, and construction industries. With a density of 7.93 g/cm³, they support precise engineering calculations. Gangsteel’s high-quality plates, including SA240 Gr 316L and SA240 Gr 904L, meet global standards for durability and performance. Contact Gangsteel today to explore our JIS G 4304 stainless steel plates and find the right solution for your project.

 

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