How strong is 304 stainless steel?

Understanding the Strength of SA 240 GR 304

The strength of SA 240 GR 304 stainless steel is defined by its mechanical properties, including tensile strength, yield strength, and hardness, which make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from plat SS 304 3mm to thicker plates like SA 240 GR 304 pipe. Its SS 304 non magnetic properties and SA 240 GR 304 density of 8.00 g/cm³ contribute to its versatility in structural and decorative uses. Strength varies slightly depending on processing (e.g., annealed or cold-worked) and thickness.

Mechanical Properties of SA 240 GR 304

The strength of SA 240 GR 304 is best understood through its mechanical properties, as specified by ASME SA 240 for annealed plates (8-75 mm thick):

• Tensile Strength: At ≥515 MPa, SA 240 GR 304 is strong enough for structural components like pressure vessels and architectural panels.
• Yield Strength: ≥205 MPa ensures it can withstand significant loads before permanent deformation, suitable for plate 2 mm SUS 304.
• Elongation: ≥40% reflects high ductility, allowing for deep drawing and bending in applications like plat stainless 304.
• Hardness: Low hardness (≤201 HB) supports good machinability and formability compared to harder alloys like SA 240 GR 304H material.

*Source: ASME SA 240 and ASTM A240 standards. Cold-working can increase strength (e.g., tensile up to 900 MPa) but reduces ductility. For details, see our SS 304 data sheet.

Factors Affecting Strength

• Annealed vs. Cold-Worked: Annealed SA 240 GR 304 offers balanced strength and ductility. Cold-working (e.g., rolling) increases tensile and yield strength but may slightly reduce SS 304 non magnetic properties.
• Thickness: Thinner plates (e.g., plat SS 304 3mm) may exhibit slightly higher strength in cold-rolled forms compared to thicker plates.
• Temperature: Strength decreases at high temperatures; for elevated-temperature applications, consider sa 240 gr 304h.

Comparing Strength with Other Grades

• Vs. SA 240 GR 304L: 304L has slightly lower strength (tensile ≥485 MPa, yield ≥170 MPa) due to lower carbon, but better weldability. See sa 240 gr 304l.
• Vs. SA 240 GR 316: Similar strength (tensile ≥515 MPa, yield ≥205 MPa), but 316’s molybdenum enhances corrosion resistance. Explore sa 240 gr 316l.
• Vs. 200 Series: SA 240 GR 304 outperforms SS204 vs SS 304 in strength and corrosion resistance due to higher nickel content.

For harsher environments, consider our sa 240 gr 317l.

Applications Leveraging SA 240 GR 304 Strength

The strength of SA 240 GR 304 supports its use in:

• Structural Components: Pressure vessels and frameworks requiring moderate strength and high ductility.
• Food Processing: Equipment like tanks benefiting from strength and hygiene.
• Architecture: Decorative panels and SA 240 GR 304 pipe for aesthetic and load-bearing purposes.

Its strength-to-weight ratio, driven by SA 240 GR 304 density, makes it ideal for lightweight designs. Gangsteel offers competitive SS 304 plate price options.

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel provides certified SA 240 GR 304 plates with reliable mechanical properties and competitive SS 304 sheet price. Our inventory includes SA 240 TP 304/304L and custom sizes like plat stainless 304. For quotes or to learn what is SA 304, visit our astm a 240 stainless plate page or email admin@gangsteel.com.