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What is SA 240 in ASME?

SA 240refers to ASME SA-240/SA-240M, a specification published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) that defines the requirements for chromium, chromium-nickel, and chromium-manganese-nickel stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips used primarily for pressure vessels, boilers, and general corrosive service. The "SA" prefix indicates it’s an ASME-adopted standard, aligned with ASTM A240/A240M, where the "M" denotes metric units for international use. SA 240 is part of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section II, Part A (Ferrous Material Specifications), ensuring materials meet stringent requirements for safety and performance in high-pressure and corrosive environments.

Key Aspects of SA 240

  • Scope: Covers flat-rolled stainless steel products (plates, sheets, strips) for pressure vessels, boilers, and general applications, with requirements for chemical composition, mechanical properties, heat treatment, and testing (e.g., tensile, hardness, bend).
  • Grades: Includes a range of stainless steel grades, such as austenitic (e.g., SA 240 GR 304, 316L), ferritic (e.g., SA 240 GR 430), martensitic (e.g., SA 240 GR 410), and duplex (e.g., SA 240 Type 2205).
  • Applications: Used in industries like food processing, chemical processing, architecture, and oil and gas, where corrosion resistance and strength are critical.

Gangsteel’s sa 240 gr 304 plates are certified to meet SA 240 standards.

 

Properties of SA 240 GR 304 (Representative Grade)

SA 240 GR 304, a widely used austenitic grade, serves as a benchmark for SA 240 properties, known for its SA 240 304 non magnetic characteristics.

Chemical Composition

Element

Range (%)

Carbon (C)

0.00 - 0.08

Manganese (Mn)

0.00 - 2.00

Silicon (Si)

0.00 - 0.75

Phosphorus (P)

0.00 - 0.045

Sulfur (S)

0.00 - 0.030

Chromium (Cr)

18.00 - 20.00

Nickel (Ni)

8.00 - 10.50

Nitrogen (N)

0.00 - 0.10

Iron (Fe)

Balance

  • Chromium: Ensures corrosion resistance via a passive oxide layer.
  • Nickel: Enhances ductility and SA 240 304 non magnetic properties.
  • Carbon: Limited to ≤0.08% for weldability, though SA 240 GR 304L (≤0.03%) is preferred for critical welds. See sa 240 gr 304l.

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

 

Mechanical Properties (Annealed, 8-75 mm thick)

Property

Value (Minimum)

Notes

Tensile Strength

515 MPa (74.7 ksi)

Strength before fracture

Yield Strength (0.2% Offset)

205 MPa (29.7 ksi)

Stress at plastic deformation onset

Elongation (A5, 50 mm)

40%

High ductility for forming

Hardness (Brinell)

≤ 201 HB

Supports machinability

Physical Properties

  • Density: 8.00 g/cm³ (SA 240 GR 304 density), ideal for lightweight designs like plat stainless 304.
  • Melting Point: ~1400-1450°C.
  • Thermal Conductivity: 16.2 W/m·K.
  • Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 17.2 × 10⁻⁶/K.
  • Electrical Resistivity: 0.72 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·m.

 

Corrosion Resistance and Weldability

SA 240 GR 304 offers excellent corrosion resistance in:

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

It’s less resistant to chloride pitting compared to SA 240 GR 316L. Weldability is good with ER308 fillers, but SA 240 GR 304L is preferred for critical welds. For chloride-heavy environments, explore sa 240 gr 316l.

 

Applications of SA 240 Stainless Steel

SA 240 grades like 304 are used in:

  • Food Processing: Tanks and plat stainless 304 for hygiene.
  • Chemical Industry: Vessels and SA 240 GR 304 pipe for mild corrosives.
  • Architecture: Structural panels like plate 2 mm SUS 304.
  • Oil and Gas: Duplex grades like SA 240 Type 2205 for high strength.

For high-temperature needs, see sa 240 gr 304h or sa 240 gr 321.

 

Pricing and Availability at Gangsteel

As of October 15, 2025, SA 240 GR 304 plate prices (2B finish, 3-6mm) range from $1.55-$3.50/kg globally. Gangsteel offers competitive pricing at $1.60/kg FOB (MOQ 1 ton) for sa 240 gr 304 plates, including custom sizes like plate 2 mm SUS 304.

 

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel provides certified SA 240 plates with competitive SS 304 plate price and sizes like plat stainless 304. Our 600+ ton inventory supports global delivery. For quotes or to learn more about SA 240, visit our astm a 240 stainless plate page or email admin@gangsteel.com.

 

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