SA240 Type 304L Stainless Steel for Industrial Use

SA240 Type 304L Stainless Steel: Essential Insights for Industrial Use

Introduction to SA240 Type 304L Stainless Steel

SA240 Type 304L stainless steel, a low-carbon variant of the iconic 304 grade, is a cornerstone of the ASME SA240 specification for austenitic stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips designed for pressure vessels and versatile engineering tasks. With its reduced carbon content (≤0.03%), Type 304L excels in welded structures where intergranular corrosion poses a risk, offering unmatched weldability without the need for post-weld annealing. This material's blend of 18% chromium and 8-12% nickel delivers robust resistance to general corrosion, making it indispensable in sectors like pharmaceuticals, marine engineering, and wastewater treatment. Gangsteel, China's trailblazing stainless steel producer and exporter, crafts SA240 Type 304L plates with state-of-the-art vacuum degassing for ultra-clean surfaces. As frontrunners in ASME SA 240 stainless steel plate, Gangsteel empowers clients with tailor-made solutions that harmonize performance and compliance. This detailed exploration uncovers the intricacies of SA240 Type 304L, from its alloy dynamics to deployment strategies, equipping professionals with actionable knowledge for superior project outcomes.

Defining SA240 Type 304L: From Alloy to Application

SA240 Type 304L, designated UNS S30403, is an evolution of the classic 304, engineered to mitigate carbide precipitation during welding—a common pitfall that compromises corrosion integrity. Its austenitic lattice ensures non-magnetic behavior and cryogenic resilience down to -196°C, while the "L" suffix signals "low carbon" for seamless fabrication. Available in thicknesses from 0.5 mm to 50 mm and widths up to 2000 mm, this grade supports finishes like 2B for industrial utility or electropolished for sanitary demands. International parallels, such as EN 1.4307 and JIS SUS304L, underscore its universality. Gangsteel's SA240 Type 304L undergoes rigorous ultrasonic testing per ASTM A435, guaranteeing defect-free plates for critical infrastructure. Whether forming tube sheets or fabricating ducts, Type 304L's 40% elongation facilitates complex geometries without cracking.

Chemical Composition: The Foundation of Type 304L Excellence

The precise alloying in SA240 Type 304L is calibrated for enduring performance in aggressive media. ASME SA240 mandates the following maximum weight percentages:

Gangsteel's electroslag remelted (ESR) process refines these to sub-spec levels, elevating pitting resistance equivalent (PREN) to 19+, as verified by ASTM G48.

Mechanical and Physical Attributes of SA240 Type 304L

SA240 Type 304L's mechanical profile prioritizes fabricability over raw strength, with minima per annealed state:

Physically, its 7.93 g/cm³ density optimizes weight in marine hulls, while thermal conductivity (16.3 W/m·K) suits heat sinks. Gangsteel's plates achieve Charpy V-notch impact >100 J at -196°C, surpassing ASTM A 959 stainless steel plates for arctic deployments.

International Equivalents for SA240 Type 304L

SA240 Type 304L's global footprint is bolstered by equivalents, easing certification hurdles:

Gangsteel's multi-cert plates streamline approvals, interfacing with JIS G 4304 stainless steel plate.

Real-World Applications and Case Studies

SA240 Type 304L's low-carbon edge shines in weld-intensive roles. Notable uses:

Gangsteel's ASME SA 213/SA 213M stainless pipes form hybrid assemblies with Type 304L plates.

Comparative Analysis: SA240 Type 304L vs Peers

• Type 304L vs 316L: Type 304L suffices for non-chloride service at 15% lower cost; 316L's Mo (2-3%) elevates PREN to 24 for seawater, per ASTM G150.
• Type 304L vs 304: Type 304L's C cap eliminates 304's weld annealing needs, cutting fab time 20%; 304 edges in strength for non-welded parts.
• Type 304L vs 321: Type 304L is simpler/cheaper for <500°C; 321's Ti stabilization suits 800°C sensitization risks.
• Type 304L vs 2205 Duplex: Type 304L is easier to form/weld; duplex doubles yield for weight savings in offshore but at 2x price.

Gangsteel's nickel alloy steel plates fill gaps for exotics.

Gangsteel's Commitment to SA240 Type 304L

Gangsteel redefines Type 304L supply with:

• Precision Manufacturing: ESR + UT for <0.1% defects.
• Sustainability Focus: 90% recycled Ni, REACH compliant.
• Certifications: ASME N, AD 2000, Lloyd's Register.
• Innovation: N-alloyed variants for PREN 20+.

Discover SA240 Gr 347 for heat.

Conclusion

SA240 Type 304L stainless steel masterfully combines low-carbon weldability with austenitic resilience, powering everything from pharma tanks to offshore risers. Its equivalents and specs ensure worldwide viability, while Gangsteel's prowess amplifies its potential.

From SA240 Gr 316L for chlorides to SA240 Gr 904L for acids, Gangsteel's arsenal meets every challenge. Collaborate with Gangsteel for UNS stainless steel plates and transform your engineering vision into reality.