SA 240 GR 304H Material Properties: Density and Hardness

SA 240 GR 304H Material Properties: Density and Hardness

At Gangsteel, a leading manufacturer and exporter of stainless steel products, we supply premium SA 240 GR 304H stainless steel plates compliant with ASME SA 240 and ASTM A240 standards. SA 240 GR 304H, 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).

This guide focuses on the density and hardness properties of SA 240 GR 304H material, alongside other key properties, 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 of SA 240 GR 304H Material

The density of SA 240 GR 304H material is 7.93 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³), identical to other 304-series grades like 304 and 304L due to their similar chemical compositions. This 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.
• Comparison: Matches austenitic grades (e.g., sa240 gr 316l), higher than aluminum (2.7 g/cm³), and slightly higher than ferritic grades like sa240 gr 430 (7.7 g/cm³).
• Applications: Supports lightweight designs in high-temperature environments, balancing corrosion resistance and structural integrity.

Hardness of SA 240 GR 304H Material

The hardness of SA 240 GR 304H material for annealed plates (8-75 mm thick) is:

• Brinell Hardness: ≤ 201 HB
• Rockwell B Hardness: ≤ 92 HRB

These values ensure good machinability and formability, comparable to SA 240 GR 304 and slightly softer than sa240 gr 316l (≤217 HB). Higher carbon (0.04-0.10%) does not significantly affect hardness in the annealed state but enhances creep strength at elevated temperatures.

Other Mechanical Properties

Additional mechanical properties of SA 240 GR 304H material include:

• High-Temperature Strength: Allowable stress of 25.5 ksi at 1000°F (538°C), outperforming 304L (14.9 ksi), per ASME BPVC Section II, Part D.
• Cold-Working: Can increase hardness and strength (e.g., tensile up to 900 MPa), reducing ductility for applications like plate 2 mm SUS 304.

Physical Properties of SA 240 GR 304H Material

Beyond density, key physical properties include:

• Melting Point: 1400-1450°C, suitable for high-temperature processing.
• Thermal Conductivity: 16.2 W/m·K at 100°C, moderate for heat transfer.
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 17.2 × 10⁻⁶/K (20-100°C), stable across temperatures.
• Electrical Resistivity: 0.72 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·m, good for non-conductive applications.
• Service Temperature: Continuous up to 1500°F (815°C); intermittent up to 1600°F (871°C). Scaling begins at ~1200°F (649°C).

These properties support high-heat applications, unlike low-nickel grades like sa240 gr 201.

Corrosion Resistance

SA 240 GR 304Hmaterial offers excellent corrosion resistance in:

• Atmospheric conditions, freshwater, and mild acids (food-grade).
• General environments, outperforming SS204 vs SS 304 due to higher nickel (8-10.5%).

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

Weldability

Weldability is fair using ER308H fillers. Higher carbon (0.04-0.10%) risks sensitization, necessitating low heat input (<2.0 kJ/mm) or post-weld annealing (1870-2100°F). For better weldability, see sa240 gr 304l or sa240 gr 321.

Applications

SA 240 GR 304Hmaterial is used in:

• Boilers and pressure vessels (steam drums, headers).
• Heat exchangers (tubes, shells).
• Power generation (superheaters, reheaters).
• Chemical processing (vessels, SA 240 GR 304 pipe).
• High-temperature piping and fittings.

For cost-effective alternatives, see sa240 gr 202.

Pricing and Availability at Gangsteel

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

FAQ on SA 240 GR 304H Material Properties

What is the density of SA 240 GR 304H material?

The density is 8.00 g/cm³, consistent with 304 and 304L, ideal for lightweight designs in high-temperature applications like boilers.

What is the hardness of SA 240 GR 304H material?

Brinell hardness is ≤201 HB, and Rockwell B is ≤92 HRB, ensuring good machinability comparable to 304, suitable for forming and cutting.

How does SA 240 GR 304H compare to 304L in density and hardness?

Both have identical density (8.00 g/cm³) and hardness (≤201 HB), but 304H’s higher carbon (0.04-0.10%) enhances high-temperature strength over 304L.

Why is SA 240 GR 304H suitable for high-temperature applications?

Its density (8.00 g/cm³) supports lightweight designs, and low hardness (≤201 HB) ensures formability, while high carbon boosts creep resistance up to 1500°F.

What applications leverage SA 240 GR 304H density and hardness?

Used in boilers, heat exchangers, and piping, where low density aids weight savings and moderate hardness allows easy fabrication. See sa240 gr 316ln.