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What is SA-240 304L Material Plate?

 

Introduction to SA-240 304L Plates

The SA-240 304L material plate is a low-carbon variant of stainless steel 304, widely used in industries such as chemical processing, food production, and marine applications. Known for its excellent corrosion resistance and weldability, this material is a top choice for projects requiring durability and reliability. Gangsteel, a leading manufacturer and exporter of ASME SA240 stainless steel plates, offers high-quality SA-240 304L plates that meet strict industry standards. In this article, we’ll explore the key features, benefits, and applications of SA-240 304L plates in simple, easy-to-understand language.

 

What is SA-240 304L Material?

SA-240 304L is a type of austenitic stainless steel defined by the ASME SA240 standard, with a lower carbon content (≤ 0.03%) compared to standard 304 (≤ 0.08%). This low-carbon composition enhances weldability by reducing the risk of carbide precipitation, which can weaken corrosion resistance during welding. The material typically contains 18–20% chromium and 8–12% nickel, providing excellent resistance to corrosion and oxidation. Gangsteel’s SA240 Gr 304L plates are manufactured to ensure consistent quality, making them ideal for demanding applications.

 

Key Properties of SA-240 304L Plates

SA-240 304L plates offer several advantages that make them suitable for various industries:

  • Corrosion Resistance: The chromium-nickel composition provides strong resistance to corrosion, especially in mildly acidic or chloride-rich environments, though less robust than SA240 Gr 316L in high-chloride settings.
  • Weldability: The low carbon content minimizes carbide precipitation, ensuring strong, corrosion-resistant welds without post-weld annealing.
  • Durability: SA-240 304L plates are tough and long-lasting, suitable for harsh industrial conditions.
  • Formability: Easy to shape and fabricate, making it ideal for complex designs in manufacturing.

Gangsteel’s ASTM A240 stainless plates include SA-240 304L, crafted to meet both ASME and ASTM standards for global applications.

 

Applications of SA-240 304L Plates

Thanks to their excellent properties, SA-240 304L plates are used in a wide range of industries:

  • Chemical Processing: Ideal for tanks, reactors, and piping systems exposed to chemicals, similar to SA240 Gr 317L for more corrosive environments.
  • Food and Beverage: The non-reactive surface makes 304L perfect for equipment like storage tanks and processing machinery, ensuring hygiene and safety.
  • Marine Applications: Used in less aggressive marine environments, complementing grades like SA240 Gr 316 for higher chloride resistance.
  • Construction: Employed in structural components and architectural features due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Gangsteel also supplies related products like SA240 Gr 201 and SA240 Gr 321 for specialized needs.

 

Why SA-240 304L is Ideal for Welding

The low carbon content of SA-240 304L plates makes them particularly suitable for welding applications. Unlike standard 304, which may require post-weld heat treatment to prevent corrosion at weld sites, 304L can be welded without this additional step. This saves time and costs in fabrication processes. Gangsteel’s SA240 Gr 304L plates are designed for seamless welding, ensuring strong joints in applications like ASME SA 312/SA 312M stainless pipes.

 

Comparing SA-240 304L with Other Grades

SA-240 304L differs from other stainless steel grades in key ways:

  • VS. SA240 Gr 304: Lower carbon content in 304L improves weldability but slightly reduces strength compared to SA240 Gr 304.
  • VS. SA240 Gr 316L: 316L contains molybdenum for better corrosion resistance in chloride environments, while 304L is more cost-effective for general use.
  • VS. SA240 Gr 201: 304L offers superior corrosion resistance compared to SA240 Gr 201, which is more budget-friendly but less durable.

Gangsteel’s ASTM A 959 stainless steel plates provide detailed specifications for comparing these grades.

 

Calculating Weight with SA-240 304L Density

The density of SA-240 304L is approximately 7.93 g/cm³ (7930 kg/m³), similar to standard 304. To calculate the weight of a plate:

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

For example:

  • A plate is 2 meters long, 1 meter wide, and 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 calculation is crucial for applications using SA240 Gr 304L or related grades like SA240 Gr 310S.

 

Why Choose Gangsteel’s SA-240 304L Plates?

Gangsteel is a trusted manufacturer and exporter of ASME SA240 stainless steel plates, including SA-240 304L. Here’s why our plates stand out:

  • High Weldability: Low-carbon 304L ensures strong, corrosion-resistant welds, ideal for chemical and marine applications.
  • Global Standards: Compliant with ASME SA240 and ASTM A240 standards for quality assurance.
  • Custom Sizes: Available in various thicknesses and dimensions, including options like SA240 Gr 347 for high-temperature needs.
  • Competitive Pricing: Affordable solutions for grades like SA240 Gr 201L and SA240 Gr 202.

 

Conclusion

The SA-240 304L material plate is a versatile, low-carbon stainless steel ideal for welding and corrosion-resistant applications in chemical, food, and marine industries. With a density of 7.93 g/cm³, it supports precise weight calculations for engineering projects. Gangsteel’s SA-240 304L plates, part of our ASME SA240 and JIS G 4304 stainless steel plate offerings, ensure durability and compliance with global standards. Explore our range, including SA240 Gr 316 and SA240 Gr 904L, and contact Gangsteel today for high-quality solutions tailored to your needs.

 

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