What is SA 240 type 304?

What is SA 240 Type 304?

SA 240 Type 304 is an austenitic stainless steel specified under ASME SA 240/SA 240M and ASTM A240/A240M for chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips used in pressure vessels, boilers, and general corrosive service.

Equivalent to SA 240 GR 304, AISI 304, and EN 1.4301, it’s a versatile grade with a SA 240 GR 304 density of 8.00 g/cm³ and SA 240 304 non magnetic properties in the annealed state. Known for its balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and formability, SA 240 Type 304 is ideal for applications like plat stainless 304, SA 240 GR 304 pipe, and food processing equipment. Gangsteel’s sa 240 gr 304 plates meet these standards.

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition of SA 240 Type 304 ensures excellent corrosion resistance and formability:

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

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

Mechanical Properties

The mechanical properties of SA 240 Type 304 for annealed plates (8-75 mm thick) support its use in structural and forming applications:

Cold-working (e.g., rolling) can increase tensile strength (up to 900 MPa) but reduces ductility. For high-temperature applications, explore sa 240 gr 304h.

Physical Properties

• Density: 8.00 g/cm³ (SA 240 GR 304 density), ideal for lightweight designs (e.g., a 1m x 1m x 3mm plate weighs ~24 kg).
• Melting Point: ~1400-1450°C, suitable for high-temperature processing.
• Thermal Conductivity: 16.2 W/m·K, moderate for heat transfer.
• Coefficient of Thermal Expansion: 17.2 × 10⁻⁶/K, stable across temperatures.
• Electrical Resistivity: 0.72 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·m, good for non-conductive applications.

These properties make SA 240 Type 304 suitable for applications like plat SS 304 3mm and plate 2 mm SUS 304.

Corrosion Resistance and Weldability

SA 240 Type 304 offers excellent corrosion resistance in:

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

It is less resistant to chloride-induced pitting compared to SA 240 Type 316L, which contains molybdenum. Weldability is good using ER308 or ER308L fillers, but SA 240 Type 304L is preferred for critical welds to minimize sensitization risks. For chloride-heavy environments, explore sa 240 gr 316l.

Applications of SA 240 Type 304

SA 240 Type 304 is used in:

• Food Processing: Tanks, conveyors, and equipment (hygienic, non-tarnishing).
• Chemical Industry: Vessels and SA 240 GR 304 pipe for mild corrosives.
• Architecture: Structural and decorative panels, such as plat stainless 304 or plate 2 mm SUS 304.
• Automotive: Components requiring corrosion resistance and formability.
• Medical Devices: Non-magnetic instruments leveraging SA 240 304 non magnetic properties.

For harsher corrosive environments, consider sa 240 gr 317l. For high-temperature applications, explore sa 240 gr 321 for titanium-stabilized performance.

Pricing and Availability at Gangsteel

As of October 14, 2025, SA 240 Type 304 plate prices for 2B finish (3-6mm thick) range from $1.55-$3.50/kg globally, influenced by nickel prices (~$15,325/t).

Gangsteel offers competitive pricing starting at $1.60/kg FOB (MOQ 1 ton) for standard sizes (e.g., 4’x8’, 5’x10’) and custom cuts like plate 2 mm SUS 304, with finishes like 2B, No.1, and polished. Our SS 304 plate price is 5-10% below market averages, and dual-certified SA 240 TP 304/304L plates are available for flexibility. For pricing details, contact sales@gangsteel.com.

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel provides certified SA 240 Type 304 plates with consistent properties and competitive SA 240 304 plate price. Our 600+ ton inventory supports global delivery for applications from plat stainless 304 to heavy plates. For quotes or to learn what is SA 304, visit our astm a 240 stainless plate page or email admin@gangsteel.com.