As a materials engineer with over 15 years at Gangsteel, a leading stainless steel supplier in China, I’ve seen how choosing the right alloy can transform a project.

SA240 Type 2304, also known as UNS S32304, is a lean duplex stainless steel that balances strength, corrosion resistance, and cost—perfect for marine, chemical, or structural applications where you need reliability without breaking the bank. Compared to pricier grades like SA240 Type 2205 or SA240 Type 2507, it’s a budget-friendly workhorse.

At Gangsteel, we supply SA240 Type 2304 in plates, sheets, bars, and custom components, all certified to ASTM A240 and ASME SA240 standards. Let’s dive into what makes this grade special, its specs, and how it fits your project.

 

What Is SA240 Type 2304?

SA240 Type 2304 is a lean duplex alloy with a 50/50 austenite-ferrite microstructure, offering twice the strength of standard austenitics like SA240 Gr 316. Its chemistry—21.5-24.5% chromium, 3-5.5% nickel, and low molybdenum—gives it a Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) of ~25, ideal for chloride-rich environments like coastal structures or mild acid tanks. It resists stress-corrosion cracking and performs well up to 300°C.

For example, in a recent project in India, we used 2304 plates for a coastal bridge, saving 15% over 316 while matching corrosion resistance. It’s weldable and versatile, but for harsh seawater, consider SA240 Type 2205 instead. Curious about duplex steels? Check our guide to duplex stainless steels.

 

Composition and Mechanical Properties

 

SA240 Type 2304’s balanced chemistry and robust mechanical properties make it a standout, per ASME SA240. Here’s a detailed look:

Property

Value

Chemical Composition

 

Chromium (Cr)

21.5-24.5%

Nickel (Ni)

3.0-5.5%

Molybdenum (Mo)

0.05-0.60%

Nitrogen (N)

0.05-0.20%

Carbon (C)

≤0.03%

Manganese (Mn)

≤2.5%

Silicon (Si)

≤1.0%

Phosphorus (P)

≤0.04%

Sulfur (S)

≤0.03%

Iron (Fe)

Balance (~70%)

Mechanical Properties

 

Tensile Strength (20°C)

≥600 MPa (87 ksi)

Tensile Strength (204°C)

≥550 MPa (80 ksi)

Yield Strength (20°C)

≥400 MPa (58 ksi)

Yield Strength (204°C)

≥360 MPa (52 ksi)

Elongation

≥25%

Hardness

≤32 HRC

Density

7.80 g/cm³

Note: Low carbon ensures weldability, and solution annealing at 950-1050°C optimizes performance. For a full technical data sheet, visit our resources page.

 

How Does It Compare to Other Grades?

 

Choosing between grades like 2304, 2205, 2507, or 316 depends on your project. Here’s a quick comparison:

  • Vs. SA240 Type 2205: 2304 is cheaper but less resistant to pitting (PREN ~25 vs. ~35). Pick 2205 for seawater.
  • Vs. SA240 Type 2507: 2304 saves costs but can’t match 2507’s superior PREN (~42) for extreme chlorides.
  • Vs. SA240 Gr 316: 2304 offers higher strength at similar cost, but 316 excels at higher temps (up to 870°C).

In a chemical tank project, we swapped 316 for 2304, cutting costs without compromising in dilute acids. Explore our stainless steel grade comparison for more.

 

Equivalent Standards

 

SA240 Type 2304 aligns with global specs:

  • UNS: S32304
  • W.Nr.: 1.4362
  • EN: X2CrNiN23-4
  • ASTM/ASME: A240/SA240

These make it interchangeable with 316 in milder conditions. See our standards guide for details.

 

Applications and Practical Tips

 

SA240 Type 2304 excels in:

  • Marine: Coastal fittings and structures (see marine applications).
  • Chemical: Tanks for mild acids, like in pulp and paper plants.
  • Structural: Bridges and frameworks needing strength.
  • Oil/Gas: Fittings in moderate corrosives.

Tip: Clean with mild detergents to maintain the passive layer. Avoid chlorides above 300 ppm. In a bridge project, proper annealing prevented stress cracking under load.

 

Specifications at Gangsteel

 

We offer:

  • Plates/Sheets: 0.1-100 mm thick, up to 3000 mm wide, 12000 mm long. Finishes: 2B, No.1, pickled.
  • Bars: 6-500 mm diameter, up to 12000 mm.
  • Custom Parts: Flanges, fittings, machined to ±0.05 mm.

Need a specific size? Our custom fabrication services include laser cutting and annealing.

 

Pricing

 

SA240 Type 2304 runs $6-12 USD per kg (FOB), cheaper than 2205 due to lower alloy content. Prices vary with form and market conditions. For a quote, check our pricing page or contact us.

 

Why Choose Gangsteel?

 

We’re more than a supplier—we’re your partner. With ISO-certified mills, EN 10204 3.1 certificates, and global delivery (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Europe), we ship in 7-15 days. Our team’s expertise ensures you get the right material. Explore our full ASME SA240 portfolio.

Ready to use SA240 Type 2304? Contact us for a free quote or download our UNS S32304 data sheet. Let’s build something durable and cost-effective!

 

Related Stainless Steel Grades

Gangsteel offers a wide range of ASME SA240 stainless sheet grades to complement SA240 Type 2304 for various applications:

Note: These grades complement SA240 Type 2304 in marine, structural, and corrosion-resistant applications. Contact Gangsteel for a full catalog to find the perfect material for your project.

 

Other Products