sa240-304 vs a240-304

SA240-304 vs A240-304: Gangsteel Stainless Solution in China

Introduction to SA240-304 vs A240-304

SA240-304 vs A240-304 refers to the comparison between ASME SA240 Grade 304 and ASTM A240 Grade 304 stainless steel, both austenitic materials for plates, sheets, and strips in pressure vessels and general applications. These standards are nearly identical, with SA240 being the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code version of ASTM A240. Gangsteel, a leading manufacturer and exporter in China, supplies both SA240-304 and A240-304 compliant materials. As a specialist in ASME SA240 stainless steel plates, Gangsteel provides customized solutions for global clients. This article compares SA240-304 and A240-304, their differences, and uses.

What is SA240-304 and A240-304?

SA240-304 is the ASME SA240 Grade 304, an austenitic stainless steel with 18–20% chromium and 8–10.5% nickel, offering corrosion resistance and strength for pressure applications. A240-304 is the ASTM A240 Grade 304, the base standard for general use. Both are non-magnetic in annealed conditions and equivalent to UNS S30400, EN 1.4301, and JIS SUS304. Gangsteel’s SA240 Gr 304 and A240-304 are produced under aligned specifications, ideal for fabrication.

Key Differences Between SA240-304 and A240-304

The main differences lie in issuing bodies, intended use, and minor limits:

• Issuing Organizations and Intended Use: A240 is from ASTM for general applications, while SA240 is from ASME for pressure vessels, ensuring safety in high-pressure environments.
• Element Limits: SA240-304 enforces stricter limits on impurities like sulfur (≤ 0.03%) and phosphorus (≤ 0.045%) for better corrosion resistance, compared to slightly wider tolerances in A240-304.
• Certification and Testing: SA240-304 may require additional ASME certification for code compliance, while A240-304 focuses on general testing.

Gangsteel ensures compliance for both, compatible with JIS G 4304 stainless steel plate standards.

Chemical Composition of SA240-304 and A240-304

Composition is identical for both standards. The table below lists elements for Grade 304:

Gangsteel follows these for SA240-304 and A240-304, aligning with ASTM A 959 stainless steel plates.

Mechanical Properties of SA240-304 and A240-304

Properties are the same in both standards. The table below summarizes for Grade 304:

These make SA240-304 and A240-304 preferable over SA240 Gr 201, with Gangsteel offering SA240 Gr 304L for weld needs.

Equivalent Materials for SA240-304 and A240-304

Equivalents are the same for both. For Grade 304, the table below lists common ones:

Gangsteel’s SA240-304 and A240-304 integrate with these.

Applications of SA240-304 and A240-304

Both are used in similar sectors. The table below highlights applications:

Gangsteel’s ASME SA 213/SA 213M stainless pipes complement both.

Comparing SA240-304 with Other Grades

SA240-304 vs 316: SA240-304 offers general corrosion resistance and is cost-effective for mild environments, while SA240-316 includes molybdenum for better chloride resistance, suited for marine or harsh chemical applications.

SA240-304 vs 304L: SA240-304 provides higher strength, but SA240-304L, with lower carbon, offers superior weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion.

SA240-304 vs 201: SA240-304 has better corrosion resistance due to higher nickel, making it ideal for outdoor use, whereas SA240-201 is more affordable but less durable in corrosive conditions.

SA240-304 vs 430: SA240-304 is austenitic and non-magnetic with excellent formability, while SA240-430 is ferritic, magnetic, and offers good resistance in less demanding settings but lower overall corrosion performance.

Gangsteel’s nickel alloy steel plates provide alternatives for extreme uses.

Why Choose Gangsteel’s SA240-304 and A240-304 Material?

Gangsteel, a stainless solution provider in China, offers SA240-304 and A240-304 material with:

• Quality Compliance: Meets ASME SA240 and ASTM A240 standards.
• Customization: Various forms for specific requirements.
• Export Expertise: Serving worldwide with efficient supply.
• Product Variety: Including SA240 Gr 347 for high-temperature and SA240 Gr 201L for cost-effective options.

Conclusion

SA240-304 and A240-304 provide corrosion resistance and strength for chemical, food, and construction applications. With identical composition and properties, they meet diverse needs, supported by equivalents like EN 1.4301. Gangsteel’s solutions in China, including SA240 Gr 316L and SA240 Gr 904L, ensure quality. Contact Gangsteel for UNS stainless steel plates to fulfill your requirements.