What Is SA240 Type 2304 Equivalent Stainless Steel?

 

Having worked as a materials engineer at Gangsteel for over 15 years, I’ve guided clients through selecting stainless steels for projects like marine fittings, chemical tanks, and structural frameworks.

One grade that consistently delivers value is SA 240 Gr 2304, also known as UNS S32304—a lean duplex stainless steel that balances strength, corrosion resistance, and cost. A common question I get is: “What are the equivalent grades for SA240 Type 2304?” Knowing these equivalents is crucial for global sourcing and ensuring your project meets the right standards.

In this guide, I’ll explain SA240 Type 2304’s equivalents, present its chemical composition in a clear table, and compare it to grades like SA240 Gr 316 and SA 240 Gr 2205. I’ll also link to our related products, such as stainless cutting sheet parts and ASTM A240 stainless steel sheets, to help you explore options. Let’s dive in!

 

What Is SA240 Type 2304?

SA240 Type 2304 is a lean duplex stainless steel, certified under ASTM A240 and ASME SA240. Its 50/50 austenite-ferrite microstructure provides twice the strength of austenitic grades like SA240 Gr 304 while resisting corrosion in chloride-rich environments, such as coastal structures or mild acid tanks. With a Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number (PREN) of ~25, it outperforms SA240 Gr 201 but is less robust than SA 240 Gr 2507 (PREN ~42). It’s weldable, resists stress-corrosion cracking, and handles temperatures up to 300°C.

For instance, in a recent Saudi Arabian marine project, we used SA 240 Gr 2304 plates instead of SA240 Gr 316L, saving 15% on costs while maintaining performance in brackish water. Want to learn more about duplex alloys? Check our guide on ISO TR15510 standards.

 

Chemical Composition of SA240 Type 2304

 

The chemistry of SA240 Type 2304, per ASME SA240, is designed for strength and corrosion resistance. Here’s the breakdown:

Element

Percentage (%)

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%)

Note: Low carbon ensures weldability, while chromium and nitrogen enhance corrosion resistance. For detailed specs, download our technical data sheet via our ASTM A959 resources.

 

Equivalent Standards for SA240 Type 2304

 

When sourcing SA 240 Gr 2304 globally, its equivalent grades ensure compatibility:

Standard

Grade

UNS

S32304

W.Nr.

1.4362

EN

X2CrNiN23-4

ASTM

A240 2304

ASME

SA240 2304

These equivalents, like W.Nr. 1.4362 or EN X2CrNiN23-4, are recognized worldwide and match the performance of ASME SA240 grades. They’re ideal for applications like stainless cutting sheet parts. Always request an EN 10204 3.1 certificate to verify compliance—once, this caught a mislabeled batch for a client, avoiding costly delays. Explore more in our JIS G4304 stainless steel sheet guide.

 

Comparing SA240 Type 2304 to Other Grades

 

To choose the right grade, compare 2304 to others in our portfolio:

  • Vs. SA240 Gr 316: 2304 offers higher strength and similar corrosion resistance in milder chlorides, often at lower cost. For high temperatures, consider SA240 Gr 316H.
  • Vs. SA 240 Gr 2205: 2304 is more affordable but less pitting-resistant (PREN ~25 vs. ~35). Use 2205 for seawater.
  • Vs. SA 240 Gr 2507: 2304 saves costs but can’t match 2507’s extreme corrosion resistance (PREN ~42).
  • Vs. SA240 Gr 304L: 2304 provides better strength and chloride resistance.

In a pulp mill project, we used 2304’s EN equivalent instead of SA240 Gr 317 for tanks, saving 10%. See our grade comparison for details.

 

Why Equivalents Matter

 

Equivalents like UNS S32304 or W.Nr. 1.4362 let you:

 

Applications and Tips

 

SA 240 Gr 2304 excels in:

Tip: Clean with mild detergents and anneal at 950-1050°C to prevent stress cracking, as we did for a bridge project.

 

Our SA240 Type 2304 Products

 

Gangsteel offers:

Pricing is $6-12 USD/kg (FOB). Visit our pricing page for quotes.

 

Why Gangsteel?

 

Our ISO-certified mills deliver globally in 7-15 days with EN 10204 certifications. Explore our portfolio, including SA240 Gr 316Ti, SA240 Gr 317L, and SA 240 Gr 405. Contact us for a free quote or download our ASTM A240 316Ti data sheet.

 

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