What is UNS N08904 Equivalent to EN 1.4539 Stainless Steel material

 

Selecting the right stainless steel for your project can feel like navigating a complex puzzle, especially when dealing with international standards like UNS N08904 and EN 1.4539. If you're wondering whether these two designations refer to the same material, the answer is yes—they both represent the high-performance super-austenitic stainless steel commonly known as 904L. As a trusted supplier with years of experience in the industry, Gangsteel offers ASME SA240 Gr 904L in various forms, ensuring compliance with global standards and meeting the needs of demanding applications.

This article dives into the details of UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539, exploring its chemical composition, mechanical properties, equivalent standards, applications, and pricing. Whether you're an engineer specifying materials for a chemical plant or a procurement manager sourcing for a marine project, understanding this alloy’s capabilities can make all the difference. Let’s break it down to help you make informed decisions.


 

What is UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539 Stainless Steel?

UNS N08904 and EN 1.4539 are two designations for the same super-austenitic stainless steel, widely recognized as 904L. This low-carbon, high-alloy material is engineered for exceptional corrosion resistance, particularly in aggressive environments involving sulfuric acid, chloride ions, or seawater.

Originally developed for the pulp and paper industry, its versatility has made it a go-to choice for chemical processing, marine systems, and even luxury applications like high-end watchmaking.

At Gangsteel, we’ve seen firsthand how this alloy outperforms standard grades like ASME SA240 Gr 316 in harsh conditions. Its high nickel and molybdenum content, combined with copper, gives it a unique edge, making it a reliable solution for projects where durability is non-negotiable.


 

Chemical Composition of UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539

The strength of UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539 lies in its carefully crafted chemistry, which ensures robust corrosion resistance and mechanical stability. Here’s the typical composition:

Element

Percentage (%)

Chromium (Cr)

19.0 – 23.0

Nickel (Ni)

23.0 – 28.0

Molybdenum (Mo)

4.0 – 5.0

Copper (Cu)

1.0 – 2.0

Carbon (C)

≤ 0.02

Manganese (Mn)

≤ 2.0

Silicon (Si)

≤ 1.0

Phosphorus (P)

≤ 0.045

Sulfur (S)

≤ 0.035

Iron (Fe)

Balance (~45%)

The low carbon content minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, preserving corrosion resistance, while high molybdenum and copper enhance pitting and crevice corrosion resistance (PREN ~ 34-36). This makes UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539 a superior choice over ASME SA240 Gr 317L for acidic environments.

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Mechanical Properties of UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539

The mechanical properties of UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539 ensure reliability in demanding applications:

Property

Value at 20°C

Tensile Strength (MPa)

≥ 490 (71 ksi)

Yield Strength (MPa)

≥ 220 (32 ksi)

Elongation (%)

≥ 35

Hardness (Brinell)

≤ 220 HB

Density

8.0 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³)

These properties allow for thinner designs without compromising strength, which is a cost-saving advantage in industries like chemical processing. The alloy’s ability to maintain integrity in temperatures up to 450°C (842°F) makes it suitable for moderate high-temperature applications, though for extreme heat, consider ASME SA240 Gr 347H.

Keywords: UNS N08904 mechanical properties, EN 1.4539 mechanical properties, 904L stainless steel strength, super-austenitic stainless steel properties


 

Equivalent Standards for UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539

UNS N08904 and EN 1.4539 are equivalent designations, ensuring compatibility across global standards. Other equivalents include:

Standard

Grade

UNS

N08904

W.Nr.

1.4539

EN

X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5

JIS

SUS 904L

GB

00Cr20Ni25Mo4.5Cu

ASTM

A240

ASME

SA240

This equivalence simplifies sourcing for projects adhering to standards like ASTM A240 stainless steel sheet or JIS G4304 stainless steel sheet. Gangsteel ensures all products meet ASME SA240 requirements, with mill test certificates for traceability.

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Specifications and Forms Available

Gangsteel offers UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539 in various forms to meet diverse project needs:

  • Plate and Sheet: Thickness from 0.5 mm to 100 mm (plate), 0.1 mm to 6 mm (sheet), widths up to 4200 mm, lengths up to 12000 mm.
  • Coil: Thickness 0.1 mm to 6 mm, widths up to 2000 mm.
  • Bar: Diameter 6 mm to 500 mm, lengths up to 12000 mm.
  • Custom Components: Flanges, fittings, and stainless cutting sheet part with tolerances of ±0.05 mm.

Surface finishes include 2B, No.1, No.4, and BA, tailored for aesthetic or functional requirements. For piping needs, we also supply ASTM A312 material and ASME SA312 material.

Pro Tip: For high-temperature tubing, check out our ASTM A213 material or ASME SA213 offerings.

Keywords: UNS N08904 specifications, EN 1.4539 stainless sheet specifications, 904L stainless steel forms, ASME SA240 Gr 904L specifications


 

Applications of UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539 Stainless Steel

This alloy excels in environments where corrosion is a major concern. Key applications include:

  • Chemical Processing: Tanks and piping for sulfuric, phosphoric, and acetic acids.
  • Marine and Offshore: Seawater cooling systems, desalination plants, and offshore platforms.
  • Pulp and Paper: Bleach washers and digesters resistant to corrosive liquors.
  • Pharmaceuticals: High-purity equipment for sterile manufacturing.
  • Luxury Goods: Components in high-end watches and jewelry due to its aesthetic finish.

I’ve worked with clients who switched from 316 to 904L after repeated corrosion issues in chloride-rich environments. The result? Significantly longer service life and lower maintenance costs.

Keywords: UNS N08904 applications, EN 1.4539 applications, 904L stainless steel uses, super-austenitic stainless steel applications


 

Comparison with Related Grades

To help you choose the right material, here’s how UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539 (904L) compares to ASME SA240 Gr 316, ASME SA240 Gr 317L, and ASME SA240 Gr 317LMN:

Property

UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539 (904L)

ASME SA240 Gr 316

ASME SA240 Gr 317L

ASME SA240 Gr 317LMN

UNS Number

N08904

S31600

S31703

S31726

Type

Super-Austenitic

Austenitic

Austenitic

Austenitic

Chromium Content

19.0-23.0%

16.0-18.0%

18.0-20.0%

17.0-20.0%

Nickel Content

23.0-28.0%

10.0-14.0%

11.0-15.0%

13.0-17.5%

Molybdenum Content

4.0-5.0%

2.0-3.0%

3.0-4.0%

4.0-5.0%

Corrosion Resistance

Superior in acids and chlorides

Good in chlorides

Better in acids

Excellent in acids

Strength

Moderate

Moderate

Moderate

High

Cost (USD/kg)

15-30

6-12

8-15

9-16

Applications

Chemical, marine, pulp/paper

Marine, chemical

Chemical, pulp/paper

Chemical, pulp/paper

  • 904L vs 316: 904L offers significantly better resistance to pitting and acid corrosion, ideal for harsher environments.
  • 904L vs 317L: 904L has higher nickel and copper, enhancing performance in sulfuric acid compared to 317L.
  • 904L vs 317LMN: Both are close in performance, but 317LMN’s nitrogen addition boosts strength, while 904L excels in acid resistance.

Keywords: UNS N08904 vs ASME SA240 Gr 316, EN 1.4539 vs ASME SA240 Gr 317L, 904L vs 317LMN, super-austenitic stainless steel comparison


 

Pricing and Availability

The ASME SA 240 Gr 904L price per kg ranges from USD 15-30 per kg (FOB), influenced by:

  • Alloy Content: High nickel, molybdenum, and copper elevate costs compared to ASME SA240 Gr 316L.
  • Market Demand: High demand in chemical and marine sectors impacts pricing.
  • Product Form: Plates may cost more than sheets due to processing.
  • Global Supply Chain: Freight and raw material availability affect costs.

At Gangsteel, we leverage bulk purchasing to keep prices competitive. Contact us for quotes or to explore related grades like ASME SA240 Gr 317LM.

Keywords: UNS N08904 price per kg, EN 1.4539 price per kg, 904L stainless steel cost, super-austenitic stainless steel pricing


 

Why Choose Gangsteel?

With years of expertise in stainless steel exports, Gangsteel stands out for:

  • Quality Assurance: All products meet ASTM A959 and ISO TR15510 standards, with EN 10204 3.1/3.2 certificates.
  • Fast Delivery: Standard orders ship in 7-15 days, with expedited options.
  • Customization: Precision cutting, welding, and heat treatments for bespoke needs.
  • Global Reach: Serving clients in Saudi Arabia, UAE, India, Europe, and beyond.

Our team’s hands-on experience ensures you get the right material, whether it’s for ASME SA240 Gr 904L or related alloys like ASME SA240 Gr 316Ti.


 

Contact Us

Ready to source UNS N08904 / EN 1.4539 for your next project? Contact Gangsteel at admin@gangsteel.com for quotes, technical data, or custom fabrication like stainless cutting sheet part. We’re here to simplify your material selection with reliable, high-quality solutions.

 

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