sa 240 304l allowable stress

SA 240 GR 304L Allowable Stress: A Comprehensive Guide

At Gangsteel, a leading manufacturer and exporter of stainless steel products, we supply high-quality SA 240 GR 304L stainless steel plates compliant with ASME SA 240 and ASTM A240 standards.

SA 240 GR 304L, a low-carbon variant of SA 240 GR 304, is an austenitic stainless steel valued for its excellent weldability, corrosion resistance, and SA 240 304 non magnetic properties. Allowable stress values for SA 240 GR 304L, critical for pressure vessel design, are defined in ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section II, Part D, Table 1A (ferrous materials).

This article details the allowable stress for SA 240 GR 304L, its significance, and related properties for applications like plat stainless 304 and SA 240 GR 304 pipe. For inquiries, contact us at admin@gangsteel.com or explore our ASME SA 240 stainless steel plate offerings.

Overview of Allowable Stress for SA 240 GR 304L

Allowable stress (S) for SA 240 GR 304L is the maximum stress permitted in design calculations, typically based on the minimum of 1/3.5 of tensile strength, 2/3 of yield strength, or creep rupture limits, adjusted for temperature. These values, used in ASME Section VIII (Division 1) for pressure vessel design, ensure safety under pressure and temperature loads. SA 240 GR 304L’s lower carbon content (≤0.03%) compared to SA 240 GR 304 (≤0.08%) results in slightly lower allowable stress at elevated temperatures due to reduced strength, but enhances weldability. Values are provided for plates, sheets, and strips, applicable to thicknesses like plat SS 304 3mm or plate 2 mm SUS 304.

Key notes:

• Basis: Minimum of 1/3.5 UTS, 2/3 YS, or creep rupture limits.
• Temperature Limit: Up to 815°C (1500°F) for continuous service, with derating above 538°C (1000°F).
• Units: ksi (primary in ASME) and MPa (converted for reference).

Gangsteel’s sa 240 gr 304l plates meet these requirements, with a SA 240 GR 304L density of 8.00 g/cm³.

Allowable Stress Table for SA 240 GR 304L

The following table summarizes typical allowable stress values for SA 240 GR 304L plates from ASME BPVC Section II, Part D, Table 1A (2023 edition, as of October 14, 2025). These values are for annealed condition and may vary slightly by edition; always consult the latest ASME code for your project.

*Source: ASME BPVC Section II, Part D, Table 1A (ferrous materials for Division 1). Values are maximum allowable; for Division 2 or non-pressure applications, consult specific rules. Compared to SA 240 GR 304 (20.0 ksi at 100°F, 18.6 ksi at 1000°F), SA 240 GR 304L has slightly lower values at higher temperatures due to its lower carbon content. For high-temperature applications, explore sa 240 gr 304h, which offers higher allowable stress (e.g., 25.5 ksi at 1000°F).

Factors Affecting Allowable Stress

• Temperature: No significant derating up to 800°F; sharp decline above 1000°F due to creep effects.
• Material Form: Values apply to plates (SA 240); for tubes (SA 249 TP 304L) or pipes (SA 312 TP 304L), confirm per respective specs.
• Code Division: Division 1 uses conservative values; Division 2 may allow higher stresses (e.g., up to 2/3 UTS).
• Comparison: Slightly lower than SA 240 GR 304 due to reduced strength; significantly lower than duplex grades like SA 240 Type 2205 (~30 ksi at RT). For chloride environments, consider sa 240 gr 316l.

Mechanical Properties Context

The allowable stress is derived from SA 240 GR 304L’s mechanical properties (annealed, 8-75 mm thick):

The lower yield strength (170 MPa vs. 205 MPa for SA 240 GR 304) results in slightly lower allowable stress at elevated temperatures, but enhances weldability.

Applications Using SA 240 GR 304L Allowable Stress

The allowable stress values guide designs for:

• Pressure Vessels: ASME Section VIII calculations for plat SS 304 3mm or thicker plates.
• Heat Exchangers: Safe operation up to 1000°F with 14.9 ksi limit.
• Piping: SA 240 GR 304 pipe under ASME B31.3, using these stress values.
• Food/Chemical: Welded equipment leveraging SA 240 304 non magnetic properties and corrosion resistance.

For harsher environments, explore sa 240 gr 317l.

Pricing and Availability

As of October 14, 2025, SA 240 GR 304L plate prices (2B finish, 3-6mm) range from $1.50-$3.45/kg globally. Gangsteel offers competitive pricing at $1.50/kg FOB (MOQ 1 ton) for sa 240 gr 304l plates, including custom sizes like plate 2 mm SUS 304.

Why Choose Gangsteel?

Gangsteel provides certified SA 240 GR 304L plates with compliant allowable stress values and competitive SS 304 plate price. Our inventory includes SA 240 TP 304/304L dual-certified plates for versatility. For quotes or SA 240 TP 304 PDF specs, visit our astm a 240 stainless plate page or email admin@gangsteel.com.