AISI 304N Stainless Steel Plate | 304N China steel mill-Direct Supply
What is AISI 304N Stainless Steel Plate?
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply and stainless steel plate supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present AISI 304N Stainless Steel Plate.
AISI 304N (UNS S30451) is a nitrogen-alloyed variant of the classic AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel. By intentionally adding nitrogen (typically 0.10–0.16%), the grade achieves significantly higher yield and tensile strength compared with standard 304, while maintaining good corrosion resistance, formability and weldability. The nitrogen also helps stabilize the austenitic structure.
AISI 304N is non-magnetic in the annealed condition and offers an attractive combination of higher strength and familiar 18-8 corrosion performance. It is commonly selected when designers wish to reduce thickness or increase load-bearing capacity without moving to more expensive duplex or higher-alloy grades.
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 304N as true China steel mill-Direct Supply, sourcing directly from major Chinese stainless steel mills. This model delivers competitive mill pricing, consistent quality, complete heat traceability and reliable delivery. SHH STEEL offers AISI 304N in plate and sheet form across a practical range of thicknesses and surface finishes.
AISI 304N is frequently compared with a240 304, a240 304l, a240 304ln, a240 316l and a240 301 when higher strength within the austenitic family is required. SHH STEEL provides technical support to help customers select the most suitable grade.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | AISI 304N / UNS S30451 | Confirmed |
| Related Standards | ASTM A240, ASME SA240, EN, JIS related | Available |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Solution Annealed | Standard |
| Thickness Range | 0.5 mm – 80 mm (thicker available on request) | Custom sizes supported |
| Width | Up to 2000–3000 mm | Available |
| Length | Up to 12000 mm or cut-to-length | Available |
| Surface Finish | 2B, No.1, BA, No.4 | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / Mill Test Certificate | Available |
SHH STEEL can supply AISI 304N dual-certified to ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 when required by the project.
Chemical Composition
Typical Chemical Composition of AISI 304N (UNS S30451):
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.08 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 2.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.045 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.00 – 20.00 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.00 – 10.50 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.10 – 0.16 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
The intentional nitrogen addition (0.10–0.16%) is the key feature of AISI 304N. Nitrogen acts as a strong solid-solution strengthener, raising both yield and tensile strength while helping to maintain the austenitic microstructure. SHH STEEL carefully controls nitrogen content to ensure consistent mechanical properties.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition (typical values)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 550 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 240 MPa |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 35–40% |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HB |
AISI 304N offers clearly higher yield and tensile strength than standard a240 304 while retaining good ductility. This higher strength can allow thickness reduction in many designs. SHH STEEL supplies material with consistent nitrogen-enhanced mechanical properties.
Physical Properties
- Density: approximately 7.93 g/cm³
- Magnetic Response: Non-magnetic in the annealed condition
- Melting Range: approximately 1400–1450°C
Material Comparison
| Grade | Nitrogen | Carbon | Strength Level | Weldability | Key Advantage | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AISI 304 | Low | ≤ 0.08 | Standard | Good | Best overall balance | General purpose |
| AISI 304L | Low | ≤ 0.03 | Lower | Excellent | Superior weldability | Heavy welded constructions |
| AISI 304N | Elevated | ≤ 0.08 | Higher | Good | Higher strength | Strength-critical applications |
| AISI 304LN | Elevated | ≤ 0.03 | Higher | Excellent | Higher strength + good weldability | Welded high-strength service |
| AISI 316L | Low | ≤ 0.03 | Standard | Excellent | Better pitting resistance | Chloride environments |
| AISI 301 | Low | ≤ 0.15 | Very High (work hardened) | Moderate | Maximum strength after forming | High-strength formed parts |
AISI 304N is selected when higher annealed strength than standard 304 is required while remaining within the familiar 18-8 family. When both higher strength and maximum weldability are needed, SHH STEEL recommends a240 304ln. For improved pitting resistance, a240 316l is preferred.
Corrosion Resistance
AISI 304N offers corrosion resistance essentially equivalent to standard AISI 304 in most environments. It performs well in atmospheric conditions, fresh water, food products and many mild chemical media.
The nitrogen addition has a neutral to slightly beneficial effect on pitting resistance in some environments. However, in chloride-containing service, AISI 304N remains susceptible to pitting and stress corrosion cracking. For such conditions, SHH STEEL recommends upgrading to a240 316l or a240 2205.
Weldability
AISI 304N has good weldability using standard fusion welding methods. Matching or 308/308L filler metals are commonly used. The nitrogen content should be considered when developing welding procedures to maintain the desired strength in the weld zone.
For applications requiring maximum resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding, SHH STEEL recommends a240 304l or a240 304ln.
Heat Treatment
AISI 304N is normally supplied in the solution-annealed condition by SHH STEEL.
Recommended Solution Annealing Parameters
- Temperature range: 1010 – 1120°C
- Cooling: Rapid cooling (water quench preferred)
Proper solution annealing is important to retain nitrogen in solid solution and to optimize both strength and corrosion resistance. SHH STEEL controls heat treatment to ensure consistent performance.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | AISI 304N 2B – most common for general fabrication |
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | AISI 304N No.1 – industrial plate |
| BA | Bright Annealed | AISI 304N BA – cleaner surface applications |
| No.4 | Brushed finish | AISI 304N No.4 – architectural surfaces |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies AISI 304N in 2B and No.1 finishes, and can provide other finishes according to project requirements.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for AISI 304N Stainless Steel Plate supplied by SHH STEEL generally conform to ASTM A480 practices.
Typical available size range:
- Thickness: 0.5 mm – 80 mm
- Width: up to 2000–3000 mm
- Length: up to 12000 mm or cut-to-length
SHH STEEL provides precise dimensional control and can support tighter tolerances when required.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade / Designation | Standard / UNS | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AISI 304N | — | — |
| UNS S30451 | — | Unified Numbering System |
| ASTM A240 Type 304N | ASTM A240 | When dual certified |
| Related N-strengthened 304 | EN / JIS / GB | Approximate national equivalents |
Related grades for comparison include a240 304, a240 304l, a240 304ln, a240 316l and a240 301.
Applications
AISI 304N is selected when higher strength than standard 304 is required while remaining within the austenitic family. Typical applications of AISI 304N include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment (with keywords) |
|---|---|
| Pressure Vessels & Tanks | AISI 304N storage tanks, pressure vessels, containers |
| Structural Fabrication | AISI 304N high-strength frames and structural components |
| Transportation | AISI 304N structural and formed parts |
| Chemical Processing | AISI 304N equipment requiring elevated strength |
| Architecture & Construction | AISI 304N load-bearing and decorative panels |
| General Engineering | AISI 304N high-strength fabricated parts |
SHH STEEL supplies AISI 304N for these strength-critical applications with consistent quality. For related industry solutions, see our construction industry, equipment manufacturing and petrochemical industry pages. Supporting services include steel cutting services and steel welding services.
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China steel mill-Direct Supply specializing in stainless steel plate and sheet. By working directly with major Chinese stainless steel mills, SHH STEEL supplies AISI 304N with the following advantages:
- Genuine China steel mill-Direct Supply pricing
- Consistent quality and complete heat traceability
- Full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1)
- Material with controlled nitrogen for higher strength
- Flexible dimensions and surface finishes (including AISI 304N 2B and AISI 304N No.1)
- Technical support for selection among 304, 304L, 304N and 304LN grades
- Value-added services including steel cutting services, steel welding services and worldwide shipping service
For more information about our company and full product range, please visit China steel Mill Agent-SHH STEEL.
FAQ
- What is the main advantage of AISI 304N over AISI 304?The intentional nitrogen addition significantly increases yield and tensile strength while retaining good corrosion resistance and formability. SHH STEEL recommends 304N when higher strength is required within the 304 family.
- How does AISI 304N compare with AISI 304LN?AISI 304LN combines elevated nitrogen with extra-low carbon, offering both higher strength and better resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding. SHH STEEL recommends 304LN when welding is extensive.
- Is AISI 304N magnetic?Non-magnetic in the annealed condition. SHH STEEL supplies fully annealed material as standard.
- What is the density of AISI 304N?Approximately 7.93 g/cm³. SHH STEEL provides material certificates confirming physical and mechanical properties.
- Does SHH STEEL supply dual-certified ASTM A240 / AISI 304N material?Yes, SHH STEEL commonly supplies dual-certified material upon request.
Conclusion
AISI 304N Stainless Steel Plate is a nitrogen-strengthened austenitic grade that delivers higher yield and tensile strength than standard 304 while maintaining good corrosion resistance, formability and weldability. It is an excellent choice for pressure vessels, structural components and other applications where increased strength and potential thickness reduction are desired.
As a professional China steel mill-Direct Supply, SHH STEEL provides high-quality AISI 304N Stainless Steel Plate with competitive pricing, full certification and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, surface finish options (including AISI 304N 2B and AISI 304N No.1), or a competitive quotation.
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