ASME SA240 444 Stainless Steel Plate | SA240 Type 444
What is ASME SA240 444 Stainless Steel Plate?
As a professional stainless steel plate supplier and China Mill-Direct Supply / Mill Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL is pleased to present ASME SA240 444 Stainless Steel Plate, also known as SA240 Type 444.
ASME SA240 Type 444 is a high-performance ferritic stainless steel containing 17–20% chromium, 1.75–2.50% molybdenum, and dual stabilization with titanium and/or niobium. The elevated molybdenum content significantly enhances resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, while the dual stabilization provides excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding and helps control grain growth. Type 444 also offers very good resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking — a major advantage over standard austenitic grades such as 304 and 316 in many environments.
As a ferritic grade, Type 444 is magnetic and cannot be hardened by heat treatment. It provides a cost-effective alternative to austenitic stainless steels in applications requiring high resistance to localized corrosion and stress corrosion cracking, while maintaining good formability and fabricability. Typical uses include heat exchangers, water heaters, automotive exhaust systems, food processing equipment, and chemical process components.
SHH STEEL supplies ASME SA240 444 as true Mill Direct Supply, sourcing directly from major Chinese stainless steel mills. This model delivers competitive mill pricing, consistent quality, full heat traceability and shorter lead times. We offer a practical dimensional range and a selection of surface finishes to meet project requirements.
Material Specification
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Standard | ASME SA240 / SA240M | Full compliance |
| Steel Grade | Type 444 (UNS S44400) | Confirmed |
| Product Form | Plate, Sheet, Coil | Available |
| Delivery Condition | Annealed | Standard |
| Thickness Range | 0.5 mm – 50 mm (thicker available on request) | Custom sizes supported |
| Width | Up to 1500–2000 mm (wider on request) | Available |
| Length | Up to 6000 mm or cut-to-length / coil | Available |
| Surface Finish | 2B, BA, No.1, No.4, and others on request | Available |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / ASME Mill Test Certificate | Available |
Chemical Composition
Heat Analysis (Ladle Analysis) according to ASME SA240 Type 444:
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.025 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.50 – 19.50 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.75 – 2.50 |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Titanium (Ti) + Niobium (Nb) | ≥ 0.20 + 4 × (C + N) |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.035 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Product Analysis (typical permissible variations):
| Element | Content (%) |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.025 |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040 |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.40 – 19.60 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.75 – 2.50 |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 1.00 |
| Titanium + Niobium | ≥ 0.20 + 4 × (C + N) |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.035 |
The combination of high molybdenum (1.75–2.50%), low carbon/nitrogen, and dual titanium/niobium stabilization gives Type 444 its outstanding resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, intergranular corrosion, and stress corrosion cracking.
Mechanical Properties
Annealed Condition (typical)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 415 MPa (60 ksi) |
| Yield Strength (0.2%) | ≥ 275 MPa (40 ksi) |
| Elongation (in 50 mm) | ≥ 20% |
| Hardness | ≤ 217 HB |
Physical Properties
- Density: approximately 7.75 g/cm³
- Magnetic: Magnetic in all conditions
- Melting Range: approximately 1425–1510°C
Type 444 cannot be hardened by quenching and tempering. The relatively high yield strength for a ferritic grade is an additional advantage in many design applications.
Material Comparison
| Grade | Structure | Key Features | Primary Advantage | Typical Preference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA240 Type 430 | Ferritic | 16–18% Cr | Most economical | General mild service |
| SA240 Type 434 | Ferritic | 16–18% Cr + Mo | Improved pitting resistance | Mild chloride environments |
| SA240 Type 439 | Ferritic | 17–19% Cr + Ti | Excellent weldability & intergranular resistance | Automotive exhaust |
| SA240 Type 444 | Ferritic | 18% Cr + 2% Mo + Ti/Nb | Best pitting, crevice & SCC resistance among standard ferritics | Heat exchangers, water heaters, demanding ferritic service |
| SA240 Type 316L | Austenitic | 16–18% Cr + 2–3% Mo | Excellent general corrosion resistance | Broad corrosive service |
ASME SA240 444 is the highest-performance standard ferritic grade in the 400 series for resistance to localized corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. It often serves as a cost-effective alternative to 316L in many chloride-containing environments where stress corrosion cracking is a concern. Related lower-alloy ferritics include astm a240 type 430 stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 434 stainless steel sheet plate, and astm a240 type 439 stainless steel sheet plate.
Corrosion Resistance
ASME SA240 Type 444 offers excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments due to its high molybdenum content (PREN significantly higher than 430 or 434). It also provides outstanding resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking — superior to standard austenitic grades 304 and 316 in many conditions.
The dual stabilization ensures excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding. General corrosion resistance in atmospheric, fresh-water, and many chemical environments is very good. It performs particularly well in hot water and heat-exchanger applications.
Weldability
ASME SA240 Type 444 has good weldability for a high-alloy ferritic stainless steel, thanks to dual titanium/niobium stabilization and very low carbon/nitrogen content. The risk of intergranular corrosion is minimal.
Low heat input is recommended to control grain growth in the heat-affected zone. Matching or suitable ferritic filler metals are preferred to maintain corrosion performance. Overall, Type 444 is considered one of the more weldable high-performance ferritic grades.
Heat Treatment
Type 444 is a ferritic stainless steel and cannot be hardened by quenching and tempering.
Annealing
- Temperature: typically 760 – 850°C (sometimes up to 900°C depending on specific practice)
- Cooling: Air cool or furnace cool
Annealing relieves stresses, restores ductility after cold working or welding, and optimizes corrosion resistance. Time at temperature should be controlled to avoid excessive grain growth.
Surface Finishes
| Finish | Description | Typical Use / Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| 2B | Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | SA240 444 2B – most common for general fabrication and heat exchangers |
| BA | Bright Annealed | SA240 444 BA – clean and decorative applications |
| No.1 | Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled | SA240 444 No.1 – industrial plate |
| No.4 | Brushed finish | SA240 444 No.4 – when improved surface appearance is required |
| Special | Ground or custom finishes | SA240 444 Special – on request |
SHH STEEL regularly supplies ASME SA240 444 in 2B and No.1 finishes, and can provide other finishes according to project requirements.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for ASME SA240 444 Stainless Steel Plate conform to ASME SA240 and the general requirements of ASTM A480.
Typical available size range for SA240 444 plate/sheet:
- Thickness: 0.5 mm – 50 mm (thicker plates available on request)
- Width: up to 1500–2000 mm (wider on request)
- Length: up to 6000 mm or supplied in coil / cut-to-length
Thickness, width, length and flatness tolerances are controlled within standard limits. Tighter tolerances for SA240 444 plate can be arranged for specific project needs. SHH STEEL provides precise dimensional control for both standard and custom-size SA240 444 material.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade / Designation | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SA240 Type 444 | ASME SA240 | — |
| A240 Type 444 | ASTM A240 | Essentially identical |
| UNS S44400 | — | Unified Numbering System |
| 1.4521 / X2CrMoTi18-2 | EN 10088-2 | European equivalent |
| SUS444 | JIS G4305 | Japanese equivalent |
| Related high-Mo ferritic | GB/T | Chinese approximate equivalents |
Related grades frequently evaluated with ASME SA240 444 include astm a240 type 430 stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 434 stainless steel sheet plate, astm a240 type 439 stainless steel sheet plate, and astm a240 type 316l stainless steel sheet plate.
Applications
ASME SA240 Type 444 is used in demanding applications requiring high resistance to localized corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. Typical applications of SA240 444 include:
| Industry / Sector | Typical Components / Equipment (with keywords) |
|---|---|
| Heat Exchangers | SA240 444 heat exchanger plates, tubes and shells |
| Water Heaters & Boilers | SA240 444 tanks, shells and components |
| Automotive Exhaust | SA240 444 high-performance exhaust components |
| Food & Beverage | SA240 444 processing equipment and tanks |
| Chemical Processing | SA240 444 equipment in chloride-containing media |
| Power & Energy | SA240 444 components requiring SCC resistance |
| General Fabrication | SA240 444 welded structures in moderately to highly corrosive service |
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL is a China Mill-Direct Supply and Mill Direct Exporter of stainless steel plate. We maintain long-term strategic cooperation with major Chinese stainless steel mills and supply ASME SA240 Type 444 with the following advantages:
- Competitive mill-direct pricing
- Consistent quality and complete heat traceability
- Full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1 /3.2 ASME)
- Flexible dimensions and surface finishes (including SA240 444 2B and SA240 444 No.1)
- Technical support for high-performance ferritic material selection
- Reliable worldwide logistics and export documentation
FAQ
- What is the main advantage of SA240 444 over SA240 430 or 434?Type 444 contains higher molybdenum (1.75–2.50%) plus dual stabilization, giving it significantly better resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. SHH STEEL recommends 444 for more demanding chloride and heat-exchanger applications.
- How does SA240 444 compare with 316L?Type 444 often provides better resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking than 316L at a lower cost, while offering very good pitting resistance. SHH STEEL can help evaluate which grade is more suitable for specific service conditions.
- Is ASME SA240 444 magnetic?Yes, Type 444 is magnetic in all conditions. SHH STEEL supplies material that meets this characteristic.
- Can SA240 444 be hardened by heat treatment?No. As a ferritic stainless steel, it cannot be hardened by quenching and tempering. SHH STEEL supplies material in the annealed condition as standard.
- What is the density of SA240 Type 444?Approximately 7.75 g/cm³. SHH STEEL provides material certificates confirming physical and mechanical properties.
- Can SHH STEEL supply dual-certified ASME SA240 / ASTM A240 Type 444?Yes, SHH STEEL commonly supplies dual-certified ASME SA240 / ASTM A240 Type 444 material.
Conclusion
ASME SA240 444 Stainless Steel Plate (SA240 Type 444) is a high-performance molybdenum-bearing, dual-stabilized ferritic stainless steel that delivers excellent resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion and stress corrosion cracking. It is an outstanding choice for heat exchangers, water heaters, automotive exhaust and many chemical process applications where a cost-effective alternative to austenitic grades is desired.
As a professional China Mill-Direct Supply and Mill Direct Exporter, SHH STEEL provides high-quality ASME SA240 Type 444 plate with competitive pricing, full certification and complete technical support.
Contact SHH STEEL today for stock availability, surface finish options (including SA240 444 2B and SA240 444 No.1), or a competitive quotation.
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