ASTM A240 Type 304 Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate
What is ASTM A240 Type 304 Steel?
ASTM A240 Type 304 Stainless Steel Sheet and Plate from ASTM A240 /A240M , also known as SS304, UNS S30400, or SUS304. This is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel grade under ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 specification. It offers an outstanding combination of corrosion resistance, formability, weldability, and cost-effectiveness.
Type 304 contains approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, providing excellent resistance to a wide range of atmospheric, chemical, and food-processing environments. It is suitable for both cold-formed sheet and hot-rolled plate applications. SHH STEEL supplies ASTM A240 304 in thicknesses from 0.3 mm up to 100 mm (sheet and plate), with widths up to 2000–2500 mm and lengths up to 12000 mm, including custom sizes.
The material is typically supplied in the annealed condition, which ensures optimal ductility and corrosion resistance. Our ASTM A240 Type 304 sheets and plates undergo strict quality control, including chemical analysis, mechanical testing, and surface inspection. Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1) are provided with every shipment for full traceability.
With excellent weldability and formability, ASTM A240 304 is the preferred choice for tanks, vessels, architectural applications, food equipment, and general industrial fabrication. SHH STEEL offers both standard and dual-certified 304/304L options to meet different project requirements.
What is ASTM A240 Type 304 stainless?
ASTM A240 Type 304 stainless steel sheet and plate are produced in accordance with ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA240. This specification covers chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip for pressure vessels and general applications.
Our material in annealed condition with various surface finishes (2B, No.1, BA, HL, etc.). Thickness ranges from 0.3 mm (sheet) to 100 mm (plate), with custom dimensions available. Ultrasonic testing and additional inspections can be provided upon request.
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance | Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Standard | ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 Type 304 | Full compliance | ASTM A240 304 specification |
| Product Form | Sheet & Plate | Both available | ASTM A240 304 sheet plate |
| Thickness Range | 0.3–100 mm | Custom sizes available | ASTM A240 304 dimensions |
| Width / Length | Up to 2500 mm / 12000 mm | Custom fabrication | ASTM A240 304 size options |
| Surface Finish | 2B, No.1, BA, HL, No.4, etc. | Multiple options | ASTM A240 304 finish |
| Heat Treatment | Annealed | Standard supply condition | ASTM A240 304 annealed |
Chemical Composition of ASTM A240 Type 304
At SHH STEEL, the chemical composition of ASTM A240 Type 304 is strictly controlled to ensure consistent corrosion resistance and mechanical performance.
| Element | Content (%) | Standard Limit | Role | Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.08 | 0.08 max | Strength and corrosion balance | ASTM A240 304 carbon |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤2.00 | 2.00 max | Deoxidation and strength | ASTM A240 304 manganese |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.045 | 0.045 max | Impurity control | ASTM A240 304 phosphorus |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.030 | 0.030 max | Machinability & cleanliness | ASTM A240 304 sulfur |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤0.75 | 0.75 max | Deoxidation | ASTM A240 304 silicon |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.00–20.00 | 18.00–20.00 | Corrosion resistance | ASTM A240 304 chromium |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.00–10.50 | 8.00–10.50 | Austenite stability & corrosion resistance | ASTM A240 304 nickel |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤0.10 | 0.10 max | Strength contribution | ASTM A240 304 nitrogen |
Mechanical Properties ASTM A240 Type 304
ASTM A240 Type 304 in the annealed condition delivers reliable mechanical performance suitable for forming, welding, and structural use.
| Property | Value | Test Method | Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥515 MPa (75 ksi) | ASTM A370 | ASTM A240 304 tensile |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | ≥205 MPa (30 ksi) | ASTM A370 | ASTM A240 304 yield |
| Elongation | ≥40% | ASTM A370 | ASTM A240 304 elongation |
| Hardness | ≤201 HB / ≤92 HRB | ASTM E10 / E18 | ASTM A240 304 hardness |
| Density | 8.00 g/cm³ | Standard | ASTM A240 304 density |
Delivery Conditions
ASTM A240 Type 304 /A240 304 sheet and plate primarily in the annealed condition. Common surface finishe s include 2B (cold-rolled, bright annealed), No.1 (hot-rolled, annealed, pickled), BA (bright annealed), and HL (hairline). Custom finishes and protective film are available upon request.
1. Standard Delivery Condition — A240 304
| Item | Standard Supply Condition |
|---|---|
| Grade | 304 / UNS S30400 / EN 1.4301 |
| Specification | ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 |
| Heat Treatment | Solution Annealed (Solution Heat Treated) |
| Annealing Temp. | 1010–1120 °C (1850–2050 °F) min |
| Cooling Method | Rapid cooling — water quench or fast air cool |
| Supply State | Soft annealed, non-hardened, essentially non-magnetic* |
| Dimensional Standard | ASTM A480 / A480M |
| MTC | EN 10204 3.1 available |
*Slight magnetism may appear after heavy cold working.
2. Surface Finish Options (per A480)
| Finish | Process Route | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| No.1 | Hot rolled, annealed, pickled (HRAP) | Tanks, pressure vessels, heavy fabrication |
| 2B | Cold rolled, annealed, pickled, skin-passed | General fabrication, food & process equipment |
| 2D | Cold rolled, annealed, pickled, no skin pass | Deep drawing, industrial parts |
| BA | Bright annealed in protective atmosphere | Decorative, sanitary, appliance trim |
| No.4 / HL | Abusive polished / hairline | Architecture, kitchens, elevators |
| 8K | Mirror polish | High-end decorative panels |
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances comply with ASTM A480 (for plate, sheet, and strip). Tighter tolerances can be arranged for precision applications.
1. Hot-Rolled Stainless Steel Plate (No.1 Finish) — Thickness Tolerances
Per ASTM A480/A480M (sheared or plasma-cut flat plate, approximate symmetrical values)
| Nominal Thickness t (mm) | Width ≤1000 mm | Width 1000–1500 mm | Width 1500–2000 mm | Width >2000 mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 – 5.0 | ±0.25 | ±0.30 | ±0.35 | ±0.45 |
| 5.0 – 8.0 | ±0.30 | ±0.35 | ±0.40 | ±0.50 |
| 8.0 – 12.0 | ±0.40 | ±0.45 | ±0.50 | ±0.60 |
| 12.0 – 20.0 | ±0.50 | ±0.60 | ±0.70 | ±0.80 |
| 20.0 – 35.0 | ±0.70 | ±0.80 | ±0.90 | ±1.00 |
| 35.0 – 50.0 | ±0.90 | ±1.00 | ±1.10 | ±1.20 |
Note: The original A480 table is in inch units. Hot-rolled plates typically have a positive-heavy tolerance (e.g., +0.4 / −0.3 mm). Symmetrical ± values above are for engineering reference.
2. Cold-Rolled Stainless Steel Sheet (2B/BA Finish) — Thickness Tolerances
| Nominal Thickness t (mm) | Width ≤1000 mm | Width 1000–1500 mm | Width >1500 mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.3 – 0.4 | ±0.04 | ±0.05 | ±0.06 |
| 0.4 – 0.6 | ±0.05 | ±0.06 | ±0.07 |
| 0.6 – 0.8 | ±0.06 | ±0.07 | ±0.08 |
| 0.8 – 1.0 | ±0.07 | ±0.08 | ±0.09 |
| 1.0 – 1.25 | ±0.08 | ±0.09 | ±0.10 |
| 1.25 – 1.6 | ±0.09 | ±0.10 | ±0.11 |
| 1.6 – 2.0 | ±0.10 | ±0.11 | ±0.12 |
| 2.0 – 2.5 | ±0.11 | ±0.12 | ±0.14 |
| 2.5 – 3.15 | ±0.13 | ±0.14 | ±0.16 |
| 3.15 – 4.0 | ±0.15 | ±0.16 | ±0.18 |
| 4.0 – 5.0 | ±0.17 | ±0.18 | ±0.20 |
| 5.0 – 6.0 | ±0.19 | ±0.20 | ±0.22 |
3.Width / Length Tolerances (Cut-to-Length Plates & Sheets)
Hot-Rolled Plate
| Item | Dimension Range | Typical Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Width | ≤1000 mm | +5.0 / −0.0 mm |
| Width | 1000–1500 mm | +6.0 / −0.0 mm |
| Width | 1500–3000 mm | +8.0 / −0.0 mm |
| Length | ≤3000 mm | +10.0 / −0.0 mm |
| Length | 3000–6000 mm | +12.7 / −0.0 mm |
Cold-Rolled Sheet
| Item | Dimension Range | Typical Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Width | ≤1200 mm | +1.5 to +2.0 / −0.0 mm |
| Width | 1200–2100 mm | +2.0 to +3.0 / −0.0 mm |
| Length | ≤2000 mm | +4.8 / −0.0 mm |
| Length | >2000 mm | +0.0025 × L / −0.0 mm |
Original A480 inch values: Length ≤120″ → +1/4″; 120″–240″ → +1/2″ over, 0 under.
- Flatness: Un-leveled plate typically ≤ 0.5% of length (varies by thickness/width)
- Camber (sweep): ≤ 2.38 mm per 2438 mm (8 ft) for most cut products
- Squareness: Within standard deviation limits per width/length combination
Important Note: These are engineering reference values. For contract-critical applications, always refer to the official ASTM A480/A480M standard or request the mill’s certified dimensional test report (MTC).
ASTM A240 Type 304 Weldability
ASTM A240 Type 304 offers excellent weldability using common fusion and resistance welding methods. It can be welded without preheating in most cases. Post-weld annealing is generally not required for thin sections, but may be recommended for heavy sections or highly corrosive environments to restore full corrosion resistance. Matching or slightly over-alloyed filler metals (e.g., ER308/ER308L) are commonly used.
| Weldability Factor | Recommendation | Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| Preheating | Usually not required | ASTM A240 304 welding |
| Filler Metal | ER308 / ER308L | ASTM A240 304 filler |
| Post-Weld Heat Treatment | Optional for heavy sections | ASTM A240 304 PWHT |
ASTM A240 Type 304 Equivalent Material Grade
ASTM A240 Type 304 has several international equivalents that facilitate global project substitution.
| Grade | Standard | Designation | Keywords |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 304 | ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 | — | ASTM A240 304 equivalent |
| UNS S30400 | Unified Numbering System | S30400 | ASTM A240 304 UNS |
| 1.4301 | EN 10088 | X5CrNi18-10 | ASTM A240 304 EN |
| SUS304 | JIS G4304 / G4305 | — | ASTM A240 304 JIS |
| X5CrNi18-10 | DIN / EN | — | ASTM A240 304 DIN |
Supplementary Requirements
Additional testing and requirements available upon request include intergranular corrosion testing (ASTM A262), ultrasonic testing, product analysis, and dual certification with 304L.
Applications
ASTM A240 Type 304 stainless steel sheet and plate are used across a wide range of industries due to their balanced properties.
| Application | Typical Use | Keywords |
|---|---|---|
| Food & Beverage Equipment | Tanks, vessels, processing equipment | ASTM A240 304 food |
| Chemical Processing | Storage tanks, piping components | ASTM A240 304 chemical |
| Architectural & Construction | Cladding, elevators, handrails | ASTM A240 304 architecture |
| Pressure Vessels & Tanks | General industrial vessels | ASTM A240 304 vessel |
| Kitchen & Sanitary Equipment | Sinks, countertops, appliances | ASTM A240 304 sanitary |
Why Choose A240 304?
ASTM A240 Type 304 stainless steel sheet and plate offer good corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability, making them suitable for a range of industrial and architectural applications. Material supplied to this specification is available in various thicknesses and surface finishes, including No. 1, 2B, and No. 4.
FAQ: Common Questions About ASTM A240 Type 304
-
What is the difference between ASTM A240 304 and 304L?
- 304 has a maximum carbon content of 0.08%, while 304L is limited to 0.03% carbon. 304L offers better resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding and is preferred for welded structures in corrosive environments.
-
Is ASTM A240 304 the same as SS304 or SUS304?
- Yes. ASTM A240 Type 304 is the American standard designation. SS304 and SUS304 are commonly used commercial and Japanese designations for the same material (UNS S30400).
-
What surface finishes are available for ASTM A240 304 sheet and plate?
- Common finishes include 2B, No.1, BA, HL (hairline), No.4, and polished finishes. Protective PVC film can be applied on request.
-
What is the density of ASTM A240 Type 304?
- The density is 7.93 g/cm³.
-
Whether can do dual-certified 304/304L material?
- A: Yes. A240 304 can do dual-certified ASTM A240 304/304L material that meets the requirements of both grades.
Conclusion
ASTM A240 Type 304 stainless steel sheet and plate offer good corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability, making them suitable for a range of industrial and architectural applications. Material supplied to this specification is available in various thicknesses and surface finishes, including No. 1, 2B, and No. 4.
Quality Steel Needed? Inquire for Offers
Related Products
