ASTM A240 Type 409L Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate
ASTM A240 Type 409L Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate | 409L / UNS S40903
As a professional stainless steel supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present ASTM A240 Type 409L Stainless Steel Sheet and Plate. Also known as UNS S40903, this grade is a low-carbon, titanium-stabilized ferritic stainless steel designed primarily for automotive exhaust systems and other high-temperature applications.
Type 409L contains 10.5–11.7% chromium with very low carbon (≤ 0.03%) and titanium stabilization. This combination provides good resistance to high-temperature oxidation and exhaust gas corrosion, excellent formability, and improved weldability compared with standard Type 409. It is one of the most economical stainless steels for exhaust and heat-resistant applications. SHH STEEL supplies ASTM A240 Type 409L in both sheet and plate forms, covering thicknesses from 0.4 mm to 80 mm, with widths up to 1500–2000 mm and lengths up to 12000 mm. Custom sizes and surface finishes are available.
The material is typically delivered in the annealed condition with full Mill Test Certificates (EN 10204 3.1). Whether for thin sheet fabrication or heavier plate applications, SHH STEEL provides consistent quality for automotive, exhaust and industrial projects worldwide.
Material Specification
ASTM A240 Type 409L stainless steel sheet and plate are manufactured in accordance with ASTM A240/A240M and ASME SA-240.
| Specification Element | Requirement | SHH STEEL Compliance |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Standard | ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240 Type 409L | Full compliance |
| UNS Designation | S40903 | Confirmed |
| Product Form | Sheet and Plate | Both available |
| Thickness Range | 0.4 mm – 80 mm | Custom sizes available |
| Width / Length | Up to 1500–2000 mm / 12000 mm | Custom fabrication supported |
| Surface Finish | 2B, BA, No.1 | Multiple options |
| Heat Treatment Condition | Annealed | Standard supply condition |
| Certification | EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 | Available |
Chemical Composition
The chemical composition of ASTM A240 Type 409L is designed for good high-temperature performance, formability and weldability through low carbon and titanium stabilization.
| Element | Content (%) | Standard Limit | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.03 | 0.03 max | Low carbon for improved weldability |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00 | 1.00 max | Deoxidation and strength |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040 | 0.040 max | Impurity control |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.020 – 0.030 | 0.030 max | Cleanliness |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 | 1.00 max | Deoxidation and oxidation resistance |
| Chromium (Cr) | 10.5 – 11.7 | 10.5 – 11.7 | Corrosion and oxidation resistance |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 0.50 | 0.50 max | — |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.030 | 0.030 max | Controlled |
| Titanium (Ti) | 6×(C+N) min – 0.50/0.75 max | 6×(C+N) min – 0.75 max | Stabilization against intergranular corrosion |
Mechanical Properties
In the annealed condition, ASTM A240 Type 409L provides good formability and moderate strength.
| Property | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 380 MPa | ASTM A370 |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | ≥ 170 MPa | ASTM A370 |
| Elongation in 50 mm | ≥ 20% | ASTM A370 |
| Hardness | ≤ 88 HRB | ASTM E18 |
| Density | 7.7 – 7.8 g/cm³ | — |
Delivery Conditions
SHH STEEL supplies ASTM A240 Type 409L primarily in the annealed condition. Detailed capabilities by surface finish are as follows:
2B Finish (Cold-rolled, annealed, pickled and skin-passed)
- Typical thickness range: 0.4 mm – 3.0 mm (up to 6.0 mm possible)
- Maximum width: up to 1500–2000 mm
- Most common finish for exhaust system components and general fabrication.
BA (Bright Annealed)
- Available in thinner gauges for specific applications.
No.1 Finish (Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled)
- Typical thickness range: 3.0 mm – 80 mm
- Standard finish for heavier plates.
Protective PVC film can be applied on one or both sides. Precision cutting (plasma, laser or waterjet) and closer dimensional tolerances are available upon request.
Tolerances
Dimensional tolerances for ASTM A240 Type 409L sheet and plate follow ASTM A480/A480M.
- Thickness tolerances vary by product form and thickness.
- Width tolerance is typically +6 mm / 0 mm or better for cold-rolled sheet.
- Length tolerance for cut-to-length material is normally +10 mm / 0 mm.
- Flatness is controlled according to ASTM A480; improved flatness can be supplied for precision fabrication.
- Edge conditions include mill edge, slit edge, sheared edge or plasma/laser cut edge according to customer preference.
Tighter tolerances can be arranged for special projects.
Weldability
ASTM A240 Type 409L offers good weldability for a ferritic stainless steel due to its low carbon content and titanium stabilization. It can be welded by common fusion processes such as GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG) and SMAW.
The titanium stabilization effectively reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone. Matching or suitable ferritic filler metals are commonly used. Heat input should be controlled to minimize grain growth. Preheating is generally not required for thin sections. Proper cleaning after welding is recommended to maintain corrosion resistance.
ASTM A240 Type 409L Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade | Standard | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| Type 409L | ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240 | — |
| UNS S40903 | Unified Numbering System | — |
| 1.4512 | EN 10088 | X2CrTi12 |
| SUS409L | JIS G4304 / G4305 | — |
| 022Cr11Ti | GB/T series | Chinese National Standard |
| X2CrTi12 | DIN / EN | — |
Applications
ASTM A240 Type 409L is widely used in applications requiring good high-temperature oxidation resistance, formability and cost efficiency. Typical applications are shown below with relevant keywords:
| Application Area | Typical Components / Uses (Keywords) |
|---|---|
| Automotive Exhaust Systems | Exhaust pipes, mufflers, catalytic converter shells, manifolds – A240 409L Automotive Exhaust |
| Heat Exchangers | Heat exchanger components – A240 409L Heat Exchanger |
| Agricultural & Construction Equipment | Exhaust and heat-resistant parts – A240 409L Agricultural |
| Residential Heating | Furnace parts, boiler components – A240 409L Heating |
| General Fabrication | Formed and welded parts in mildly corrosive or high-temperature environments – A240 409L Fabrication |
| Industrial Components | Cost-effective heat-resistant parts – A240 409L Industrial |
Why Choose SHH STEEL
SHH STEEL maintains long-term strategic cooperation with major Chinese stainless steel mills and acts as a first-level (primary) agent for these mills. This direct partnership enables us to offer competitive pricing advantages, faster delivery times and consistent quality assurance that many intermediate traders cannot match.
All ASTM A240 Type 409L material is sourced from reputable Chinese mills under strict quality control, supplied with complete Mill Test Certificates, and supported by our professional export team. Customers benefit from reliable supply, short lead times, technical support and cost-effective solutions for automotive exhaust and industrial applications worldwide.
FAQ
- What is the main difference between Type 409 and Type 409L?Type 409L has lower carbon content (≤ 0.03%) and is titanium-stabilized, providing better weldability and improved resistance to intergranular corrosion compared with standard Type 409 (C ≤ 0.08%).
- Is Type 409L magnetic?Yes. Type 409L is a ferritic stainless steel and is magnetic.
- Why is Type 409L widely used in automotive exhaust systems?It offers a good balance of high-temperature oxidation resistance, formability, weldability and low cost, making it one of the most economical stainless steels suitable for exhaust components.
Conclusion
ASTM A240 Type 409L (UNS S40903) Stainless Steel Sheet and Plate from SHH STEEL provide an economical combination of good high-temperature oxidation resistance, excellent formability and improved weldability through low carbon and titanium stabilization. With strict quality control, flexible sizing options, competitive pricing through direct mill partnerships and professional global export service, we deliver trusted solutions for automotive exhaust systems and industrial applications worldwide.
Contact SHH STEEL today for your ASTM A240 Type 409L (UNS S40903) requirements.
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