ASTM A240 Type 444 Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate
ASTM A240 Type 444 Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate | 444 / UNS S44400
As a professional stainless steel supplier, SHH STEEL is pleased to present ASTM A240 Type 444 Stainless Steel Sheet and Plate. Also known as UNS S44400, this grade is a high-performance ferritic stainless steel containing 17.5–19.5% chromium and 1.75–2.50% molybdenum, dual-stabilized with titanium and niobium.
Type 444 was developed to provide corrosion resistance close to that of austenitic Type 316 in many chloride-containing waters, while offering the inherent advantages of ferritic grades: high resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking, lower thermal expansion, higher thermal conductivity and more economical cost. The very low carbon content and dual stabilization ensure excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding. SHH STEEL supplies ASTM A240 Type 444 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 hot water systems, heat exchangers, food processing and industrial projects worldwide.
Material Specification
ASTM A240 Type 444 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 444 | Full compliance |
| UNS Designation | S44400 | 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, HL, 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 444 is optimized for high corrosion resistance and weldability through low carbon, molybdenum addition and dual stabilization.
| Element | Content (%) | Standard Limit | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.025 | 0.025 max | Very low carbon for excellent weldability |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤ 1.00 | 1.00 max | Deoxidation |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤ 1.00 | 1.00 max | Deoxidation |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤ 0.040 | 0.040 max | Impurity control |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤ 0.030 | 0.030 max | Cleanliness |
| Chromium (Cr) | 17.5 – 19.5 | 17.5 – 19.5 | Corrosion resistance |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.75 – 2.50 | 1.75 – 2.50 | Superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance |
| Nickel (Ni) | ≤ 1.00 | 1.00 max | — |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.035 | 0.035 max | Controlled |
| Ti + Nb | 0.20+4(C+N) min – 0.80 max | 0.20+4(C+N) min – 0.80 max | Dual stabilization against intergranular corrosion |
Mechanical Properties
In the annealed condition, ASTM A240 Type 444 provides good strength and formability.
| Property | Value | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥ 415 MPa (60 ksi) | ASTM A370 |
| Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) | ≥ 275 MPa (40 ksi) | ASTM A370 |
| Elongation in 50 mm | ≥ 20% | ASTM A370 |
| Hardness | ≤ 96 HRB / ≤ 217 HB | ASTM E18/E10 |
| Density | 7.70 – 7.75 g/cm³ | — |
Delivery Conditions
SHH STEEL supplies ASTM A240 Type 444 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
- Preferred for general fabrication and formed components.
BA (Bright Annealed)
- Available in thinner gauges for applications requiring a brighter surface.
No.1 Finish (Hot-rolled, annealed and pickled)
- Typical thickness range: 3.0 mm – 80 mm
- Standard finish for heavier plates used in tanks and heat exchangers.
HL (Hairline)
- Available on request for decorative or specific functional requirements.
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 444 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 444 offers excellent weldability for a ferritic stainless steel due to its very low carbon content and dual titanium + niobium stabilization. It can be welded by common fusion processes such as GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG) and SMAW.
The dual stabilization effectively prevents intergranular corrosion in the heat-affected zone, so post-weld annealing is normally unnecessary. Matching or suitable ferritic filler metals are recommended when matching corrosion resistance is required. Heat input should be controlled to minimize grain growth. Preheating is generally not required for thin sections. Proper cleaning and passivation after welding are recommended to restore full corrosion resistance.
Equivalent Material Grades
| Grade | Standard | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| Type 444 | ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240 | — |
| UNS S44400 | Unified Numbering System | — |
| 1.4521 | EN 10088 | X2CrMoTi18-2 |
| SUS444 | JIS G4304 / G4305 | — |
| 019Cr19Mo2NbTi | GB/T 3280 / GB/T 4237 | Chinese National Standard |
| X2CrMoTi18-2 | DIN / EN | — |
Applications
ASTM A240 Type 444 is widely used where high resistance to chloride pitting and stress corrosion cracking is required at a lower cost than austenitic grades. Typical applications are shown below with relevant keywords:
| Application Area | Typical Components / Uses (Keywords) |
|---|---|
| Hot Water Systems | Hot water tanks, cylinders, heaters – A240 444 Hot Water |
| Heat Exchangers | Heat exchanger plates and tubes – A240 444 Heat Exchanger |
| Food & Beverage Industry | Brewery equipment, food processing tanks – A240 444 Food |
| Chemical Processing | Process equipment in mild to moderate chloride environments – A240 444 Chemical |
| Architectural Applications | Exterior panels and cladding – A240 444 Architectural |
| Automotive & Industrial | Components requiring good corrosion resistance and formability – A240 444 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 444 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 hot water, heat exchanger and industrial applications worldwide.
FAQ
- What is the main advantage of Type 444 compared with Type 316?Type 444 offers excellent resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking (a major weakness of 304/316), lower cost, higher thermal conductivity and lower thermal expansion. In many fresh and mildly chloride-containing waters, its pitting resistance is comparable to Type 316.
- What is the difference between Type 444 and Type 436 or 434?Type 444 has higher molybdenum (1.75–2.50%) and is dual-stabilized with titanium and niobium, plus much lower carbon. This gives it significantly better pitting and crevice corrosion resistance than Type 434 or 436.
- Is Type 444 suitable for welded hot water tanks?Yes. Due to its low carbon content and dual Ti+Nb stabilization, Type 444 has excellent resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding and is widely used for hot water cylinders and tanks.
Conclusion
ASTM A240 Type 444 (UNS S44400) Stainless Steel Sheet and Plate from SHH STEEL deliver excellent pitting and stress corrosion resistance through high molybdenum content and dual titanium-niobium stabilization, while offering the cost and physical property advantages of ferritic stainless steels. With strict quality control, flexible sizing options, competitive pricing through direct mill partnerships and professional global export service, we provide trusted solutions for hot water systems, heat exchangers, food processing and industrial applications worldwide.
Contact SHH STEEL today for your ASTM A240 Type 444 (UNS S44400) requirements.
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