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2304 Stainless Steel

2304 Stainless Steel (UNS S32304) is a lean duplex stainless steel that combines a high chromium and low nickel composition. Known for its high yield strength—twice that of austenitic stainless grades like 304 and 316L—it provides an ideal solution for applications requiring both corrosion resistance and strength, such as pressure vessels, structural components, and piping systems. The absence of molybdenum in 2304 also offers a cost-effective alternative to molybdenum-containing stainless steels while still achieving superior performance in various corrosive environments

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Chemical Composition of 2304 Stainless Steel

Element	Composition (%)
Chromium (Cr)	22.0 – 24.0
Nickel (Ni)	3.5 – 5.5
Nitrogen (N)	0.05 – 0.20
Carbon (C)	≤ 0.03
Manganese (Mn)	≤ 2.0
Silicon (Si)	≤ 1.0
Phosphorus (P)	≤ 0.03
Sulfur (S)	≤ 0.02
Iron (Fe)	Balance

Technical Specifications of 2304 Stainless Steel

Physical Properties

Property	Metric	Imperial
Density	7.8 g/cm³	0.282 lb/in³
Elastic Modulus	200 GPa	29 x 10⁶ psi
Thermal Conductivity (at 100°C)	17 W/m·K	9.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	13 µm/m°C	7.2 x 10⁻⁶ in/in°F
Specific Heat	450 J/kg·K	0.107 BTU/lb·°F
Electrical Resistivity	0.80 µΩ·m	31.5 µΩ·in

Mechanical Properties

Condition	Tensile Strength (MPa)	Yield Strength (MPa)	Elongation (%)	Hardness (HB)
Annealed	≥ 600	≥ 400	25	≤ 230
Cold Worked	Higher values	Varies by process	Reduced	–

Thermal Properties

Property	Metric	Imperial
Thermal Conductivity	17 W/m·K at 100°C	9.8 BTU/hr·ft·°F
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion	13 µm/m°C	7.2 x 10⁻⁶ in/in°F
Melting Point	Approximately 1400°C	Approximately 2552°F

Electrical Properties

Property	Metric	Imperial
Electrical Resistivity	0.80 µΩ·m	31.5 µΩ·in

Product Specifications by Solitaire Steel & Engineering LLP

Product Type	Standards	Sizes	Types	Applications
Sheets & Plates	ASTM A240	Thickness: 1mm – 50mm	Hot Rolled, Cold Rolled	Chemical, food, pulp industries
Pipes & Tubes	ASTM A790, A789	Diameter: 6mm – 1200mm	Seamless, Welded	Marine systems, chemical processing
Bars	ASTM A276	Diameter: up to 100mm	Round, Square, Hex	Fasteners, shafts, structural parts
Angles, Channels, Beams	ASTM A484	Custom sizes available	L-Angles, U-Channels, I-Beams	Structural applications in construction
Fittings	ASTM A815	Size: 1/2″ – 72″	Buttweld, Socket Weld	Process piping, chemical and marine industries

Processing and Fabrication Properties of 2304 Stainless Steel

Forming: Easily cold-formed using standard equipment, though its higher yield strength requires additional force compared to 304 or 316.
Welding: Standard welding methods are suitable for 2304. Recommended filler metals include 2205 or 2304 alloys to ensure ferrite/austenite balance. Pre- and post-welding heat treatments are not generally necessary.
Heat Treatment:
- Annealing: Typically performed at 930-1050°C, followed by rapid quenching.
- Hardening: Not achievable by thermal treatment, though work hardening is possible.
Machinability: Slightly more challenging than 304-grade stainless due to higher strength. Recommended to use rigid machines with reduced feed rates.

Applications of 2304 Stainless Steel

2304 Stainless Steel is ideal for a range of applications requiring durability and resistance to corrosion:

Chemical Processing: Vessels, tanks, and piping systems.
Food Industry: For processing and handling acidic foods.
Marine Applications: Widely used in environments exposed to seawater.
Pulp & Paper Industry: Excellent for handling chemical pulp processes and various abrasive environments.
Oil & Gas Industry: Suitable for equipment exposed to moderate corrosive conditions, such as pipelines and valves.
Structural Uses: Bridges, storage tanks, and heat exchangers that demand both strength and corrosion resistance.