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904L Stainless Steel

904L Stainless Steel is a highly alloyed austenitic grade known for exceptional resistance to corrosion in acidic environments. With elevated nickel and molybdenum content, 904L is particularly resilient to chloride stress corrosion, pitting, and crevice corrosion. Originally developed for sulfuric acid applications, this alloy is ideal for use in harsh chemical, marine, and industrial settings due to its excellent durability, toughness, and formability. Its low carbon content further prevents intergranular corrosion after welding.

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Chemical Composition of 904L Stainless Steel

Element Composition (%)
Carbon (C) ≤ 0.02
Silicon (Si) ≤ 1.0
Manganese (Mn) ≤ 2.0
Phosphorus (P) ≤ 0.045
Sulfur (S) ≤ 0.035
Chromium (Cr) 19.0 – 23.0
Nickel (Ni) 23.0 – 28.0
Molybdenum (Mo) 4.0 – 5.0
Copper (Cu) 1.0 – 2.0
Nitrogen (N) ≤ 0.1
Iron (Fe) Balance

Technical Specifications of 904L Stainless Steel

Physical Properties

Property Metric Imperial
Density 7.95 g/cm³ 0.287 lb/in³
Modulus of Elasticity 190 GPa 28 x 10⁶ psi
Thermal Conductivity (at 100°C) 12.9 W/m·K 6.8 BTU/ft·hr·°F
Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 15.8 µm/m·°C 8.5 µin/in·°F
Electrical Resistivity 9.52 µΩ·cm 33.5 µΩ·in
Specific Heat (0-100°C) 450 J/kg·K 0.11 BTU/lb·°F

Mechanical Properties

Property Value (Metric) Value (Imperial)
Yield Strength (0.2% Offset) 220 MPa 31,000 psi
Ultimate Tensile Strength 490 MPa 71,000 psi
Elongation at Break 35%
Hardness (Rockwell B) 70 – 90

Thermal Properties

Property Metric Imperial
Thermal Conductivity (at 100°C) 12.9 W/m·K 6.8 BTU/ft·hr·°F
Mean Coefficient of Thermal Expansion 15.8 µm/m·°C 8.5 µin/in·°F
Melting Range 1300 – 1390°C 2372 – 2534°F

Electrical Properties

Property Value
Electrical Resistivity 9.52 µΩ·cm (33.5 µΩ·in)

Product Specifications by Solitaire Steel & Engineering LLP

Product Type Standards Sizes Types Applications
Sheets & Plates ASTM A240, A480 Thickness: 3mm – 100mm Hot Rolled, Cold Rolled Chemical processing, heat exchangers, marine
Pipes & Tubes ASTM B625, A312 Diameter: 6mm – 500mm Seamless, Welded Acid tanks, condensers, seawater equipment
Bars ASTM A276 Diameter: 6mm – 200mm Round, Square, Hex High-stress parts, fittings, fasteners
Angles, Channels, Beams ASTM A479 Custom sizes available L-Angles, U-Channels Structural support, oil rigs, marine structures
Fittings ASTM A182, B366 Size: 1/2″ – 36″ Buttweld, Socket Weld Corrosive environment connections

Processing Properties

  • Heat Treatment:
    • Solution Treatment: Heat to 1940 – 2084°F (1060 – 1140°C) and quench rapidly. This treatment enhances corrosion resistance.
  • Machining: Moderately machinable, slightly more challenging than 304 and 316L grades due to its alloying elements.
  • Welding: 904L can be welded using most standard welding methods without the need for filler metal, although high-alloyed filler may be recommended for improved corrosion resistance.
  • Hot Working: Conduct at temperatures of 1562 – 2102°F (850 – 1150°C). If hot forming ends above 2012°F, quenching may not be necessary; otherwise, solution annealing is advised.

Applications of 904L Stainless Steel

904L is widely used across industries for critical applications requiring high corrosion resistance:

  • Chemical Processing: Equipment for sulfuric, phosphoric, and acetic acids.
  • Marine Applications: Seawater equipment, condenser tubes.
  • Oil and Gas: Offshore equipment, piping, and heat exchangers.
  • Pharmaceutical Industry: Process and storage equipment.
  • Pulp and Paper: Processing machinery, tanks, and scrubbers.