Stainless Steel 304 / 304L / 304H Pipes & Tubes

The most versatile austenitic stainless steel - available in standard, low-carbon (304L), and high-temperature (304H) variants.

Product Overview

Stainless Steel 304 is the standard "18/8" stainless steel and the most versatile austenitic stainless steel used worldwide. Grade 304L is the low-carbon version (max 0.03% C) which avoids carbide precipitation during welding, ensuring superior corrosion resistance in welded parts. Grade 304H is a high-carbon version (0.04-0.10% C) specifically designed for high-temperature service above 500°C, offering excellent creep strength and durability. Steel Emporium supplies these grades in various forms like Seamless, Welded, and ERW with complete MTC (Material Test Certificate).

Key Advantages & Features

Corrosion Resistant

Excellent resistance to a wide range of atmospheric and corrosive media.

High Temp Strength

304H provides superior creep strength and durability at high temperatures.

Superior Welding

Exceptional welding properties, 304L version prevents sensitization.

Chemical Composition (%)
Grade C Mn Si Cr Ni P S N
SS 304 0.08 max 2.0 0.75 18-20 8-10.5 0.045 0.030 0.10
SS 304L 0.03 max 2.0 0.75 18-20 8-12 0.045 0.030 0.10
SS 304H 0.04-0.10 2.0 0.75 18-20 8-10.5 0.045 0.030 -
Mechanical & Physical Properties
Property SS 304 / 304H SS 304L
Tensile Strength (MPa) min 515 485
Yield Strength 0.2% (MPa) min 205 170
Elongation (% in 50mm) min 40% 40%
Hardness (Brinell) max 201 HBW 201 HBW
Density (kg/m³) 8000 8000
Melting Point (°C) 1450 1450
International Equivalent Grades
Standard UNS No Werkstoff No. JIS BS
304 S30400 1.4301 SUS 304 304S31
304L S30403 1.4306 / 1.4307 SUS 304L 304S11
304H S30409 1.4948 SUS 304H 304S51
Pipe Weight Chart (ASME B36.19)
Size (NB) OD (mm) SCH 10 (kg/m) SCH 40 (kg/m) SCH 80 (kg/m)
1/2" 21.34 1.27 1.62 2.11
3/4" 26.67 1.69 2.20 2.90
1" 33.40 2.09 3.24 4.24
2" 60.33 3.93 5.44 7.48
4" 114.30 11.03 16.08 22.32
8" 219.08 21.21 42.55 64.64

Industrial Applications

Petrochemical

Refineries, heat exchangers & process piping.

Chemical Industry

Corrosive fluid handling & chemical reactors.

Food Processing

Hygienic piping for food & beverage plants.

Pharmaceutical

High-purity tubing for pharma manufacturing.

Water Treatment

Desalination plants & water distribution systems.

Power Generation

Steam lines & heat exchangers in power plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference is carbon content. 304L has a lower carbon content (0.03% max), which prevents chromium carbide precipitation during welding, maintaining corrosion resistance in the as-welded condition.

Grade 304H is recommended for elevated temperature applications, specifically above 500°C. Its higher carbon content (0.04–0.10%) provides better creep strength and long-term durability in high-temperature service.

SS 304 pipes comply with ASTM A312 (seamless & welded pipes), ASTM A213 (tubes), ASTM A269, and international equivalents like DIN 1.4301, JIS SUS 304, and BS 304S31.

SS 304 pipes are widely used in petrochemical, chemical processing, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, water treatment, and power generation industries due to their excellent corrosion resistance and hygienic properties.

Yes, Steel Emporium supplies all SS 304 / 304L / 304H pipes with complete Material Test Certificates (MTC) as per EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2, ensuring full traceability and compliance with international quality standards.