Stainless Steel 304 Pipe

Why Is It Called 304 Stainless Steel Pipe?

The Stainless Steel 304 Pipe gets its name from its 18/8 nominal composition. The composition consists of 18% chromium and 8% nickel allowing, it to possess highly corrosion-resistant properties. The 304 SS Pipe exhibits excellent welding and forming properties. The mostly used austenitic stainless steel grade possesses good drawability and can be shaped in a variety of sizes and shapes. The pipes within this range exhibit slightly lower electrical and thermal conductivity than standard grades of carbon steel.

Difference Between UNS S30400 Pipe VS DIN 1.4301 Tube

The UNS S30400 Pipe and DIN 1.3401 Tube forms an integral part of the 304 stainless steel grade. Both these components are distinguished from each other based on some key characteristics.

• Shape- A UNS S30400 pipe is always round, while a DIN 1.4301 tube can be available in square, rectangular, and round shapes.
• Strength- The DIN 1.4301 Tube possesses superior strength compared to a pipe.
• Size- An UNS S30400 pipes are designed to accommodate large applications. The range of tubes is preferred in applications that make use of small diameters.
• Classification- A pipe is classified based on its schedules and nominal diameters. Tubes are classified based on their outside diameters and wall thickness.

Stainless Steel 304 Seamless Pipes VS SS Welded Tubes

Seamless and welded components are used to make the major types of piping equipment. Both these grades can be distinguished based on their unique features.

• The manufacturing process- A stainless steel 304 seamless pipe is an extruded component that is formed by passing a billet through it. SS welded tubes are produced using strips or sheets of metal and welding them together.
• Working- A seamless pipe can withstand 20% extra working pressure in comparison to a welded tube.
• Corrosion-resistance- Seamless pipes generally exhibit superior corrosion resistance in comparison to standard welded tubes.
• Price- Welded tubes are cheaper when compared with a seamless pipe.

AISI 304 Tube Applications

The AISI 304 Tube is a versatile component that exhibits superior corrosion resistance with excellent drawability and fabrication properties. The tubes are used in a range of household and industrial applications. These tubes are used in food handling and processing a range of equipment, screws, utensils, machinery, and car parts. The tubes are also utilized in electronics, constructions, oil and gas, chemical industries, etc. 

304 Stainless Steel Tube Hard Or Soft?

The hardness and softness of a steel component is measured using Rockwell measuring system. Higher the Rockwell hardness harder the material. A 304 Stainless Steel Tube has a Rockwell hardness of 70. As a reference point, the Rockwell hardness of a soft metal copper is 51. This implies that the hardness of the 304 grade is comparatively lower compared to other grades of stainless steel but it holds its own for general purpose applications.

Type 304 SMLS Tubing Features

304 SMLS Type Tubing is the most widely used stainless steel grade. The products within this range have excellent corrosion-resistant properties due to their superior 18/8 chemical composition. These components are designed to withstand high pressures and are a preferred choice in household food handling applications. They are aesthetically appealing requiring low levels of maintenance and can operate at a wide range of temperatures.