ASTM A312 TP 304/304L STAINLESS STEEL PIPES

ASTM A312 TP 304 / 304L Stainless Steel Seamless Pipes Grade of the most versatile and commonly used stainless steels on the market, Grade 304 stainless steel is the most standard used alloy of this type. Essentially, Grade 304 is an austenitic chromium alloy which is also known as an “18/8” stainless as the make-up of the steel is 18% chromium and 8% nickel.

The chromium content promotes the material’s considerable resistance to the effects of corrosion and oxidation. The stainless steel alloy resists most oxidizing acids and will withstand ordinary rusting though this does not mean that the steel will not tarnish over time. The steel needs to be cold worked to generate higher tensile strength. For stainless steel sections which are welded heavily, post-weld annealing may be necessary to provide maximum corrosive resistance.

Type 304L is a lower carbon variant of Grade 304-the steel can be welded without the resulting issue of carbon precipitation (precipitation of chromium carbide as heat is applied during the welding process which depletes the chromium element of the steel thus reducing its anti-corrosive/oxidation effectiveness).

As a result, Type 304L stainless steel is a sort after material for use in severely corrosive conditions. Weld annealing is only necessary in applications where stress loads are excessive.

This steel Grade is found in a variety of commercial sectors, particularly in the chemical industry.