Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties of 904L Stainless Steel

904L stainless steel is a high-alloy austenitic stainless steel with the following composition:

Mechanical Properties:

Corrosion Resistance: The Hallmark of 904L Stainless Steel

904L offers superior corrosion resistance compared to conventional austenitic grades:

• Excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion in chloride environments
• High resistance to stress corrosion cracking
• Superior performance in sulfuric acid across all concentrations
• Good resistance to phosphoric and acetic acids

Applications of 904L Stainless Steel Across Industries

904L stainless steel finds extensive use in:

1. Oil and gas industry: Subsea pipelines, refineries, gas plants
2. Chemical processing: Heat exchangers, storage tanks, reactors
3. Pulp and paper: Bleaching systems, digesters
4. Marine applications: Seawater cooling equipment, offshore platforms
5. Pharmaceutical production
6. Food processing equipment
7. Pollution control devices

Manufacturing Process and Available Forms

904L is typically produced through controlled rolling processes. Available forms include:

• Plates
• Coils
• Pipes and tubes
• Fittings and flanges

Welding and Fabrication Considerations for 904L Stainless Steel

904L has excellent weldability:

• Can be welded using standard fusion and resistance welding methods
• Low carbon content minimizes risk of intergranular corrosion during welding
• Filler metals should match or exceed the alloy content of the base metal

Comparison of 904L with Other Austenitic Stainless Steel Grades

Cost-Effectiveness and Long-Term Benefits of 904L Stainless Steel

While 904L has a higher initial cost compared to conventional grades, it offers:

• Extended service life in harsh environments
• Reduced maintenance and replacement costs
• Improved safety and reliability in critical applications

At HL Steel Company, we provide high-quality 904L stainless steel products, ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness for your industrial applications.