304 Stainless Steel Pipe
AISI 304 (UNS S30400) is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel pipe with 18% Cr and 8% Ni, available in seamless and welded forms. OD 6-610mm, WT 0.5-40mm, multiple surface finishes from mill to mirror polish. Hydrostatic tested with mill test certificate.
| Material | Austenitic Stainless Steel |
|---|---|
| Grade / Standard | AISI 304 / UNS S30400 |
| Outer Diameter (OD) | 6mm - 610mm (NPS 1/8 inch - NPS 24 inch) |
| Wall Thickness (WT) | 0.5mm - 40mm (SCH 5S / 10S / 40S / 80S / 160S) |
| Length | 3m / 6m / 12m (or cut to length) |
| Delivery Condition | hot_rolled / cold_rolled |
| Surface Treatment | bare / polished / coated |
| MOQ | 1 Ton |
| Delivery Time | 10-25 Days / In Stock |
| Loading Port | Tianjin / Shanghai / Qingdao |
Overview of 304 Stainless Steel Pipe
AISI 304 is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel grade for pipe and tube applications worldwide, accounting for over 50% of global stainless steel pipe production. Specified under ASTM A312 / ASTM A269 / ASTM A554 / EN 10216-5 standards with UNS designation S30400, 304 stainless steel pipe offers an excellent combination of corrosion resistance, formability, weldability, and aesthetic appeal at a moderate cost. Containing nominally 18% chromium and 8% nickel, the grade provides the characteristic non-magnetic austenitic microstructure with reliable performance in a wide range of fluid handling, structural, and decorative applications.
304 stainless steel pipe is manufactured through three primary processes: seamless (cold-drawn or hot-extruded for industrial pressure applications), welded (ERW or laser-welded for general fluid transport and structural use), and decorative (welded with mirror or satin polish for architectural applications). The grade resists corrosion in atmospheric environments, fresh water, food and beverage processing chemicals, organic acids at moderate temperatures, and many industrial chemicals. For applications involving chloride exposure or higher operating temperatures, the molybdenum-bearing 316/316L grades should be specified. 304 pipe is the international benchmark for general-purpose stainless steel piping with extensive global stocking and supply chain support.
Key Features and Manufacturing Methods
304 stainless steel pipe is produced through multiple manufacturing methods to suit different application requirements. Seamless pipes (per ASTM A312) are manufactured through cold-drawn or hot-extruded processes from solid billets, providing superior pressure resistance, leak-free performance, and uniform wall thickness for industrial pressure piping applications up to 1000 psi service. Welded pipes (per ASTM A312 welded grade or ASTM A554 for ornamental) are produced from cold rolled coil through ERW (electric resistance welding), TIG welding, or laser welding processes, offering economical solution for general fluid transport, food processing, and decorative applications.
The pipe is supplied in outer diameter range from 6mm to 610mm with wall thickness from 0.5mm to 40mm, in standard lengths of 3 meters, 6 meters, and 12 meters with custom cut-to-length service available. Multiple surface finishes include mill finish (No.1 for industrial), pickled and passivated (standard for ASTM A312), polished No.4 (brushed satin for architectural), 320 grit polish (mirror-like for decorative), and 600 grit polish (high-gloss mirror finish). Each pipe undergoes mandatory hydrostatic testing or eddy current testing per ASTM standards, chemical composition analysis (PMI verification available), mechanical property testing, intergranular corrosion testing per ASTM A262, and dimensional inspection to ensure full compliance with international standards.
Main Applications of 304 Stainless Steel Pipe
304 stainless steel pipe is the primary piping material for food and beverage processing facilities including dairy pipelines, brewery process piping, beverage bottling lines, food ingredient transfer systems, and CIP (clean-in-place) pipework where excellent corrosion resistance, easy cleaning, and FDA compliance are essential. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries use 304 pipe for purified water systems (PW), water for injection (WFI) systems, sterile process piping, fermentation broth transfer, and clean utility distribution requiring electropolished interior surfaces.
The chemical processing industry employs 304 pipe for transferring dilute organic acids, mild alkalis, urea solutions, fertilizer chemicals, and many industrial process fluids at moderate temperatures. Architectural and construction applications include handrails, balustrades, decorative columns, building facades, signage frames, escalator handrails, and exterior cladding for commercial buildings, hotels, airports, and high-end residential developments. Other major applications include water treatment plant piping, swimming pool circulation systems, hot water distribution, automotive exhaust systems, household appliance components, hospital and laboratory utility systems, dairy farm equipment, agricultural irrigation systems, and a comprehensive range of industrial fluid handling applications requiring reliable corrosion-resistant pipework with proven long-term performance.
Why Choose Us for 304 Stainless Steel Pipe
Shandong Tanglu Metal Material Co., Ltd. supplies premium 304 stainless steel pipe sourced from major Chinese stainless steel pipe mills with proven international export experience and certified production facilities meeting ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ASME, and PED requirements. Every 304 pipe undergoes mandatory chemical composition analysis (PMI verification available), mechanical property testing including tensile, yield, elongation, and hardness verification, intergranular corrosion testing per ASTM A262 Practice A or E, hydrostatic testing or eddy current testing per ASTM A312, surface finish quality inspection, and dimensional inspection per ASTM A312 / EN 10216-5 latest revision.
We offer comprehensive specification range covering outer diameter from 6mm to 610mm, wall thickness from 0.5mm to 40mm, in seamless and welded forms with multiple surface finishes (mill, pickled, No.4 satin, mirror polish). With monthly supply capacity of 3,000 tons of stainless steel pipes and established export relationships with food processing equipment manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, architectural contractors, and OEM clients in over 50 countries, we support both small project orders and large bulk container shipments. Each shipment includes original mill test certificate (MTC) conforming to EN 10204 3.1 standard with hydrostatic test report, with EN 10204 3.2, PMI report, and third-party inspection (SGS, BV, ABS, DNV, LR) available for critical applications requiring enhanced documentation.
📐 Dimension & Size Table
| OD (inch / mm) | WT SCH 10S (mm) | WT SCH 40S (mm) | WT SCH 80S (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8" (10.3mm) | 1.24 | 1.73 | 2.41 |
| 1/4" (13.7mm) | 1.65 | 2.24 | 3.02 |
| 1/2" (21.3mm) | 2.11 | 2.77 | 3.73 |
| 3/4" (26.7mm) | 2.11 | 2.87 | 3.91 |
| 1" (33.4mm) | 2.77 | 3.38 | 4.55 |
| 1-1/2" (48.3mm) | 2.77 | 3.68 | 5.08 |
| 2" (60.3mm) | 2.77 | 3.91 | 5.54 |
| 2-1/2" (73.0mm) | 3.05 | 5.16 | 7.01 |
| 3" (88.9mm) | 3.05 | 5.49 | 7.62 |
| 4" (114.3mm) | 3.05 | 6.02 | 8.56 |
| 6" (168.3mm) | 3.40 | 7.11 | 10.97 |
| 8" (219.1mm) | 3.76 | 8.18 | 12.70 |
| 10" (273.0mm) | 4.19 | 9.27 | 15.09 |
| 12" (323.8mm) | 4.57 | 10.31 | 17.48 |
| 14" (355.6mm) | 4.78 | 11.13 | 19.05 |
| 16" (406.4mm) | 4.78 | 12.70 | 21.44 |
| 18" (457.0mm) | 4.78 | 14.27 | 23.83 |
| 20" (508.0mm) | 5.54 | 15.09 | 26.19 |
| 24" (610.0mm) | 6.35 | 17.48 | 30.96 |
* Custom sizes available upon request. Tolerances per relevant international standards.
🔬 Chemical Composition
| Element | Min | Max | Display Value | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | - | 0.08 | ≤0.08 | Per ASTM A312 TP304 |
| Si | - | 0.75 | ≤0.75 | |
| Mn | - | 2.00 | ≤2.00 | |
| P | - | 0.045 | ≤0.045 | |
| S | - | 0.030 | ≤0.030 | |
| Cr | 18.00 | 20.00 | 18.00-20.00 | Corrosion resistance element |
| Ni | 8.00 | 11.00 | 8.00-11.00 | Austenite stabilizer |
| N | - | 0.10 | ≤0.10 | Optional |
| Fe | - | - | Balance | Base element |
* Chemical composition may vary by heat, thickness and specification. Please refer to the actual mill test certificate.
⚙️ Mechanical Properties
| Property | Value | Unit | Test Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (Rm) | ≥515 | MPa | Solution annealed, per ASTM A312 |
| Yield Strength (Rp0.2) | ≥205 | MPa | 0.2% proof stress |
| Elongation (A) | ≥35 | % | Gauge length 50mm |
| Brinell Hardness (HBW) | ≤201 | HBW | Solution annealed |
| Rockwell Hardness (HRB) | ≤92 | HRB | Solution annealed |
| Hydrostatic Test | Pass | - | Mandatory per ASTM A312 |
| Eddy Current Test | Pass | - | Alternative to hydrostatic test |
| Flattening Test | Pass | - | Per ASTM A312 for welded pipes |
| Density | 7.93 | g/cm³ | Reference value |
| Coefficient of Expansion | 15.9×10⁻⁶ | /K | 20-100°C |
| Magnetic Permeability | ≤1.02 | μ | Non-magnetic austenitic structure |
* Values shown are minimum requirements unless otherwise stated.
📦 Commercial Information
| Packaging | Standard seaworthy export packing for stainless steel pipes. Pipes bundled in hexagonal bundles with steel strapping (3-5 wraps per bundle), plastic caps on both ends to prevent contamination and physical damage during transit, with weather-resistant tags showing heat number, grade designation (304 / TP304), OD, wall thickness, and length. Bundle weight typically 1.5-3 tons depending on pipe size. For polished decorative pipes, individual PVC film wrapping is applied to protect the surface finish, then bundled with plastic-coated steel strapping. Custom packaging including wooden crates and individual export cartons available for premium polished pipes and air shipment. |
|---|---|
| Payment Terms | T/T (Telegraphic Transfer),L/C (Letter of Credit),D/P (Documents against Payment),Western Union,PayPal |
| Price Term | FOB,CFR,CIF,EXW |
| Supply Capacity | 3,000 Tons/Month (Stainless Steel Pipes) |
| Loading Port | Tianjin / Shanghai / Qingdao |
Why Choose Our 304 Stainless Steel Pipe?
Mill Certified with Hydrostatic Test
304 stainless steel pipe supplied with original mill test certificate EN 10204 3.1/3.2, including chemical analysis (PMI verification available), mechanical properties, intergranular corrosion test per ASTM A262, mandatory hydrostatic test or eddy current test per ASTM A312, and complete heat number traceability.
Comprehensive Size Range
Outer diameter from 6mm (NPS 1/8 inch) to 610mm (NPS 24 inch), wall thickness covering SCH 5S, SCH 10S, SCH 40S, SCH 80S, and SCH 160S schedules. Available in seamless and welded forms with custom dimensions and special wall thickness upon request.
Multiple Surface Finish Options
Mill finish for industrial use, pickled and passivated (standard for ASTM A312), polished No.4 brushed satin for architectural applications, 320 grit and 600 grit mirror polish for decorative use. PVC protective film and electropolished interior available for pharmaceutical use.
FDA & Multi-Industry Compliance
FDA compliant for food contact applications, with ISO 9001, CE / PED, ABS, DNV GL, Lloyd's Register, BV, SGS, NK, and RINA certifications. Suitable for food processing, pharmaceutical, chemical processing, marine, and architectural projects requiring code-compliant stainless steel piping.
Fast Stock Delivery Worldwide
Common sizes maintained in large stock for 7-15 days dispatch. Custom sizes production cycle 25-35 days. Container loading optimized for 22-25 tons per 20FT FCL or 25-27 tons per 40FT FCL with proper end caps and edge protection. Established export logistics to over 50 countries.
🏭 Applications of 304 Stainless Steel Pipe
304 stainless steel pipe is the primary piping material for food and beverage processing facilities including dairy pipelines, brewery process piping, beverage bottling lines, food ingredient transfer systems, sugar processing piping, edible oil transfer, and CIP (clean-in-place) pipework where excellent corrosion resistance, easy cleaning, and FDA compliance are essential. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries use 304 pipe for purified water systems (PW), water for injection (WFI) systems, sterile process piping, fermentation broth transfer, vaccine production utilities, and clean utility distribution requiring electropolished interior surfaces and validated material traceability. The chemical processing industry employs 304 pipe for transferring dilute organic acids, mild alkalis, urea solutions, fertilizer chemicals, fine chemical process fluids, and many industrial process streams at moderate temperatures up to 425°C. Architectural and construction applications include handrails, balustrades, decorative columns, structural building facades, signage frames, escalator handrails, hotel lobby decorations, restaurant equipment piping, and exterior cladding for commercial buildings, airports, hospitals, and high-end residential developments. Other major applications include water treatment plant piping, swimming pool circulation systems, hot water distribution networks, automotive exhaust systems, household appliance components, hospital and laboratory utility systems, dairy farm equipment, agricultural irrigation systems, brewery and winery process piping, cosmetic manufacturing facilities, and a comprehensive range of industrial fluid handling applications requiring reliable corrosion-resistant pipework.
📋 Quality & Certification
Our Certifications
- ✅ ISO 9001:2015
- ✅ CE Marking
- ✅ ABS
- ✅ DNV GL
- ✅ Lloyd's Register (LR)
- ✅ Bureau Veritas (BV)
- ✅ SGS Certified
- ✅ NK
- ✅ RINA
Mill Certificate Type
- 📋 EN 10204 3.1
- 📋 EN 10204 3.2
- 📋 Original Mill Certificate
- 📋 Third Party Inspection Available
- 📋 Certificate of Origin
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is 304 stainless steel pipe?
304 is the most widely used austenitic stainless steel grade for pipe and tube applications, specified under ASTM A312 / EN 10216-5 standards with UNS designation S30400. The pipe contains nominally 18% chromium and 8% nickel, providing the characteristic non-magnetic austenitic microstructure with excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability at moderate cost. 304 stainless steel pipe is available in both seamless (per ASTM A312 seamless grade for industrial pressure applications) and welded (per ASTM A312 welded or A554 ornamental for general use) forms, serving as the international benchmark for general-purpose stainless steel piping in food processing, pharmaceutical, chemical, and architectural applications worldwide.
What is the difference between seamless and welded 304 stainless steel pipe?
Seamless 304 stainless steel pipe is manufactured through cold-drawn or hot-extruded processes from solid billets without any welding seams, providing superior pressure resistance, leak-free performance, uniform wall thickness, and consistent metallurgical structure. It is preferred for high-pressure industrial applications (above 1000 psi), critical pressure piping in chemical and petrochemical plants, and applications requiring zero leakage tolerance. Welded 304 pipe is produced from cold rolled coil through ERW (electric resistance welding), TIG welding, or laser welding processes, offering more economical solution for general fluid transport, food processing, water systems, and decorative applications. Welded pipe is typically 30-50% lower cost than seamless pipe of the same dimensions but has slightly lower pressure ratings due to the welded seam. For food and pharmaceutical applications, both types are acceptable, with welded pipe being more common for cost-sensitive projects.
What is the difference between 304 and 304L stainless steel pipe?
The main difference is carbon content. 304 has maximum carbon of 0.08%, while 304L has maximum carbon of 0.030% (the 'L' stands for 'Low carbon'). The lower carbon content in 304L provides better resistance to intergranular corrosion (also called sensitization) in heat-affected zones after welding, making 304L the preferred choice for welded pipe fabrications, field-welded piping installations, and applications where the pipe will be exposed to temperatures between 425-815°C during service. 304L is mandatory for thicker welded sections and most chemical processing piping, while 304 is acceptable for thin-wall pipes, mechanical applications, and pipes that will be solution annealed after welding. Mechanical properties of 304L are slightly lower than 304 (yield 170 MPa vs 205 MPa) due to reduced carbon strengthening, but this difference is rarely critical for piping applications.
What sizes and wall thickness schedules are available for 304 stainless steel pipe?
304 stainless steel pipe is available in NPS 1/8 inch (10.3mm OD) through NPS 24 inch (610mm OD) covering all standard ASME B36.19M dimensions. Wall thickness schedules include SCH 5S (lightest weight for low-pressure applications), SCH 10S (light wall for general use), SCH 40S (standard weight equivalent to carbon steel SCH 40), SCH 80S (extra strong for higher pressure), and SCH 160S (heavy wall for high-pressure service). Custom wall thickness, special long lengths up to 18 meters, and intermediate sizes are available for project-specific requirements. Standard pipe lengths are 3m, 6m, and 12m (random/single random/double random), with cut-to-length service for specific project needs. Tube sizes (smaller diameters with thinner walls per ASTM A269) also available for instrumentation and decorative applications.
Can 304 stainless steel pipe be used in marine or chloride environments?
304 stainless steel pipe has limited resistance to chloride-induced corrosion and is generally NOT recommended for direct contact with seawater, marine atmospheres with high salt spray, swimming pool water with high chlorine content, or chloride-containing chemicals at elevated temperatures. In these environments, 304 is susceptible to pitting corrosion, crevice corrosion (especially at gasket and threaded connections), and stress corrosion cracking (SCC). For marine piping applications, 316/316L (containing 2-3% molybdenum) provides significantly better chloride resistance and is the preferred choice for ship piping, offshore platforms, desalination plants, and coastal architectural applications. For aggressive marine environments such as splash zones or geothermal applications, 2205 duplex or 904L super austenitic grades should be specified. 304 is suitable for indoor coastal architectural piping, freshwater marine equipment, and properly designed marine accessories with appropriate maintenance schedules and cathodic protection where applicable.
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