Stainless Steel Grades
Austenitic stainless steels offer excellent corrosion resistance, formability, and weldability. The workhorse grades of industrial piping — from general service (304) to chloride-rich environments (316).
304 / 304L
S30400 / S30403The most widely used austenitic stainless steel. Grade 304 offers excellent corrosion resistance in a wide range of environments. 304L (low carbon) provides improved weldability and resistance to intergranular corrosion after welding. Ideal for general industrial piping, food processing equipment, and architectural applications.
316 / 316L
S31600 / S31603The marine-grade stainless steel. Addition of molybdenum (2-3%) significantly improves resistance to chlorides, acids, and pitting corrosion. 316L (low carbon) is the preferred choice for all welded applications. The standard material for offshore, desalination, and chemical processing industries.
321 / 321H
S32100 / S32109Titanium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel for elevated temperature service up to 900°C. The titanium addition (5×C minimum) prevents chromium carbide precipitation during welding and high-temperature exposure. 321H (high carbon, 0.04-0.10% C) provides enhanced creep strength above 540°C. The standard material for refinery heater tubes, boiler superheaters, and exhaust systems.
347 / 347H
S34700 / S34709Niobium-stabilized austenitic stainless steel offering higher temperature strength than 321. Niobium (columbium) stabilization prevents intergranular corrosion and provides superior creep resistance at temperatures up to 925°C. 347H (high carbon) delivers enhanced high-temperature strength. The preferred grade for refinery hydroprocessing units, thermal oxidizers, and nuclear applications.
310S
S31008High-chromium, high-nickel austenitic stainless steel designed for continuous high-temperature service up to 1150°C. The 25% Cr / 20% Ni composition provides exceptional oxidation resistance and carburization resistance. 310S (low carbon, 0.08% max) resists sensitization and maintains ductility after prolonged high-temperature exposure. Widely used in furnace components, heat treatment equipment, and thermal processing.
317L
S31703Molybdenum-enhanced austenitic stainless steel offering superior corrosion resistance to 316L, especially in acidic and chloride-containing environments. The higher molybdenum content (3-4%) provides improved resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. 317L (low carbon) is the standard grade for welded applications. Commonly used in flue gas desulfurization, chemical processing, and pulp & paper industries.
904L
N08904High-alloy austenitic stainless steel with superior resistance to sulfuric acid and chloride-induced pitting. The combination of high nickel (23-28%), chromium (19-23%), molybdenum (4-5%), and copper (1-2%) delivers exceptional performance in reducing acid environments. Originally developed for sulfuric acid service, it has become the premium choice for seawater cooling, phosphoric acid production, and pollution control equipment.
254 SMO
S31254Ultra-high molybdenum austenitic stainless steel with PREN ≥ 43 — approaching super duplex 2507 in pitting resistance while maintaining superior ductility and formability. The 6% Mo composition makes it one of the most corrosion-resistant stainless steels available, bridging the gap between standard 316L and expensive nickel alloys. Widely used in seawater handling, bleach plants, and FGD systems.
