SS 904L / UNS N08904 / W.Nr. 1.4539
Stainless Steel 904L
Stainless steel 904L (also known as Alloy 904L or SS 904L), is a high-alloy austenitic stainless steel with low carbon content. It offers excellent resistance to corrosion and is commonly used in harsh environments such as chemical processing, oil and gas industry, and acidic applications. The unique composition of 904L stainless steel, which includes high levels of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, provides superior resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion compared to conventional stainless steels.
904L is also known for its high resistance to stress corrosion cracking, making it a popular choice for applications that require high strength and durability. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of high-end consumer goods, such as luxury watches and jewelry, as well as in the production of heavy-duty equipment and machinery.
The high resistance to corrosion and its ability to withstand harsh environments make Stainless steel 904L a popular choice in many industries, including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and power generation. Additionally, its non-magnetic and non-toxic properties make it suitable for use in the food and beverage industry.
Industries and Applications
Stainless steel 904L is a high-alloy austenitic stainless steel that is widely used in a range of industries and applications. The combination of low carbon content and high levels of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum gives this material excellent resistance to corrosion and makes it a popular choice in harsh environments.
One of the key industries that use Stainless steel 904L is the chemical processing industry. This material is often used in the manufacture of chemical processing equipment, such as reactors and heat exchangers, due to its excellent resistance to corrosion from a variety of chemicals, including sulfuric and phosphoric acids.
The oil and gas industry is another sector that heavily relies on SS 904L. This material is used in the production of pipelines, valves, and fittings, as it offers high resistance to corrosion from harsh conditions such as high temperatures, high pressure, and corrosive chemicals.
Stainless steel 904L is also commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry, where its non-magnetic and non-toxic properties make it a popular choice for the manufacture of pharmaceutical equipment and drug containers.
Resistance to Corrosion
The low carbon content and high levels of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum in the material’s composition are the key factors that contribute to its corrosion resistance.
One of the key features of Stainless steel 904L is its resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion. This is a form of corrosion that occurs in small pockets or crevices in the material’s surface and can cause premature failure of the material. The high levels of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum in 904L stainless steel provide superior resistance to this type of corrosion compared to conventional stainless steels.
In addition, SS 904L is also known for its high resistance to stress corrosion cracking. This type of corrosion occurs when a material is subjected to a combination of stress and corrosion and can cause failure of the material. The high resistance of 904L stainless steel to this type of corrosion makes it an ideal choice for applications that require high strength and durability, such as pipelines and valves in the oil and gas industry.
Stainless steel 904L is also widely used in harsh chemical environments, such as in the chemical processing industry. Its resistance to corrosion from chemicals, including sulfuric and phosphoric acids, makes it an ideal choice for the manufacture of chemical processing equipment, such as reactors and heat exchangers.
Fabrication and Heat Treatment
The fabrication and heat treatment of this material play an important role in its performance and durability.
Fabrication of Stainless steel 904L is similar to other types of stainless steels, but it requires special attention due to its high nickel and molybdenum content. This material can be easily formed, welded, and machined, making it a popular choice for the manufacture of a variety of components. However, its high strength and work-hardening properties mean that careful consideration must be given to the selection of tooling and processing parameters to avoid cracking or distortion during fabrication.
Heat treatment of Alloy 904L is critical to ensure optimal performance and durability. The high nickel and molybdenum content of this material makes it susceptible to intergranular corrosion, so it must be heat treated properly to avoid this type of corrosion. The recommended heat treatment procedure for SS 904L is to solution anneal the material at a temperature between 1040°C and 1080°C, followed by a rapid cooling process to prevent intergranular corrosion.
The fabrication and heat treatment of Stainless steel 904L play an important role in its performance and durability. This material can be easily formed, welded, and machined, but special attention must be given to the selection of tooling and processing parameters to avoid cracking or distortion during fabrication. Proper heat treatment is also critical to ensure optimal performance and durability, and to prevent intergranular corrosion.
Stainless Steel 904L – Applicable Specifications
| Form | ASTM | ASME | Other |
|---|---|---|---|
Stainless Steel 904L Plate |
B625 | SB625 | NACE MR0175/ISO 15156, EN 10088-2 |
Stainless Steel 904L Sheet |
A240 | SA240 | EN 10088-2 |
Stainless Steel 904L Bar |
A276 | SA276 | EN 10088-3 |
Stainless Steel 904L Pipe & Tube |
A789 | SA789 | EN 10216-5, EN 10297-2 |
Stainless Steel 904L Fittings |
A182 | SA182 | |
Stainless Steel 904L Flanges |
A182 | SA182 | EN 1092-1 |
Stainless Steel 904L Weld Wire |
A580 | SA580 |
Common Trade Names
Stainless steel 904L is commonly referred to by a number of trade names, including SS 904L, UNS N08904, 1.4539, and Alloy 904L. This high-alloy austenitic stainless steel is well known for its excellent resistance to corrosion and is widely used in a range of applications, particularly in the chemical processing and oil and gas industries.
Key Properties
(in annealed condition)
| Property | SS 904L |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | 700 min |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | 220 min |
| Elongation | 35% min |
| Hardness (HB) | 220 avg. |
Chemical Composition (%)
| Element | SS 904L |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.020 max |
| Manganese (Mn) | 2.0 max |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.045 max |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.035 max |
| Nickel (Ni) | 23.0 – 28.0 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 19.0 – 23.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 4.0 – 5.0 |
| Copper (Cu) | 1.0 – 2.0 |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance |
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