204 Stainless Steel Fittings – High-Strength, Low-Nickel, Cost-Smart Alternative to 304
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204 stainless steel fittings deliver 350 MPa yield, 40% cost saving vs 304. Mirror polish, excellent weldability. Global shipping. Instant quote.
Premium 204 stainless steel fittings with stunning mirror-polished 600 grit finish
Introduction
Searching for stainless fittings that outperform 201 in strength yet undercut 304 in price? 204 stainless steel fittings (UNS S20400) are your answer. This nitrogen-strengthened, manganese-rich austenitic grade delivers 30–40 % higher yield strength than 304 while slashing material cost by 35–45 %. From mirror-polished handrail elbows to deep-drawn tee reducers, 204 stainless steel fittings keep high-speed presses running and architectural budgets healthy. Discover why leading 204 stainless steel fittings suppliers worldwide are switching to this lean-alloy powerhouse for decorative, structural and light-duty fluid systems.
What are 204 Stainless Steel Fittings? (UNS S20400)
204 stainless steel fittings are nitrogen-strengthened, manganese-rich austenitic components that maintain full non-magnetic properties and excellent formability. The balanced chromium (15–17 %) and manganese (7–9 %) content provides urban corrosion resistance, while nitrogen (0.15–0.35 %) boosts yield strength above 350 MPa—far exceeding 304-cost ratios. Compared with 201/201L, grade 204 offers higher chromium and nickel, giving better pitting resistance; against 301, it provides superior corrosion performance and lower price volatility.
Chemical Composition (% by mass, balance Fe)
| Element | 204 | 304 |
|---|---|---|
| C | ≤0.08 | ≤0.08 |
| Si | ≤0.75 | ≤0.75 |
| Mn | 7.0–9.0 | ≤2.0 |
| P | ≤0.06 | ≤0.045 |
| S | ≤0.03 | ≤0.03 |
| Cr | 15.0–17.0 | 18.0–20.0 |
| Ni | 1.0–3.0 | 8.0–10.5 |
| N | 0.15–0.35 | ≤0.10 |
Product Range & Technical Specifications
- Types: 90°/45° Elbow, Equal/Reducing Tee, Concentric/Eccentric Reducer, Cross, Cap, Stub End, Full/Half Coupling, Union, Threaded (NPT/BSP), Socket-weld, Welded butt-weld
- Standards: ASME B16.9, B16.11, MSS SP-43, SP-83, SP-95, EN 10253
- Size Range: Seamless 1/2"–24", Welded up to 48"; Threaded 1/8"–4"
- Wall Thickness: Sch5s, Sch10s, Sch40s, Sch80s, Sch160, XXS
- Surface Finish: Pickled & passivated, polished 180–600 grit, brushed HL, sandblasted
- Threads: ISO, NPT, BSPP, BSPT, DIN 2999
Common Dimensions & Pressure Ratings
| Nominal Size (in) | OD (mm) | Sch | Rating (bar) | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2 | 21.3 | 10S | 18 | ASME B16.9 |
| 1 | 33.7 | 40S | 50 | EN 10253 |
| 2 | 60.3 | 80S | 68 | MSS SP-43 |
| 4 | 114.3 | 10S | 15 | ASME B16.9 |
| 6 | 168.3 | 40S | 40 | EN 10253 |
Mechanical Properties (ASTM A403)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.9 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | ≥650 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2 %) | ≥350 MPa |
| Elongation | ≥40 % |
| Hardness HRB | ≤95 |
| Impact Energy (Charpy V) | ≥60 J @ 20 °C |
Complete collection of 204 stainless steel fittings – elbows, tees, reducers, caps, unions
Superior Advantages of 204 Stainless Steel Fittings
- 30–40 % Higher Yield Strength than 304 → Thinner walls & lighter weight possible, reducing freight cost.
- 35–45 % Cheaper and More Price-Stable than 304/304L Fittings – Stable Mn/Ni ratio shields you from LME nickel spikes; lower 204 stainless steel fittings price.
- Outstanding Cold Forming, Flaring, and Deep-Drawing Capability – High n-value achieves complex reducer shapes without edge cracking.
- Excellent Weldability and Post-Weld Corrosion Performance – Compatible with ER308L or ER204 filler; passes AWS D1.6 without post-weld heat treatment.
- Non-Magnetic in Annealed Condition + Bright Polished Finish – 600G mirror finish achieves luxury reflectivity for decorative elbows.
Wide Applications
- High-End Architectural Handrails & Balustrades: Mirror-polished 204 stainless steel fittings for handrail – elbows, tees, flanges for luxury balconies and shopping malls.
- Modern Furniture and Interior Design: Square tube connectors, decorative caps, table-leg bases with brushed HL finish.
- Food & Beverage Processing Support Structures (Non-Sanitary): Conveyor frame corners, display racks, non-acidic ingredient transfer.
- Drinking Water and Low-Pressure Pipelines: Urban cold-water lines, greenhouse irrigation, fire-sprinkler headers where chloride <50 ppm.
- Automotive & Motorcycle Exhaust Components: Mandrel-bent elbows and reducers; 350 MPa yield allows down-gauging for weight savings.
- Greenhouse and Fencing Structures: Pickled round fittings for vineyard posts, deer fencing, solar-panel racking.
- General Structural & Decorative Engineering: Sanitary unions, quick-release clamps, adjustable elbows for exhibition booths.
Mirror-polished 204 stainless steel fittings in premium commercial balustrade installation
Manufacturing Process & Quality Assurance
- Electric-Arc Furnace + AOD Refining – Exact chemistry, ultra-low inclusion content.
- Continuous Casting & Forging – 200 mm billets for uniform grain structure.
- Hot Forging & Extrusion – Reducer tees, elbows at 1,100 °C under protective atmosphere.
- Cold Forming & Sizing – Mandrel-bent elbows to ±1° angle tolerance; 600G mirror polish optional.
- Solution Annealing – 1,050 °C in pure H₂ for restored corrosion resistance and bright BA finish.
- Machining & Threading – CNC lathes achieve ±0.02 mm thread accuracy; NPT, BSP, ISO threads.
- QC Testing – Spectrometer, tensile, flattening, thread gauge, 100 % PMI ensure every 204 stainless steel fitting meets specification.
Packaging & Global Shipping Standards
- Individual Protection: Plastic caps on threads, PE sleeve on polished surfaces.
- Outer Packaging: 5-ply export carton + wooden crate, fumigation-free IPPC stamp.
- Bundling: Hexagonal bundle with 4–8 steel straps, 3×3 wooden sleepers for large fittings.
- Marking: Heat number, size, rating, standard, production date on outer carton.
- Shipping: 20 ft or 40 ft container, average 22 tons payload; same-day loading on stock items.
Why Choose Our 204 Stainless Steel Fittings?
✅ Factory-Direct Pricing & Huge Stock – Eliminate trader margins; lock 204 stainless steel fittings price for 30 days.
✅ Full Size & Type Coverage – 1/8"–48", all pressure classes, seamless & welded; 5,000 t ready for immediate dispatch.
✅ OEM/Custom Logo Service – Laser cutting, special angles, private labeling.
✅ Third-Party Inspection & EN 10204 3.1 Certificates – Supplied free with every shipment.
✅ Same-Day Dispatch & Export-Grade Packaging – 5-day FOB to 120+ ports; DDP available.
Individually protected and professionally boxed 204 stainless steel fittings ready for worldwide delivery
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between 204 and 304 stainless steel fittings?
A: 204 uses manganese and nitrogen to replace most nickel, giving 30–40 % higher yield strength and 35–45 % lower cost, with similar urban corrosion resistance.
Q2: Is 204 stainless steel fittings food-safe or potable water approved?
A: Yes, they meet FDA and GB 4806.9 for non-acidic potable water and food contact where chloride <50 ppm.
Q3: Can 204 fittings be used outdoors?
A: Suitable in urban or low-chloride environments; for coastal salt-spray, 316L is recommended.
Q4: Is 204 stainless steel magnetic?
A: Essentially non-magnetic in annealed condition; permeability <1.005 even after cold forming.
Q5: Why are 204 fittings significantly cheaper than 304?
A: Reduced nickel raw-material cost and more stable alloy pricing shield buyers from LME nickel volatility.
Q6: Is 204 stronger than 201/201L stainless steel?
A: Yes, 204 offers ~15 % higher yield strength and better corrosion resistance due to higher chromium and nitrogen content.
Q7: What welding filler is recommended for 204 fittings?
A: ER308L is compatible; for color match use ER204 or ER309L; no pre-heat or post-weld heat treatment required.
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