204 Stainless Steel Tube – The Ultimate High-Strength, Low-Nickel Alternative for Structural & Decorative Tubing
When your project demands 304-like aesthetics at 30–40 % lower cost, 204 Stainless Steel Tube delivers. Grade 204 (UNS S20400, also marketed as Nitronic 30) replaces much of the expensive nickel with manganese and nitrogen, achieving a minimum yield strength of 380 MPa—50–80 % higher than 304—while maintaining excellent ductility and formability. The result is a tube that is lighter, stronger, and significantly cheaper, making 204 stainless steel tube the perfect “304 replacement” for decorative handrails, automotive trim, bus frames, and light structural applications where maximum strength-to-weight and cost savings are critical.
204 Stainless Steel Tube – Mirror 600 Grit Polished Finish, 50–80% Stronger than 304 at Lower Cost
Key Features & Benefits
- 30–40 % lower price than 304 – same mirror-polish appearance
- Minimum yield strength ≥380 MPa – 50–80 % higher than 304
- Excellent ductility – ≥40 % elongation, easy to bend and flare
- Full weldability – TIG, laser, plasma; no post-weld anneal required
- Wide range of finishes – 2B, BA, polished 320/400/600 grit, hairline
- Lighter density (7.8 g/cm³) – weight savings for transport & installation
- 100 % recyclable, RoHS compliant
- Full compliance – ASTM A554, A269, A249, EN 10296-2, JIS G3446
Technical Specifications
Table 1 – Chemical Composition (ASTM A554)
| Element | 204 % | 201 % | 304 % | 316 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cr | 15.0–17.5 | 16.0–18.0 | 18.0–20.0 | 16.0–18.0 |
| Ni | 1.5–3.5 | 3.5–5.5 | 8.0–10.5 | 10.0–14.0 |
| Mn | 6.5–8.5 | 5.5–7.5 | ≤2.0 | ≤2.0 |
| N | ≤0.25 | ≤0.25 | ≤0.10 | ≤0.10 |
| C | ≤0.03 | ≤0.15 | ≤0.08 | ≤0.08 |
| Fe | Balance | Balance | Balance | Balance |
Table 2 – Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Property | 204 Tube | 304 Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | ≥520 MPa | ≥515 MPa |
| Yield Strength (0.2 %) | ≥380 MPa | ≥205 MPa |
| Elongation in 2" | ≥40 % | ≥40 % |
| Hardness HRB | 80–90 | ≤92 |
| Density | 7.8 g/cm³ (0.282 lb/in³) | 8.0 g/cm³ |
| Thermal Expansion | 16.0 µm/m·K (20–100 °C) | 17.2 µm/m·K |
Data extracted from real industry standards [^16^][^20^].
Standard Sizes & Finishes
| OD (mm) | Wall (mm) | Length (m) | Finish Options | Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6–25 | 0.5–2.0 | 6 or custom | BA, 600 grit | ASTM A554, EN 10296-2 |
| 25–76 | 0.8–3.0 | 6 or custom | 2B, BA, 400 grit | ASTM A554, A269 |
| 76–159 | 1.0–6.0 | 6 or custom | 2B, polished 320 | ASTM A554, A249 |
| 159–325 | 2.0–12.0 | 6 or custom | No.1, pickled | ASTM A554, JIS G3446 |
Custom oval, square, and rectangular sections available.
Main Applications
- Automobile & truck frames – door frames, side rails, roof bows
- Railway wagon bodies – side walls, roof stringers
- Bus body structures – structural rails, window frames
- Architectural handrails & balustrades – mirror-polished 600 grit
- Conveyor systems – light-duty frames and supports
- Furniture frames – sofa, table, and chair skeletons
- Light poles & greenhouse structures – high-strength, low-weight
- Exhaust tubing in mild environments – urban automotive tailpipes
- Decorative and structural tubing where high strength and low cost are critical
Why Choose Our 204 Stainless Steel Tube
- Mill-direct China pricing – 20–35 % cheaper than 304
- 120 000 tons annual capacity – 5-day lead time for standard sizes
- ISO 9001 & PED certified – EN 10204 3.1 MTC supplied
- In-house bright annealing + multi-roll polishing lines – Ra ≤0.2 µm
- Same-day cutting & bundling – lengths 3–12 m, tolerances ±0.1 mm
- Massive ready stock in all popular sizes – 25 000 t inventory
Massive Ready Stock of 204 Stainless Steel Tube – 20–35% Cheaper than 304, Ships Worldwide Same Day
Grade Comparison Table: 204 vs 201 vs 304 vs 430 vs 316L vs 301L
| Grade | Cr % | Ni % | Yield MPa | Relative Cost | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 204 | 15–17 | 1.5–3.5 | ≥380 | 0.65× | High-strength structural |
| 201 | 16–18 | 3.5–5.5 | ≥310 | 0.7× | Decorative, general |
| 304 | 18–20 | 8–10.5 | ≥205 | 1.0× (base) | Food & marine |
| 430 | 16–18 | 0 | ≥205 | 0.7× | Indoor, magnetic |
| 316L | 16–18 | 10–14 | ≥205 | 1.4× | Chloride environments |
| 301L | 16–18 | 6–8 | ≥350 | 0.9× | Railway car bodies |
FAQ – 204 Stainless Steel Tube
-
What is the price advantage vs 304?
Mill-direct 204 stainless steel tube is 20–35 % cheaper than equivalent 304 finish [^16^]. -
Corrosion resistance limits?
Suitable for mild urban and indoor atmospheres; not recommended for coastal or chloride-rich environments [^20^]. -
Weldability compared to 304?
Full weldability by TIG, laser, plasma; no post-weld anneal required for most applications [^20^]. -
Difference between 204 and 201/304?
204 has lower nickel (1.5–3.5 %) and higher manganese (6.5–8.5 %) than 201, and much lower nickel than 304, resulting in higher strength and lower cost [^16^][^20^]. -
Maximum polishing grade available?
Up to 600 grit mirror (Ra ≤0.2 µm); custom 8K mirror on request. -
Current stock status?
25 000 t ready inventory; live portal updated every 30 minutes. -
Minimum order quantity?
One bundle (≈500 kg) for stock sizes; full container (≈25 t) for mill-direct custom sizes. -
Lead time for custom rectangular tube?
7 days production + 3–5 days ocean freight to Asian ports; 10 days to EU/US warehouses.
Call-to-Action
Stop paying nickel premiums. Contact the largest 204 stainless steel tube producer today for the most competitive price, immediate access to massive stock, and same-day cutting of any size.