304 Stainless Steel Pipe – The World’s Most Trusted Stainless Steel Piping Solution
For more than 70 years, 304 Stainless Steel Pipe has set the global benchmark for corrosion-resistant, food-safe, and cost-effective piping. Its balanced 18 % chromium / 8 % nickel chemistry delivers excellent resistance to atmospheric and mild chemical attack, while the austenitic structure provides outstanding formability and weldability without post-weld annealing. From dairy processing and pharmaceutical cleanrooms to petrochemical cooling-water lines and architectural handrails, 304 Stainless Steel Pipe offers the lowest life-cycle cost of any piping material in general-service applications—making it the first choice for engineers, contractors, and stockists worldwide.
Caption: 304 Seamless Stainless Steel Pipe – ASTM A312 TP304/304L, Mirror-Polished Surface for Food & Pharmaceutical Grade
Key Features & Benefits
- Excellent corrosion resistance in atmospheric, potable-water, and mild chemical environments
- Outstanding formability – easy to bend, flare, and deep-draw without cracking
- Superior weldability by TIG, MIG, plasma, and orbital processes; post-weld anneal not required for most services
- Food-grade safety – meets FDA, NSF/ANSI 61, and EU 1935/2004 requirements
- Wide temperature range: –196 °C to 800 °C continuous service
- 100 % recyclable, supports LEED v4 credits
- Full compliance with ASTM A312, A213, A269, A358, EN 10217-7, and JIS G3459
Technical Specifications
Table 1 – Chemical Composition (ASTM A312)
| Element | Min % | Max % |
|---|---|---|
| Cr | 18.0 | 20.0 |
| Ni | 8.0 | 10.5 |
| C (304) | — | 0.08 |
| C (304L) | — | 0.03 |
| Mn | — | 2.00 |
| Si | — | 1.00 |
| P | — | 0.045 |
| S | — | 0.030 |
| Fe | Balance |
Table 2 – Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Tensile Strength | 515 MPa (75 ksi) min. |
| Yield Strength (0.2 %) | 205 MPa (30 ksi) min. |
| Elongation in 2" | 35 % min. |
| Hardness HRB | 90 max. |
| Density | 8.0 g/cm³ (0.289 lb/in³) |
| Thermal Expansion | 17.2 µm/m·K (20–100 °C) |
| Common Pressure Rating | Sch 10S: 1,370 psi @ 20 °C; Sch 40S: 2,850 psi @ 20 °C |
Size Range & Standards
| NPS | OD (mm) | WT (mm) | Sch | Length (m) | Standards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8" | 10.3 | 1.24–2.24 | 5S/10S/40S/80S | 5.8–6.1 | ASTM A312, A213 |
| 1/2" | 21.3 | 1.65–3.73 | 5S/10S/40S/80S | 5.8–6.1 | ASTM A312, A269 |
| 3" | 88.9 | 2.11–7.62 | 5S/10S/40S/80S | 5.8–6.1 | ASTM A312, A358 |
| 6" | 168.3 | 2.77–7.11 | 5S/10S/40S/80S | 5.8–6.1 | ASTM A312, A358 |
| 12" | 323.8 | 3.96–12.7 | 5S/10S/40S/80S | 5.8–12 | ASTM A312, A358 |
| 48" | 1219 | 6.35–50.8 | 5S/10S/20/30/40S/80S | 3–12 | ASTM A358, EN 10217-7 |
Custom lengths, cut-to-size, and beveled ends available.
Product Range & Market Info
As one of the largest 304 stainless steel pipe manufacturer and 304 stainless steel pipe supplier complexes in China, we operate four continuous mandrel mills and twelve multi-stand plug mills producing 200 000 t annually of 304 seamless stainless steel pipe and precision ERW pipe. Our 180 000 m² facility keeps 35 000 t of ready 304 stainless steel pipe stock in Shanghai and Foshan, ensuring immediate availability for 304 stainless steel pipe exporters and distributors worldwide. Whether you need one container of 3 inch 304 stainless steel pipe Sch 40S or a full vessel of 48" × 12 m SAW pipe, our mill-direct pricing and PED-certified quality give you the competitive edge. Contact our export team today for the latest 304 stainless steel pipe suppliers quotation and downloadable mill test certificates.
Main Applications
- Food & dairy: process piping, CIP lines, storage tanks
- Pharmaceutical: WFI systems, clean steam, sterile vessels
- Petrochemical: cooling water, firewater, low-pressure chemical lines
- Architecture: handrails, bollards, curtain-wall supports
- Water treatment: RO piping, desalination headers
- Heat exchangers: shell-and-tube, plate-frame gaskets
- Automotive: exhaust flex joints, catalytic converter shells
- Decorative: polished handrails, elevator sills, column covers
Caption: 3 Inch 304 Stainless Steel Pipe – Always in Stock, Sch 10S/40S/80S, Ready for Immediate Export
Why Choose Us as Your 304 Stainless Steel Pipe Supplier
- PED 97/23/EC & ISO 9001 certified mill – EN 10204 3.1 & 3.2 MTC supplied
- 200 000 ton annual capacity – 5-day lead time for standard sizes
- Third-party inspection: SGS, TÜV, BV – accepted by European end-users
- Same-day cutting, beveling, and polishing – lengths 3–12 m, tolerances ±0.2 mm
- Real-time 304 stainless steel pipe stock portal – 24/7 visibility
- Global export experience to 80+ countries – fumigation-free crates, vessel booking, insurance
Caption: Trusted 304 Stainless Steel Pipe Exporters – Mill-Direct Supply to 80+ Countries with Full Certification
Seamless vs Welded vs ERW Comparison Table
| Type | Process | WT Range (mm) | Size Range | Weld Seam | Cost vs Seamless | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seamless | Mandrel/plug mill | 0.5–50 | 1/8"–20" | None | 1.0× (base) | High pressure |
| Welded ERW | Electric resistance | 0.3–16 | 1/2"–24" | Yes, cleaned | 0.8× | Low/medium pressure |
| Welded SAW | Sub-arc | 6–50 | 16"–48" | Yes, cleaned | 0.9× | Large diameter |
304 vs 304L vs 316 vs 304H Pipe Comparison
| Grade | C Max | Cr % | Ni % | Mo % | Max Temp (°C) | Weld Post-Treat | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 0.08 | 18 | 8 | 0 | 800 | Not needed | 1.0× |
| 304L | 0.03 | 18 | 8 | 0 | 800 | Not needed | 1.02× |
| 316 | 0.08 | 16 | 10 | 2–3 | 870 | Not needed | 1.35× |
| 304H | 0.10 | 18 | 8 | 0 | 800 | Not needed | 1.05× |
FAQ – 304 Stainless Steel Pipe
-
What is the price of 3 inch 304 stainless steel pipe Sch 40S?
Mill-direct FOB China USD 2.45–2.85/kg depending on nickel surcharge; fixed for 48 h after quotation. -
Difference between seamless and welded 304 pipe?
Seamless has no weld seam and higher pressure rating; welded is economical for low-pressure service. -
What is the minimum order quantity?
One cut length (≥1 m) for stock sizes; full container (≈20 t) for mill-direct. -
How fast can you deliver 304 seamless stainless steel pipe?
7 days production + 3–5 days ocean freight to Asian ports; 10 days to EU/US warehouses. -
Which surface finishes are available?
Pickled, 2B, BA, polished 180–600 grit, mirror Ra ≤0.1 µm, and satin No.4. -
What pressure rating for Sch 10S 3 inch 304 stainless steel pipe?
1,370 psi @ 20 °C; derated to 1,050 psi @ 300 °C per ASME B31.3. -
Do you supply MTC?
Yes, EN 10204 3.1/3.2 MTC, ISO 9001, PED 97/23/EC, and third-party inspection (SGS/TUV/BV). -
Which countries do your 304 stainless steel pipe exporters serve?
More than 80 countries including USA, Germany, India, Brazil, UAE, South Korea, and Australia.
Call-to-Action
Stop paying trader margins. Contact the leading 304 stainless steel pipe manufacturer today for the most competitive price, immediate access to real-time stock, and same-day cutting of any size—including 3 inch 304 stainless steel pipe Sch 10S/40S/80S.