304 Stainless Steel Tube – The World's Most Trusted Stainless Steel Tubing Solution
For more than 70 years, 304 Stainless Steel Tube has set the global benchmark for corrosion-resistant, food-safe, and cost-effective tubing. 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 heat exchangers and instrumentation to architectural applications and food processing equipment, 304 Stainless Steel Tube offers the lowest life-cycle cost of any tubing material in general-service applications—making it the first choice for engineers, contractors, and stockists worldwide.
304 Stainless Steel Tube – ASTM A269, Seamless and Welded, Perfect for Heat Exchangers and Instrumentation
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 A269, A213, A249, EN 10217-7, and JIS G3459
Technical Specifications
Table 1 – Chemical Composition (ASTM A269)
| 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) |
Size Range & Standards
| OD (mm) | WT (mm) | Length (m) | Standards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.35–12.7 | 0.5–2.0 | 5.8–6.1 | ASTM A269, A213 |
| 12.7–25.4 | 0.7–2.5 | 5.8–6.1 | ASTM A269, A249 |
| 25.4–50.8 | 1.0–3.0 | 5.8–6.1 | ASTM A269, A249 |
| 50.8–101.6 | 1.5–4.0 | 5.8–6.1 | ASTM A269, A249 |
Custom lengths, cut-to-size, and polished finishes available.
Product Range & Market Info
As one of the largest 304 stainless steel tube manufacturer and 304 stainless steel tube 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 tube and precision welded tube. Our 180 000 m² facility keeps 35 000 t of ready 304 stainless steel tube stock in Shanghai and Foshan, ensuring immediate availability for 304 stainless steel tube exporters and distributors worldwide. Whether you need one bundle of precision instrumentation tube or a full container of heat exchanger tube, our mill-direct pricing and PED-certified quality give you the competitive edge. Contact our export team today for the latest 304 stainless steel tube suppliers quotation and downloadable mill test certificates.
304 Stainless Steel Tube – Seamless and Welded, Always in Stock, Ready for Immediate Export
Main Applications
- Heat exchangers: shell-and-tube, U-tube, and straight-tube designs
- Instrumentation: pressure sensing, flow measurement, sampling lines
- Food & dairy: process tubing, CIP lines, heat transfer surfaces
- Pharmaceutical: WFI systems, clean steam, sterile tubing
- Architecture: handrails, decorative elements, structural supports
- Automotive: exhaust systems, fuel lines, brake lines
- Water treatment: RO systems, desalination, filtration
304/304L Stainless Steel Tube – Welded ASTM A269, Perfect for Heat Exchangers and General Applications
Why Choose Us as Your 304 Stainless Steel Tube 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, polishing, and finishing – lengths 1–12 m, tolerances ±0.1 mm
- Real-time 304 stainless steel tube stock portal – 24/7 visibility
- Global export experience to 80+ countries – fumigation-free crates, vessel booking, insurance
Seamless vs Welded Tube Comparison
| Type | Process | WT Range (mm) | OD Range (mm) | Weld Seam | Cost vs Seamless | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seamless | Mandrel/plug mill | 0.5–10 | 6.35–101.6 | None | 1.0× (base) | High pressure, critical |
| Welded | ERW/HFW | 0.3–6 | 6.35–101.6 | Yes, cleaned | 0.8× | General service |
304 vs 304L vs 316 vs 304H Tube 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 Tube
-
What is the price of 304 stainless steel tube?
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 tube?
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 tube?
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. -
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 tube exporters serve?
More than 80 countries including USA, Germany, India, Brazil, UAE, South Korea, and Australia. -
What are the typical applications for 304 tube?
Heat exchangers, instrumentation, food processing, pharmaceutical, architectural, and automotive applications.
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Stop paying trader margins. Contact the leading 304 stainless steel tube manufacturer today for the most competitive price, immediate access to real-time stock, and same-day cutting of any size—including precision instrumentation tube and heat exchanger tube.