Austenitic · UNS S30400
304 Stainless Steel Tube & Pipe
304 tube and pipe is the workhorse for railing, food and general process lines. The tube/pipe distinction is how it is specified: tube is ordered by OD and wall, pipe by nominal bore and schedule — the same grade serves both, but the standard and the inspection differ.
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Austenitic · UNS S30400 · 8.00 g/cm³
Specification
304 Stainless Steel Tube & Pipe — Dimensions We Supply
| Thickness / section | Wall 0.5 – 40 mm |
|---|---|
| Width / OD | OD 6 – 630 mm |
| Length | Up to 12,000 mm |
| Surface finish | Pickled · Polished (180/320/600 grit) |
| Standards | ASTM A312 · A213 · A269 · EN 10216 |
| Typical applications | Heat exchanger · Pipeline · Railing · Food & pharma |
Dimensional range is the mill's standard offer for the form. The grade's composition and mechanical values are on the 304 grade page.
Grade in this form
304 Stainless Steel Tube & Pipe — What to Watch
For a welded process line, specify 304L and pickling and passivation after welding. Seamless to ASTM A312 for pressure duty; welded to ASTM A249 or A269 for general and sanitary service. Name the standard and the wall schedule, not just the size.
Choose 304 when
General corrosion duty, food contact, architectural trim and indoor fittings. The 18/8 chemistry resists atmospheric and mild chemical attack, welds well, and is stocked in far more gauges and forms than any other stainless grade.
Think again if
Coastal or chloride service, and welded assemblies. Chlorides pit 304; welding sensitizes it unless the low-carbon 304L is specified. If the part sees salt air, chlorinated cleaners or a weld, move to 316L or 2205.
Other forms
304 in Every Form We Supply
304 Stainless Steel Coil
304 coil is the volume form of the grade — thin-gauge, wide, ready to slit, blank or roll-form.
304 Stainless Steel Sheet & Plate
304 sheet and plate is the general-purpose flat form — thin sheet for fabrication and trim, thic
304 Stainless Steel Bar & Rod
304 bar and rod is the machinable form — shafts, fasteners, pump and valve parts. Cold-drawn bar
Before you ask
304 Stainless Steel Tube & Pipe — Questions Buyers Ask
Is 304 tube seamless or welded?
Both are supplied. Seamless to ASTM A312 for pressure duty, welded to ASTM A249 or A269 for general and sanitary service. The choice is driven by pressure and surface finish, not by the alloy.
What does 304 pipe cost relative to 316L?
304 is the lower-cost option because it has no molybdenum. For fresh water and general service it is the right call; step to 316L only where chlorides are present.
Can 304 tube be used for food contact?
Yes, for dry and general product contact. For wet, salty or acidic product, move to 316L, and specify the Ra finish and passivation on the order.
Also compare
Other Stainless Grades
- 316L Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S31603
- 2205 Stainless SteelDuplex · UNS S32205
- 304L Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S30403
- 316 Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S31600
- 201 Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S20100
- 430 Stainless SteelFerritic · UNS S43000
- 321 Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S32100
- 310S Stainless SteelAustenitic · UNS S31008
- All stainless grades →The full stainless grade map
Quote on 304 Stainless Steel Tube & Pipe
Send the grade, dimensions and quantity. You get price, lead time, MOQ and certificate type in one reply — and a straight answer if the grade is wrong for the job.