Type 304 Round Tubes

Type 304 Round Tubes

Type 304 Stainless Steel Round Tubes

Type 304 is the basic "18-8" chromium-nickel stainless steel, combining excellent mechanical properties with remarkable resistance to many corrosive agents. It offers high resistance to rust and excellent fabrication capabilities for a wide range of industrial applications.

  • 304 / 18-8 Stainless
  • Chromium-Nickel Alloy
  • Corrosion Resistant
  • Excellent Weldability

Overview

Type 304 Round Tubes represent the industry standard for austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel, widely recognized as the fundamental '18-8' grade. These tubes combine exceptional mechanical properties with remarkable resistance to a wide range of corrosive environments, making them the go-to choice for countless industrial applications. With their high resistance to rust and outstanding fabrication capabilities, Type 304 Round Tubes deliver reliable performance across manufacturing, construction, and processing industries.

Technical Overview: Type 304 Round Tubes (UNS S30400/30403) contain approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, creating a balanced austenitic structure that provides excellent corrosion resistance and formability. This chemical composition ensures good mechanical properties at various temperatures while maintaining non-magnetic characteristics in the annealed condition. The material's versatility makes it suitable for welding, machining, and forming operations without specialized equipment.

Applications: Type 304 Round Tubes serve critical functions across multiple sectors including food processing equipment, pharmaceutical manufacturing, architectural applications, chemical containers, and heat exchangers. Their corrosion resistance makes them ideal for environments exposed to mild chemicals, atmospheric conditions, and fresh water. The round tube configuration provides optimal structural efficiency for fluid transport, structural components, and mechanical applications requiring hollow sections.

Advantages: The primary benefits of Type 304 Round Tubes include excellent corrosion resistance to most oxidizing acids, outstanding fabrication characteristics, good mechanical properties across temperature ranges, and ease of cleaning and maintenance. Their hygienic surface properties make them suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications, while their durability ensures long service life in demanding industrial environments. Available in various sizes and finishes, these tubes offer design flexibility while maintaining cost-effectiveness for professional applications.

Specifications

Alloy
304 (18% Cr, 8% Ni) / UNS S30400
Standards
ASTM A213, A269, A511, A554
OD Range
0.125" to 8.000"
Wall Thickness Range
0.028" to 0.500"
OD Tolerance
0.005"
Wall Tolerance
10%
Straightness
0.015" per foot
Condition
Annealed, Pickled, Bright Annealed
Surface Finish
Mill, Polished, Electropolished
Values may vary by mill & heat; verify against the MTR for your order.

Applications

  • Food & Beverage: Processing equipment, brewing systems, dairy piping
  • Pharmaceutical: Process piping, transfer lines, sanitary systems
  • Architectural: Handrails, structural elements, decorative features
  • Chemical: Process piping, transfer lines, mild chemical handling
  • Industrial: Heat exchangers, mechanical components, instrumentation
  • Construction: Structural supports, architectural elements, handrails
  • Automotive: Exhaust systems, fluid lines, decorative trim
  • Medical: Equipment frames, instrument housings, clean room fixtures

Weldability

  • Excellent weldability using TIG (GTAW), MIG (GMAW), or orbital welding processes.
  • Use 308L or 309L filler material for welding Type 304 stainless steel tubes.
  • Thoroughly clean the weld area to remove contaminants, oils, and oxides.
  • Use proper gas coverage (argon for TIG) with back purging for critical applications.
  • Control heat input to minimize distortion and prevent carbide precipitation.
  • For sanitary applications, use orbital welding with controlled parameters.
  • Post-weld passivation may be required to restore corrosion resistance.

How to Measure & Specify

Stainless Steel Round Tube Measurement Diagram Diagram showing a stainless steel round tube with arrows indicating outside diameter and wall thickness. O.D. (Outside Diameter) Wall Stainless Steel Tube

To specify Type 304 Round Tubes:

  • Outside Diameter (O.D.): Specify in inches or millimeters (e.g., 1.5").
  • Wall Thickness (WT): Specify in inches or gauge (e.g., 0.065" or 16 ga).
  • Length: Required length in feet or meters.
  • Alloy: Type 304 or 304L (for improved weldability).
  • Finish: Mill, polished, electropolished, or other specified finish.
  • Tolerance: Standard commercial or specify if precision needed.
  • Full Spec Example: "1.5" OD ? 0.065" wall ? 20' length, Type 304, polished finish"

Measurement Tip: Measure O.D. across the tube's widest point. Wall thickness is measured at any point around the circumference. Use calipers for precise measurements.

Order Checklist

  • Dimensions: O.D. ? Wall Thickness
  • Alloy: 304 or 304L
  • Quantity: Number of pieces or total linear feet
  • Length: Desired length per piece (standard or custom)
  • Finish: Mill, polished, electropolished, or other
  • Tolerance: Standard or precision requirements
  • Condition: Annealed, pickled, bright annealed
  • Cutting Instructions: Tolerance, bundled, or individual
  • Certifications: Mill Test Reports (MTRs) required (Yes/No)
  • Packaging: Protective requirements for surface finish
  • End Treatment: Square cut, deburred, or special ends

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1.125
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1.500
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1.769
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1.769
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1.343
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