Type 304 Square Tubes

Type 304 Square Tubes

Type 304 Square Tubes

Type 304 stainless steel square tubes are part of the austenitic stainless steel family, containing 18% chromium and 8% nickel. Known as the "18-8" stainless steel, Type 304 offers excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. These square hollow structural sections (HSS) are ideal for architectural, industrial, and structural applications where both strength and corrosion resistance are required.

  • 304/304L Stainless
  • 18-8 Chromium-Nickel
  • Excellent Corrosion Resistance
  • Architectural Grade

Overview

Type 304 Square Tubes are a fundamental component in modern industrial and architectural applications, prized for their exceptional corrosion resistance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. As part of the austenitic stainless steel family, these tubes contain 18% chromium and 8% nickel, providing superior performance in a wide range of environments. Their square profile offers excellent structural integrity and ease of fabrication, making them a top choice for engineers, fabricators, and designers.

Manufactured to meet strict ASTM A554 standards, Type 304 Square Tubes deliver reliable mechanical properties and consistent quality. The 304 alloy composition ensures good formability and weldability, allowing for complex fabrication without compromising material integrity. These tubes maintain their strength and appearance even under demanding conditions, from industrial settings to coastal atmospheres.

The versatility of 304 Stainless Steel Square Tubing makes it suitable for countless applications. In architecture, it's used for handrails, balustrades, and decorative structures. Industrially, it serves in equipment frames, conveyor systems, and machinery guards. The food and beverage industry relies on it for processing equipment due to its ease of cleaning and corrosion resistance.

Choosing Type 304 Square Tubes provides multiple benefits including excellent value, long service life, and minimal maintenance requirements. Their corrosion resistance reduces replacement costs, while their attractive finish enhances project aesthetics. Available in various finishes and sizes, these tubes can be customized to meet specific project requirements while maintaining structural performance.

Specifications

  • Standard: ASTM A554
  • Grade: 304/304L
  • Shape: Square Hollow Structural Sections (HSS)
  • Tolerances: 1% on wall thickness, 0.5% on outside dimensions
  • Surface Finish: Mill finish, polished options available
  • Length: Standard 20-24 feet, custom lengths available
  • Corrosion Resistance: Excellent in most environments
  • Temperature Range: -425F to 1600F (-254C to 871C)
  • Density: 0.285 lb/in? (7.93 g/cm?)
Values may vary by mill & heat; verify against the MTR for your order.

Applications

  • Architectural: Handrails, balustrades, curtain wall systems, decorative structures
  • Industrial: Equipment frames, machinery guards, conveyor systems, work platforms
  • Transportation: Truck and trailer components, railings, structural supports
  • Food Processing: Equipment frames, work surfaces, material handling systems
  • Commercial: Store fixtures, display systems, furniture frameworks, signage supports
  • Marine: Deck fittings, railings, structural components
  • Chemical Processing: Equipment supports, frames, and structures
  • Medical Equipment: Structural components and frames

Weldability

  • Excellent weldability using MIG, TIG, and Stick welding processes
  • Recommended filler metals: ER308, ER308L, or ER309 for dissimilar metals
  • Use proper shielding gas (argon or argon/CO? mixtures) for optimal results
  • Clean surfaces thoroughly before welding to remove contaminants
  • Use low heat input to minimize carbide precipitation in the heat-affected zone
  • Post-weld cleaning and passivation recommended for maximum corrosion resistance

How to Measure

Outside Dimension Wall Thickness

Outside Dimensions (OD): Measure across the outside faces of the tube. Both width and height should be equal for a true square tube.

Wall Thickness: Measure the thickness of the tube walls using calipers.

Length: Standard lengths are 20-24 feet; custom lengths specified in feet/inches or meters.

Ordering Format: Quantity x Size x Wall Thickness x Length

Example: 50 pcs - 2" x 2" x 0.125" wall x 20' length

Tolerance Standards: 0.005" on wall thickness for thinner gauges

Order Checklist

  • Outside dimensions (width x height in inches)
  • Wall thickness (inches or gauge)
  • Grade (304 or 304L)
  • Required length (feet or inches)
  • Finish (mill finish, polished, brushed, etc.)
  • Quantity (pieces or total length)
  • Cutting instructions (specific lengths, miter cuts, tolerance)
  • Any certifications (MTR, material traceability)
  • Special handling or packaging requirements

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