What is 1.4062 Stainless Steel?

1.4062 stainless steel, commonly known as 2304 or UNS S32304, is a lean duplex stainless steel that offers a cost-effective balance of high strength, good corrosion resistance, and excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking. With its ferritic-austenitic microstructure, it provides approximately twice the yield strength of conventional austenitic grades like 304L and 316L, while requiring lower nickel and molybdenum content. This makes it an economical alternative for applications where the higher alloy content of standard duplex 2205 is not necessary.

 

This lean duplex grade is standardized under key international systems.

Standard	Equivalent Grade
EN (Europe)	1.4062
ASTM/AISI (USA)	2304, UNS S32304
Common Name	Lean Duplex 2304

Its composition is balanced with moderate chromium and nitrogen, with lower nickel and molybdenum than standard duplex grades.

Element	C	Si	Mn	P	S	Cr	Ni	Mo	N
Content (%)	≤ 0.03	≤ 1.0	≤ 2.5	≤ 0.04	≤ 0.03	21.5 - 24.5	3.0 - 5.5	0.1 - 0.6	0.05 - 0.20

It offers high strength with good toughness and corrosion resistance.

Property	Yield Strength (Rp0.2)	Tensile Strength (Rm)	Elongation (A)	Hardness (HB)	Impact (J)
Typical Value	≥ 400 MPa	600 - 820 MPa	≥ 25%	≤ 290	≥ 100 (20°C)

 

Key Characteristics and Applications of 1.4062 / 2304

High Strength: Offers approximately twice the yield strength of austenitic grades like 304L and 316L (400 MPa vs. 200 MPa), allowing for significant weight reduction and thinner sections in structural applications.

Good Corrosion Resistance: Provides corrosion resistance between 304L and 316L, with PREN typically 24-26. Excellent resistance to stress corrosion cracking in chloride environments.

Cost-Effective: Lower nickel and molybdenum content makes it more affordable than standard duplex 2205, while offering better performance than austenitic grades.

Good Weldability: Can be welded using common techniques with appropriate filler metals, maintaining good properties in the welded condition without post-weld heat treatment.

 

Primary Applications:

Structural Engineering: Bridges, storage tanks, pressure vessels, and architectural features requiring high strength and corrosion resistance.

Water Treatment: Tanks, piping, and components in desalination plants, water heaters, and wastewater treatment.

Food Processing: Equipment for food and beverage handling where chloride resistance is needed.

Pulp & Paper: Storage tanks and handling equipment for process streams.

Marine: Boat shafts, fittings, and components in coastal environments.

Oil & Gas: Piping and tanks in less aggressive sour service.

Renewable Energy: Solar panel frames and support structures in coastal locations.

 

How does 2304 (1.4062) compare to 304L (1.4307) and 316L (1.4404)?
2304 offers approximately twice the yield strength of both 304L and 316L (400 MPa vs. 200 MPa), enabling significant weight savings in structural designs and allowing for thinner material sections. Its corrosion resistance lies between 304L and 316L, with PREN 24-26 offering better pitting resistance than 304L (PREN 18-20) but slightly less than 316L (PREN 24-26 depending on composition). It provides superior resistance to chloride stress corrosion cracking compared to both austenitic grades. 2304 is typically more cost-effective than 316L and price-stable due to lower nickel content. However, 304L and 316L offer better formability for complex shapes and higher toughness at very low temperatures. 2304 is often chosen as a higher-strength alternative to 304L, or as a more economical alternative to 316L where its corrosion resistance is sufficient.

 

What are the welding considerations for 2304 (1.4062) duplex stainless steel?
Welding 2304 requires maintaining the balanced ferrite-austenite microstructure for optimal properties. Recommended practices include using matching or slightly over-alloyed filler metals (typically 2209 type), controlling heat input (0.5-2.5 kJ/mm), and maintaining interpass temperature below 150°C. Shielding gas with nitrogen addition (typically Ar + 2-3% N2) helps maintain nitrogen content and promote austenite formation in the weld metal. Preheating is generally not required, and post-weld heat treatment is not necessary. The lower alloy content makes 2304 more forgiving to weld than higher-alloyed duplex grades, with a wider processing window and reduced risk of detrimental phase formation. For optimum corrosion resistance in severe environments, over-alloyed filler metals may be considered to compensate for any nitrogen loss during welding.

 

Looking for a Reliable Supplier of 1.4062 / 2304 Stainless Steel?
GNEE Steel supplies cost-effective Lean Duplex 2304 (1.4062) stainless steel in plate, sheet, bar, pipe, and fitting forms for structural and industrial applications. We provide full material certification (EN 10204 3.1) and processing support including cutting, bending, forming, and welding services. If you have any requirements, please feel free to contact us.