What is the equivalent standard of 904L stainless steel?

904L stainless steel.pdf

 

904L stainless steel is a high-alloy austenitic stainless steel that has gained widespread use in industries such as chemical processing, marine engineering, and luxury watchmaking. Known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, 904L is often compared to other advanced stainless steels like 2507 super duplex. In this article, we'll explore the equivalent standard of 904L stainless steel, what makes it special, and how it compares in price and performance.

What Is the Equivalent Standard of 904L Stainless Steel?

904L stainless steel is internationally standardized and identified by several material codes depending on the country or specification system. Below is a table of common equivalents:

Standard System	Grade Equivalent
UNS (ASTM)	N08904
EN / DIN	1.4539
ISO	X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5
JIS (Japan)	SUS 890L
AFNOR (France)	Z2NCDU25-20
BS (UK)	904S13

904L material standard: In the ASTM system, 904L is typically covered by ASTM B625, B649, and B673, depending on product form (plate, rod, or pipe).

What Is So Special About 904L Steel?

904L stands out among stainless steels for its superior corrosion resistance, especially for: sulfuric, phosphoric and acetic acids, pitting and crevice corrosion caused by chlorides, stress corrosion cracking.
Its high nickel content (about 23-25%) and molybdenum content (about 4-5%) make it more corrosion resistant than standard grades such as 316L and even 317L.
904L stainless steel is non-magnetic under all conditions, making it the material of choice for the following uses:
High purity chemical storage tanks, seawater equipment, heat exchangers, luxury watch cases (e.g. Rolex)

What Is the Difference Between 904L and 2507?

Property	904L Stainless Steel	2507 Super Duplex Stainless Steel
Microstructure	Austenitic	Austenitic + Ferritic (duplex)
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent	Superior (especially in chlorides)
Strength	Moderate	Very high (twice as strong)
Weldability	Good	Moderate (requires care)
Magnetic Properties	Non-magnetic	Slightly magnetic
Typical Use Cases	Chemicals, pharma, luxury	Oil & gas, desalination, offshore

Conclusion: 904L offers better weldability and acid resistance, while 2507 delivers higher mechanical strength and better chloride corrosion resistance.

 

Is 904L Stainless Steel Expensive?

Yes, 904L stainless steel is significantly more expensive than standard austenitic grades like 304 or 316. This is due to:

High alloying element content (especially nickel and molybdenum)

Limited availability compared to mainstream grades

Complex processing and lower production volumes

 

What Is the Price of 904L Stainless Steel?

Typical Price Range (As of 2024–2025):

Product Form	Price Range (USD/kg)
904L Plate/Sheet	$10 – $20 per kg
904L Seamless Pipe	$15 – $30 per kg
904L Round Bar	$12 – $25 per kg
904L Welded Tube	$14 – $28 per kg