What is the temperature range for ss304h?

What is the difference between SS304, SS304L, and SS304H?

SS304: Standard grade, good general corrosion resistance.

SS304L: Low-carbon version, ideal for welding applications to avoid carbide precipitation.

SS304H: High-carbon version, used for high-temperature and high-pressure environments requiring strength and creep resistance.

 

What Is the Temperature Range for SS304H Stainless Steel?

SS304H stainless steel is a high-carbon variant of the widely used SS304 / 1.4301 grade, designed for high-temperature strength and creep resistance. The "H" suffix stands for "High Carbon," typically meaning the carbon content is 0.04%–0.10%, compared with ≤0.03% in SS304L.

The temperature range for SS304H is generally from up to 870°C (1600°F) for intermittent service and up to 925°C (1700°F) for continuous service, making it ideal for use in boilers, pressure vessels, superheaters, and heat exchangers under ASME Section II / SA-240 requirements.

 

SS304H Stainless Steel specification

Property	Details
Standard Grades	ASTM A240 / ASME SA240 / EN 1.4948
Chemical Composition (%)	C: 0.04–0.10, Cr: 18.0–20.0, Ni: 8.0–11.0, Mn: ≤2.0, Si: ≤1.0, P: ≤0.045, S: ≤0.03
Density	8.0 g/cm³
Melting Point	1400–1450°C
Temperature Range	Continuous service up to 925°C (1700°F)
Microstructure	Fully austenitic
Heat Treatment	Solution annealed at 1010–1120°C, followed by rapid cooling
Equivalent Grades	UNS S30409 / DIN 1.4948 / JIS SUS304H

 

Mechanical Properties

Property	At Room Temperature	At Elevated Temperature (600°C)
Tensile Strength (MPa)	≥515	~340
Yield Strength (MPa)	≥205	~145
Elongation (%)	≥40	≥35
Hardness (HRB)	≤90	-

 

Can SS304H be used at room temperature?
Yes, it can, but for applications where high temperature isn't involved, SS304 or SS304L is typically more cost-effective.

 

Does SS304H resist corrosion as well as 304L?
SS304H offers similar general corrosion resistance but slightly lower intergranular corrosion resistance due to its higher carbon content.

 

Is SS304H suitable for welding?
Yes, but post-weld annealing is recommended for components operating above 500°C to restore corrosion resistance and stress-relieve the structure.

 

The global demand for SS304H stainless steel continues to increase, driven by the expansion of power generation plants, petrochemical refineries, and waste incineration facilities.
Buyers are moving toward high-temperature grades like 304H, 321H, and 347H to ensure reliability in heat-intensive systems.

Asia-Pacific remains the leading producer and consumer, particularly China and India.

European buyers prioritize EN 1.4948-certified plates and pipes for boilers and superheaters.

SS304H stainless steel Price range (2025 market):

SS304H plate: USD 4.5–5.5/kg

SS304H seamless pipe: USD 6.0–7.5/kg
(Price varies by thickness, size, and surface finish.)

 

At Gnee Stainless Steel, we specialize in supplying high-quality SS304H stainless steel products manufactured in strict compliance with ASTM A240 / ASME SA213 / SA312 / EN 1.4948 standards.
SS304H Plates & Sheets: Thickness 3 mm – 80 mm, Width 1000–2000 mm, Length up to 6000 mm.
SS304H Pipes & Tubes: Seamless & welded options, OD 6–630 mm, Wall thickness 0.5–50 mm.
SS304H Bars, Rods & Fittings: Round, hex, or square bars available in custom sizes.
SS304H Coils & Strips: Cold or hot rolled, with 2B / No.1 / BA finishes.

Value-Added Services:
Laser cutting, CNC machining, and bending
Bright annealing and pickling
Custom lengths and special packaging for export
Material traceability with MTC EN 10204 3.1