Is 904L Stainless Steel Sheet More Expensive Than 316L?
Feb 05, 2026
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If you are sourcing high-performance stainless steel for chemical, marine, or industrial projects, a common question is: Is 904L stainless steel more expensive than 316L stainless steel? The answer is yes, 904L stainless steel is significantly more expensive than 316L stainless steel, typically costing 60% to 80% more, averaging about 1.5 times the price of 316L. This higher price is due to its higher content of expensive alloying elements, which makes it superior to 316L stainless steel.
What is 904L stainless steel sheet?
904L stainless steel sheet is a high-alloy, non-magnetic austenitic stainless steel (UNS N08904) designed for exceptional corrosion resistance in severe environments, particularly against sulphuric and phosphoric acids. Containing high nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and copper, it offers superior resistance to chloride-induced pitting and stress corrosion cracking.
What is 316L stainless steel sheet?
316L stainless steel sheet is an ultra-low carbon austenitic stainless steel with a carbon content of no more than 0.03% (C≤0.03%). It also contains 16%-18% chromium, 10%-14% nickel, and 2%-3% molybdenum, significantly improving its corrosion resistance and resistance to intergranular corrosion. It is especially suitable for environments where annealing after welding is not possible and high corrosion resistance is required.
🔹Chemical Composition
| Element | 316L (% by weight) | 904L (% by weight) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | ≤ 0.03 | ≤ 0.02 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 16.0–18.0 | 19.0–23.0 |
| Nickel (Ni) | 10.0–14.0 | 23.0–28.0 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.0–3.0 | 4.0–5.0 |
| Copper (Cu) | - | 1.0–2.0 |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤ 0.10 | ≤ 0.10 |
🔹Mechanical Properties
| Property | 316L Stainless Steel | 904L Stainless Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Tensile Strength (MPa) | ≥ 485 | ≥ 490 |
| Yield Strength (MPa) | ≥ 170 | ≥ 220 |
| Elongation (%) | ≥ 40 | ≥ 35 |
| Hardness (HRB) | ≤ 95 | ≤ 90 |
| Density (g/cm³) | 8.00 | 8.05 |
🔹Corrosion Resistance (Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number, PREN)
| Grade | PREN | Visual Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| 904L | 40–45 | 🟢 Excellent |
| 316L | 24–26 | 🟡 Moderate |
🔹Magnetic Response
| Grade | Magnetic Properties |
|---|---|
| 904L | Non-magnetic (annealed), minimal after cold working |
| 316L | Non-magnetic (annealed), minimal after cold working |
🔹Recommended Applications
| Grade | Typical Uses |
|---|---|
| 904L | Offshore platforms, chemical tanks, pharmaceutical equipment, marine piping |
| 316L | Food processing, water treatment, general chemical equipment |
🔹Cost Comparison
| Grade | Relative Market Price | Visual Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| 904L | 2–3× 316L | 🔴 High |
| 316L | Base | 🟢 Moderate |
Is 904L Stainless Steel Sheet More Expensive Than 316L?
Yes, 904L stainless steel sheet is significantly more expensive than 316L, typically costing 60% to 80% more, or averaging about 1.5 times the price. This higher cost is due to its superior corrosion resistance and increased alloy content,specifically higher nickel (23–28%) and molybdenum (4–5%) levels compared to 316L.
Where can I buy 904L plates?
If you are looking for a supplier of 904L stainless steel plates, GNEE Stainless Steel offers high-quality 904L hot-rolled and cold-rolled plates, all with MTC, PMI, and NDT certification reports. We offer flexible payment terms, including T/T, L/C, or D/P, with a standard delivery time of 15-30 days, depending on the order quantity. The pipes are packaged in export-grade wooden crates with plastic end caps to prevent deformation and corrosion. We offer various shipping options such as FOB, CFR, CIF, or DDP, and provide real-time tracking and complete export documentation to ensure safe and reliable delivery worldwide.
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