sus304 stainless steel vs t304
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When sourcing stainless steel, especially for global procurement, you may come across two nearly identical terms: SUS304 and T304. While they sound different, they both refer to the same stainless steel grade. However, understanding their naming origins, properties, and compatibility in welding or corrosion resistance is critical for informed purchasing decisions.
🔹 What is SUS304 Stainless Steel?
SUS304 is the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) designation for austenitic stainless steel with 18% chromium and 8% nickel. It is widely used in Asia, especially Japan, and is equivalent to AISI 304 under the American system.
🔹 What is T304 Stainless Steel?
T304 is a commercial or supplier shorthand for Type 304, the AISI/ASTM designation commonly used in the United States. Like SUS304, it's also an austenitic stainless steel with the same 18-8 (Cr-Ni) composition.
It typically conforms to standards such as:
ASTM A240 (for plate/sheet)
ASTM A312 (for pipe)
ASTM A554 (for tubing)
🔹What Is the Difference Between SUS304 and T304?
SUS304 is an austenitic stainless steel grade specified in the Japanese JIS G4303 standard (18Cr-8Ni), mainly used for general-purpose products such as sheets and bars. It is commonly available in 2B and BA surface finishes and is widely applied in architectural decoration and food processing equipment.
T304, on the other hand, conforms to ASTM A213/A312 standards and refers to 304 stainless steel used in piping applications. It places greater emphasis on pressure resistance and weldability, making it suitable for industrial environments such as heat exchangers and pressure pipelines.
Although both have nearly identical chemical compositions, TP304 is additionally required to pass hydrostatic testing (e.g., water pressure at 1.5 times the design pressure without leakage) and intergranular corrosion testing (such as ASTM A262 Practice E) during production. In contrast, SUS304 focuses more on formability and surface finish, especially in sheet applications.
🔹Will T304 Stainless Steel Rust?
T304 stainless steel is corrosion-resistant but not corrosion-proof.If high chloride resistance is required, consider upgrading to T316 stainless steel.
🔹Can You MIG Weld T304 Stainless Steel?
Yes, Use ER308L or ER308 filler wire,MIG welding (GMAW) can be used to weld T304 stainless steel effectively,Post-weld cleaning (pickling or passivation) is recommended to restore corrosion resistance.
Why Choose Gnee for SUS304/T304 Stainless Steel Materials?
in stock: Sheets, coils, pipes, tubes in SUS304 / T304
Custom Processing: Cutting, bending, polishing, and fabrication
Test Reports Available: PMI, mechanical, chemical, intergranular corrosion
Export Experience: Serving over 60 countries with stable logistics
Besides, we also provide many kinds of surface treatments, such as TP304 Stainless steel pickling pipe ,TP304 Frosted stainless steel tube ,TP304 Stainless steel BA pipe ,TP304 Stainless Steel Electropolished Pipe ,TP304 Stainless Steel Mechanical Polished Pipe.
