SUS304H vs SUS304: Key Differences
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If you're considering SUS304H vs SUS304 stainless steel for your project, understanding their key differences is essential for selecting the right material for your application. Both are austenitic stainless steels widely used in industrial, commercial, and structural applications, but their unique properties make them suited for different environments.
what is SUS304 stainless steel?
SUS 304 stainless steel is the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) designation for the widely used 304 grade stainless steel (equivalent to American AISI 304). It is an austenitic stainless steel with a composition of approximately 18% chromium and 8% nickel, making it an ideal material for cookware, food processing, architectural decoration, and general industrial applications. However, it may be susceptible to salt corrosion and is more difficult to machine than some other steels.
What is the composition of 304H material?
SUS304H is a high-carbon variation of the common 304 stainless steel, specifically engineered for superior strength and creep resistance in high-temperature environments (like boilers, heat exchangers, and piping above 500°C/932°F), making it ideal for demanding industrial applications where standard 304 might soften or fail, while still retaining good corrosion resistance and weldability.
SUS304 Vs SUS304H:Carbon Content
SUS304H has a higher carbon content (up to 0.1%) compared to SUS304, which contains ≤0.08% carbon. The higher carbon content in SUS304H enhances its creep resistance and high-temperature strength, making it more suitable for applications that involve elevated temperatures or thermal cycling.
SUS304 vs SUS304H: Chemical Composition
| Property | SUS304 (AISI 304) | SUS304H (AISI 304H) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | ||
| Carbon (C) | ≤0.08% | 0.04–0.10% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 18.0–20.0% | 18.0–20.0% |
| Nickel (Ni) | 8.0–10.5% | 8.0–10.5% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤2.0% | ≤2.0% |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤1.0% | ≤1.0% |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.045% | ≤0.045% |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.030% | ≤0.030% |
| Nitrogen (N) | ≤0.10% | ≤0.10% |
| Iron (Fe) | Balance | Balance |
SUS304 vs SUS304H: Mechanical Properties
| SUS304 (AISI 304) | SUS304H (AISI 304H) | |
| Tensile Strength | 505 MPa (min) | 515 MPa (min) |
| Yield Strength | 215 MPa (min) | 205 MPa (min) |
| Elongation | 40% (min) | 40% (min) |
| Hardness (Brinell) | 201 HB | 201 HB |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 193–200 GPa | 193–200 GPa |
| Impact Strength | 200 J (min) at -196°C | 200 J (min) at -196°C |
| Max Service Temperature | 500°C (932°F) | 800°C (1472°F) |
| Creep Resistance | Moderate | High |
SUS304 Vs SUS304H:High-Temperature Performance
SUS304H excels in high-temperature environments and can withstand temperatures up to 800°C (1472°F) continuously, while SUS304 performs well at temperatures up to 500°C (932°F). The enhanced strength and creep resistance of SUS304H make it more reliable for use in industries such as chemical processing, power generation, and aerospace, where components experience constant thermal stress.
SUS304 Vs SUS304H:Creep Resistance and Tensile Strength
SUS304H has superior creep resistance compared to SUS304. This makes it a better choice for high-stress applications under elevated temperatures, such as heat exchangers and boiler tubes. SUS304H also maintains a higher tensile strength (515 MPa) than SUS304 (505 MPa), ensuring enhanced performance under load-bearing conditions.
SUS304 Vs SUS304H:Corrosion Resistance
Both SUS304 and SUS304H offer excellent corrosion resistance in most environments, including food processing, marine, and chemical environments. However, due to the higher carbon content in SUS304H, it may show slightly reduced performance in highly chloride-rich environments, where 304L or 316L would typically perform better.
SUS304 Vs SUS304H: Applications
SUS304 is widely used in general-purpose applications, including kitchen equipment, automotive parts, and architectural components. On the other hand, SUS304H is ideal for high-temperature applications such as furnace parts, boilers, and pressure vessels, where the material is exposed to continuous or intermittent thermal cycling.
What is the difference between SUS304H and SUS304L?
SUS304H has higher carbon (0.04-0.10%) for better high-temperature strength (creep resistance), while SUS304L has lower carbon (≤0.03%) for superior weldability and corrosion resistance after welding (no post-weld treatment needed). The "H" signifies higher carbon for high temp, and "L" means "Low" carbon for welding, making 304L ideal for welded structures, while 304H suits boilers and heat exchangers.
GNEE currently has SUS304H and SUS304L stainless steel in stock, including: plates, sheets, coils, strips, tubes, bars, and wires. In addition, we offer a variety of surface finishes for you to choose from, such as: No.1, 2B, 2D, BA, No.3, No.4, HL, No.8, sandblasting, etc.
We guarantee 100% quality. We will never deliver any defective products to our customers. Please contact us to customize your required product specifications, including shape, condition, surface treatment, and processing technology.Email: info@gneestainless.com
