What is ASTM A240 steel equivalent to?
A240/A240M-11.pdf
What Is ASTM A240?
ASTM A240 is the standard specification for chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip for pressure vessels and general applications. It covers a broad range of stainless steel grades, including:
Austenitic stainless steels (e.g., 304, 316, 321)
Ferritic stainless steels (e.g., 409, 430)
Duplex stainless steels (e.g., 2205)
The standard specifies mechanical properties, chemical composition, heat treatment, and test methods for flat rolled stainless steel products.
Common ASTM A240 Steel Grades and Their Applications
| ASTM A240 Grade | Description | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 304 | Austenitic stainless steel | Food processing, kitchen equipment |
| 316 | Marine-grade stainless | Chemical, pharmaceutical, marine |
| 321 | Titanium stabilized 304 | High temperature environments |
| 409 | Ferritic stainless steel | Automotive exhaust systems |
| 2205 | Duplex stainless steel | Oil & gas, chemical processing |
ASTM A240 Equivalent Steel Standards
| ASTM A240 Grade | UNS Number | EN / DIN Equivalent | JIS Equivalent | GB/T (China) Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | S30400 | EN 1.4301 / X5CrNi18-10 | SUS304 | 06Cr19Ni10 |
| 316 | S31600 | EN 1.4401 / X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | SUS316 | 0Cr17Ni12Mo2 |
| 321 | S32100 | EN 1.4541 / X6CrNiTi18-10 | SUS321 | 00Cr18Ni11Ti |
| 409 | S40900 | EN 1.4512 / X6Cr21 | SUS409 | 0Cr18Al |
| 2205 (Duplex) | S31803 | EN 1.4462 / X2CrNiMoN22-5-3 | SUS329J4L | Z2CrNiMoN22-5-3 |
ASTM A240 Chemical Composition Comparison


Why Knowing Equivalents Matters?
Global Sourcing: Enables procurement from international suppliers with confidence in material compatibility.
Design & Engineering: Helps engineers select correct materials when referencing different standards in documentation or international projects.
Cost Efficiency: Allows flexibility to choose equivalent steels that meet project specs but might be more cost-effective or locally available.
What is the difference between A240 and A182?
ASTM A240 is stainless steel plate that offers strength at high temperatures, and high corrosion resistance. While ASTM A182 and ASTM A240 have similar chemical properties, the production method differs: A240 is plate; A182 is forged, which may affect materials choice.
What is the difference between ASTM A240 and ss304?
Another key difference between ASTM A240 and AISI 304 stainless steel is that ASTM A240 has a higher tensile strength than AISI 304. This means that ASTM A240 is better suited for applications where high levels of stress are present, such as in springs or fasteners.







