What Is ASTM A240 Steel Equivalent To?
What ASTM A240 Covers
ASTM A240/A240M is the standard specification for chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip for pressure vessels and general applications. It sets the chemical composition, mechanical properties, heat treatment, and test methods for flat-rolled products. The grades range across the whole stainless family: austenitic (304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, 347), ferritic (409, 430, 439), martensitic (410, 420), and duplex (2205, 2507). Because the scope is flat products, A240 is the plate standard most frequently cross-referenced in international projects.
Equivalent Standards by Region
| A240 grade | UNS | EN 10088-2 | JIS G4304 | GB/T 4237 (China) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | S30400 | 1.4301 (X5CrNi18-10) | SUS304 | 06Cr19Ni10 |
| 304L | S30403 | 1.4307 (X2CrNi18-9) | SUS304L | 022Cr19Ni10 |
| 316 | S31600 | 1.4401 (X5CrNiMo17-12-2) | SUS316 | 06Cr17Ni12Mo2 |
| 316L | S31603 | 1.4404 (X2CrNiMo17-12-2) | SUS316L | 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 |
| 321 | S32100 | 1.4541 (X6CrNiTi18-10) | SUS321 | 06Cr18Ni11Ti |
| 430 | S43000 | 1.4016 (X6Cr17) | SUS430 | 10Cr17 |
| 2205 | S32205 | 1.4462 (X2CrNiMoN22-5-3) | SUS329J3L | 022Cr22Ni5Mo3N |
Common Grades and Typical Applications
304: food processing equipment, kitchen equipment, storage tanks, architectural panels.
316: chemical, pharmaceutical, and marine equipment where chloride resistance is needed.
321: high-temperature service where stabilization against sensitization matters.
409: automotive exhaust systems; 430: kitchen appliances and trim.
2205: oil and gas, chemical processing, seawater systems requiring high strength and chloride resistance.
Why Equivalent Does Not Mean Identical
An EN 1.4401 plate and an A240 316 plate have similar chemistry and can usually be substituted, but the standards differ in mechanical test requirements, tolerances, heat-treatment verification, and marking. For pressure equipment, the governing code decides which standard is acceptable; ASME Section II recognizes SA-240, and EN 13445 accepts EN 10028-7. Always compare the full property table, not just the grade name, before substituting an equivalent in a certified project.
A240 vs A182 vs A276
A240 covers flat products (plate, sheet, strip). A182 covers forged or rolled alloy and stainless pipe flanges, forged fittings, valves, and parts for high-temperature service. A276 covers stainless steel bars and shapes. The same nominal grade appears in all three, but each has its own mechanical and testing requirements, so a 316 plate (A240) and a 316 forging (A182) are not automatically interchangeable without engineering review.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ASTM A240 and A182?
A240 is the plate, sheet, and strip standard; A182 is the standard for stainless flanges, forged fittings, and valves. Same grade names, different product forms and requirements.
What is the difference between ASTM A240 and A276?
A240 covers flat-rolled stainless (plate, sheet, strip); A276 covers stainless bars and shapes. A 304 plate and a 304 bar follow different specifications and test regimes.
Is EN 1.4404 the same as A240 316L?
Chemically they are equivalent (UNS S31603, 16-18% Cr, 10-14% Ni, 2-3% Mo, C max 0.030%). Verify the mechanical and testing requirements of the governing code before substitution.
What does UNS stand for in the table?
Unified Numbering System, the alphanumeric identifier used across ASTM, ASME, and SAE to link equivalent grades, for example S31603 for 316L.
Which GB/T standard corresponds to A240?
GB/T 4237 covers hot-rolled stainless steel plate and sheet in China; GB/T 3280 covers cold-rolled. Designations follow the new naming, for example 022Cr17Ni12Mo2 for 316L.
Can I substitute SUS304 for A240 304 in a pressure vessel?
Only if the governing code and the vessel standard accept JIS material; most pressure vessel codes require material certified to a recognized code standard such as SA-240. Check with the design engineer first.
