What is the difference between 304 and TP304?

304 Stainless Steel 

A general designation for the austenitic stainless steel alloy containing:

~18% Chromium

~8% Nickel

Used globally across multiple standards (ASTM, EN, JIS, etc.)

Typically applies to sheets, bars, plates, and other product forms.

304 stainless steel pipe:
1. Features: 304 stainless steel pipe is a universal stainless steel material with a relatively balanced content of chromium (>17%) and nickel (>8%). Its corrosion resistance is better than 302, 303 and 316 stainless steel, and it is suitable for a variety of environments.
2. Application: 304 stainless steel pipe is widely used in industrial and household fields, such as water, steam, air and other pipeline systems, tableware, medical equipment, automotive parts, etc.

TP304 Stainless Steel

"TP" stands for "Tube, Pipe" under ASTM A213/A269/A312 and similar piping standards.

Refers specifically to 304 stainless steel used for pressure-bearing tubing or piping.

Must meet chemical, mechanical, and dimensional requirements defined by ASTM piping specifications.

Common in boiler tubes, heat exchangers, and process piping.

1. TP304 stainless steel pipe:
1. Features: TP304 stainless steel pipe is a steel pipe with high corrosion resistance, suitable for various corrosive environments. Its composition contains a high content of chromium (>18%), which can effectively resist oxidation and corrosion.
2. Application: TP304 stainless steel pipe is widely used in the fields of petroleum, chemical, food, medicine, nuclear industry, etc., especially suitable for the production of key components such as pipelines, containers, valves, etc. in corrosive environments.
Difference comparison:
1. Corrosion resistance: TP304 stainless steel pipe has stronger corrosion resistance due to its higher content of chromium.
2. Application field: TP304 stainless steel pipe is suitable for a wider range of corrosive environments, such as petroleum, chemical, nuclear industry and other fields; while 304 stainless steel pipe is widely used in industrial and household fields.
3. Price: Due to the high smelting cost of TP304 stainless steel pipe, its price is relatively high.