1.4948 (304H) Bar
Type 304 is the most versatile and widely used stainless steel. 304H, a high carbon content variant, is also available for use at high or low temperatures.
"H" grades are high carbon stainless steel grades, having improved strength at high temperatures - generally above 500°C. These high carbon grades have high short-term and long-term creep strength. They are usually produced in the form of pipe and plate.
Unlike 304L, Type 304H has a higher carbon content making the steel more suitable for use in applications where elevated temperatures are present. It is an austenitic chromium-nickel steel alloy and the greater carbon content delivers an increased tensile and yield strength.
Grade 304H is a high carbon version of grade 304, and it has the same composition specification as that of standard grade 304. Grade 304H does not have the 0.10% nitrogen maximum limit which is applicable to both "L" and standard grades. All austenitic "H" grades should have a grain size of ASTM No 7.
Chemical Composition
Spec: EN 10269:2013 Stainless Steel Bar
Chemical Element | % Present |
Carbon (C) | 0.04 - 0.08 |
Chromium (Cr) | 17.00 - 19.00 |
Manganese (Mn) | 0.0 - 2.00 |
Silicon (Si) | 0.0 - 1.00 |
Phosphorous (P) | 0.0 - 0.04 |
Sulphur (S) | 0.0 - 0.02 |
Nickel (Ni) | 8.00 - 11.00 |
Nitrogen (N) | 0.0 - 0.10 |
Iron (Fe) | Balance |
Benefits of using Grade 304H stainless steel include:
Higher carbon content gives the material greater heat resistant qualities
Higher tensile yield strength
Greater short and long term creep strength
Applications of 304H Stainless Steel
304H stainless steel is commonly found in the oil refining, gas and chemical industry and is used in industrial boilers, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pipelines and condensers. The material is also used throughout the power generation industry.