Premium 904L Stainless Steel Sheet Plate Durable, Acid-Resistant Metal Material

Premium 904L Stainless Steel Sheet Plate Durable, Acid-Resistant Metal Material

904L stainless steel sheet and plate is an ultra-low-carbon, high-alloy austenitic stainless steel specifically engineered for environments where exceptional resistance to acids, chloride-induced corrosion, and extreme industrial conditions is essential. Featuring a unique chemistry enriched with nickel, chromium, molybdenum, and copper, this alloy provides superior strength and durability while maintaining outstanding workability and weldability.

Below is an in-depth, fully optimized product description—featuring structured sections, tables, and detailed specifications—to meet professional engineering use and modern SEO requirements.

1. Product Description

The 904L stainless steel sheet plate, also known as UNS N08904 or EN 1.4539, is designed for long-term reliability in aggressive industrial environments such as chemical plants, marine systems, and gas scrubbing facilities. It is valued for its enhanced resistance to pitting, crevice corrosion, and general corrosion even in warm chloride conditions where traditional stainless steels tend to deteriorate quickly.

Because of its low carbon content, 904L resists carbide precipitation during welding, which helps preserve its corrosion resistance even after fabrication. Its austenitic structure provides excellent toughness, enabling efficient forming, machining, and manufacturing of complex industrial components.

2. Main Features and Performance Advantages

Highly Resistant to Acidic Environments

• Suitable for sulfuric, phosphoric, and organic acid systems

• Maintains resistance even at high acid concentrations

• Copper content significantly boosts performance in reducing acids

Remarkable Chloride Corrosion Resistance

• Excellent resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion

• Performs reliably in seawater, salt processing, and brine systems

• Outperforms 316L, 317L, and duplex grades in chloride conditions

Superior Mechanical Strength

• High tensile strength and robust yield performance

• Maintains structural integrity across a wide temperature range

• Tough at cryogenic temperatures and stable at high operational temperatures

Excellent Fabrication Capabilities

• Good formability for bending, rolling, and deep drawing

• Ideal for welding with conventional processes

• Generally does not require post-weld heat treatment

Long Service Life

• Exceptional surface stability

• Reduced maintenance costs

• Designed for 20–30+ years of industrial use in harsh environments

3. Chemical Composition

The alloying elements of 904L stainless steel are precisely balanced to deliver maximum corrosion resistance:

This combination of high nickel and molybdenum content, along with added copper, creates a highly reliable corrosion-resistant alloy.

4. Mechanical Properties

These mechanical properties support excellent fabrication performance and long-term use in demanding structural applications.

5. Physical Properties

904L’s stable austenitic structure ensures consistent physical performance, making it ideal for heat exchangers, pressure vessels, and power-generation systems.

6. Available Sizes, Formats, and Finishes

904L stainless steel sheet and plate can be supplied in both hot-rolled and cold-rolled conditions.

Standard Size Range

Available Surface Finishes

• 2B – Smooth matte finish for industrial processing

• BA – Bright annealed surface for precision equipment

• No.1 – Hot-rolled finish for structural use

• No.4 – Brushed surface for architectural applications

• HL Hairline – Decorative finish for premium projects

7. Industry Applications

Chemical and Acid Processing

904L’s exceptional acid-resistant properties make it the preferred material for:

• Sulfuric acid handling equipment

• Organic acid reactors

• Evaporators and condensers

• Chemical storage containers

Marine Engineering and Offshore Structures

Its chloride resistance ensures durability in:

• Seawater cooling systems

• Offshore platform components

• Ship parts and fittings

• Desalination plant equipment

Oil and Gas Industry

Commonly used in high-corrosion zones such as:

• Gas scrubbing systems

• Refinery heat exchangers

• Pipeline components

• Separation and purification units

Power Generation and Environmental Systems

Ideal for conditions involving heat, moisture, and corrosive gases:

• Flue gas desulfurization (FGD) units

• Cooling towers

• Waste treatment machinery

Pharmaceutical and Food Processing

Its non-reactive, easy-to-clean surface suits hygienic applications:

• High-purity fluid tanks

• Sanitary piping

• Mixing and blending equipment

High-End Architectural and Industrial Design

Frequently used in premium structures requiring beauty and corrosion resistance:

• Decorative panels

• Sculptures and facades

• Designer industrial installations

8. Corrosion Resistance Profile

904L stainless steel is engineered for environments where other grades often fail. It offers:

Acid Resistance

• Withstands sulfuric acid across a broad concentration range

• Strong resistance to phosphoric and organic acids

• Suitable for mixtures containing halides

Pitting and Crevice Corrosion Resistance

• Excellent performance in chloride-rich environments

• Reliable in stagnant or low-flow conditions

Stress-Corrosion Cracking Resistance

• High nickel content improves resistance under tensile stress

• Suitable for high-pressure chemical equipment

Intergranular Corrosion Resistance

• Low carbon content prevents carbide formation

• Safe for welding without loss of corrosion resistance

9. Fabrication and Processing Guidelines

Cutting and Machining

• Compatible with laser, waterjet, and plasma cutting methods

• Requires sharp tools and controlled speeds for precision machining

Welding Performance

• Weldable using TIG, MIG, SMAW

• Recommended filler metals: 904L, nickel-based alloys

• Weld zones maintain corrosion resistance without post-heat treatment

Forming and Shaping

• High ductility supports deep drawing, bending, and cold forming

• Stress-relief treatment is optional but beneficial for intense forming operations

10. Packaging and Delivery

To ensure damage-free transport, 904L stainless steel plates are packed using:

• Moisture-resistant wrapping

• Protective plastic film

• Wooden pallets or crates

• Edge and surface protection layers

Global shipping is available for bulk or customized orders.

11. Quality Assurance Standards

Every plate undergoes rigorous testing, including:

• Spectrometer chemical analysis

• Mechanical tensile and hardness testing

• Dimensional inspection

• Ultrasonic flaw detection

• PMI identification

• Surface integrity evaluation

Common international standards include:

• ASTM A240 / ASTM B625

• EN 1.4539

• JIS G4304 / G4305

• GB/T industrial specifications

12. Conclusion

The Premium 904L Stainless Steel Sheet Plate is a top-tier, acid-resistant alloy engineered for extreme industrial conditions. Its superior resistance to a wide range of corrosive media—combined with excellent formability, high strength, and long service life—makes it an unmatched material solution for chemical plants, marine environments, oil and gas operations, pharmaceutical production, and high-end engineering projects.

For applications where durability, purity, and corrosion resistance are critical, 904L stainless steel plate represents the most reliable and cost-effective choice over the long term.