(+035) 527-1710-70
info@gmail.com
Steel has managed to become the heartthrob of countless industries and businesses. What’s more, it has a variant for anything and everything. One of the two most popular variants of stainless steel includes 304 and 202 pipes. While both of them are widely used, there is a thin line of distinction between both of them. In this blog, Sigma Pipes will be telling you in detail about the difference between these two.
Identification
First things first, how is one supposed to identify these pipes?
Both grade 304 and grade 202 stainless steel are classified as austenitic alloys, meaning they have a face-centered cubic microstructure. Grade 304, belonging to the 300 series stainless steel, inherits its austenitic structure primarily due to a higher nickel content in its alloy. On the other hand, grade 202 falls under the 200 series stainless steel, which substitutes elements like manganese and nitrogen for nickel as an effective alternative. However, it is worth noting that there is still a small amount of nickel content in their alloys.
Chemical Composition
The below table lists the chemical composition of 304:
| AISI | 304 | 304N | 304LN |
| Ni | 8 – 11 | 8 – 11 | 8 – 11 |
| Fe | Balance | ||
| Cr | 18 – 20 | 18 – 20 | 18 – 20 |
| C | 0.08 max | 0.08 max | 0.035 max |
| Si | 0.75 max | 0.75 max | 0.75 max |
| Mn | 2 max | 2 max | 2 max |
| P | 0.040 max | 0.040 max | 0.040 max |
| S | 0.030 max | 0.030 max | 0.030 max |
Here is the chemical composition 202 comes with:
| ELEMENT | CONTENT (%) |
|---|---|
| Fe | 68 |
| Cr | 17- 19 |
| Mn | 7.50-10 |
| Ni | 4-6 |
| Si | ≤ 1 |
| N | ≤ 0.25 |
| C | ≤ 0.15 |
| P | ≤ 0.060 |
| S | ≤ 0.030 |
Weldability
The most effective method for distinguishing between two different steel grades is by requesting a certified Material Test Report (MTR) from the manufacturer. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition, mechanical properties, and physical properties of each stainless steel alloy. Alternatively, there is a simple test that can be conducted to differentiate between the two grades. The spark test involves running a grinder over the alloy, with sparks from grade 304 having a reddish-orange tinge and thin appearance, while sparks from grade 202 are thicker, yellow, and fly more prominently. Additionally, manufacturers typically mark their products with the corresponding ASTM number, such as ASTM A312 TP304 or ASTM A312 TP316L, which helps in identifying the specific grade.
Application
Grade 304 stainless steel finds numerous applications in various industries. It is commonly used in kitchen benches, sinks, troughs, and equipment, making it ideal for food processing applications such as beer brewing, milk processing, and winemaking. Its strength and ductility make it suitable for woven or welded screens used in springs, mining, heat exchangers, quarrying, and water filtration. Additionally, grade 304 stainless steel is utilized in architectural paneling, railings, trim, chemical containers for transportation, and as threaded fasteners.
Grade 202 stainless steel also has its own set of practical applications. It is commonly found in kitchen sinks, cookery appliances, hose clamps, and restaurant equipment. Its versatility extends to automotive trim, railway bogeys, trailers, as well as architectural treatments like windows or doors. While both grades serve specific purposes, grade 304 stainless steel is often preferred for its broader range of applications and higher strength.
Costs
The cost of a stainless steel alloy is influenced by the composition of its chemical elements. In the case of grade 304 stainless steel, it contains a higher percentage of nickel, ranging from 8% to about 10.5%, which is nearly double the amount found in grade 202 stainless steel. Nickel is a commodity with fluctuating prices, and its inclusion in alloys significantly affects the overall cost of production. As a result, the manufacturing expense of austenitic stainless steel alloy 304 is higher compared to grade 202 due to the higher nickel content.
For a decent quote, get in touch with us at https://sigmapipes.com/.
