What is ASTM A240?
ASTM A240 is a standard set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), covering chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips used in pressure vessels and a variety of general applications. This specification outlines the required chemical makeup and mechanical properties for a range of stainless steel grades provided in plate, sheet, or strip form. These stainless steel materials are often used in architecture, construction, and various general-purpose applications. The standard also includes guidelines for sampling and certification processes to ensure quality.
ASTM A240 Specification for Stainless Steel Plates, Sheets, and Strips for Flat Washers
The ASTM A240 specification also applies to stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips used as base materials for making flat washers and other bolting assembly parts. This specification covers the composition and mechanical standards for stainless steel alloys, including austenitic, ferritic, martensitic, duplex, super duplex, and high-molybdenum alloys. At Kalpataru Piping Solutions, we commonly work with a variety of grades conforming to ASTM A240, including 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, 347, 309, 310, 316Ti, 317L, Xm-19, 904L, 409, 410, 430, Duplex S31803, S32205, Super Duplex S32750, S32760, S32550, UNS S31254 (high molybdenum), Alloy 20, and more. These high-quality materials are widely used in manufacturing durable sheet metal washers for various industrial applications.
ASTM A240 Grades
| Type | Raw Material |
| 304 | 18-8 Chromium Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel |
| 316L | Low Carbon, Chromium Nickel Molybdenum Austenitic Stainless Steel |
| 321 | Titanium Stabalized 18-8 Chromium Nickel Austenitic Stainless Steel |
| 410 | 12% Straight Chromium Martensitic Stainless Steel |
| 904L | High Nickel Molybdenum Super Austenitic Stainless Steel |
| UNS S31803 | Ferritic / Austenitic Duplex Stainless Steel |
| UNS S32750 | Ferritic / Austenitic Super Duplex Stainless Steel |
| UNS S31254 | High Moly Austenitic Stainless Steel |
ASTM A240 Chemical Composition
| Element | 304 | 316 | 321 | 410 | 904L | S31803 | S32750 | S31254 |
| Carbon | 0.07 | 0.08 | 0.08 | 0.08 – 0.15 | 0.02 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.02 |
| Manganese, max | 2.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 | 1.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 | 1.20 | 1.00 |
| Phosphorus, max | 0.045 | 0.045 | 0.045 | 0.040 | 0.045 | 0.030 | 0.035 | 0.030 |
| Sulfur, max | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.030 | 0.035 | 0.020 | 0.020 | 0.010 |
| Silicon | 0.75 | 0.75 | 0.75 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.80 | 0.80 |
| Chromium | 17.50 – 19.50 | 16.00 – 18.00 | 17.00 – 19.00 | 11.50 – 13.50 | 19.00 – 23.00 | 21.00 – 23.00 | 24.00 – 26.00 | 19.50 – 20.50 |
| Nickel | 8.00 – 10.50 | 10.00 – 14.00 | 9.00 – 12.00 | 0.75 | 23.00 – 28.00 | 4.50 – 6.50 | 6.00 – 8.00 | 17.50 – 18.50 |
| Molybdenum | … | 2.00 – 3.00 | … | … | 4.00 – 5.00 | 2.50 – 3.50 | 3.00 – 5.00 | 6.00 – 6.50 |
| Nitrogen | 0.10 max | 0.10 max | 0.10 max | … | 0.10 max | 0.08 – 0.20 | 0.24 – 0.32 | 0.18 – 0.25 |
| Copper, max | … | … | … | … | 1.00 – 2.00 | … | 0.50 | 0.50 – 1.00 |
| Titanium | … | … | 5 x (C+N) – 0.70 | … | … | … | … | … |
ASTM A240 Material Properties
| Type | Tensile Strength, ksi, min |
Yield Strength, ksi, min |
Elongation, % min |
Hardness, maxA |
| 304 | 75 | 30 | 40 | 201 HBW or 92 HRB |
| 316 | 75 | 30 | 40 | 217 HBW or 95 HRB |
| 321 | 75 | 30 | 40 | 217 HBW or 95 HRB |
| 410 | 65 | 30 | 20 | 217 HBW or 96 HRB |
| 904L | 71 | 31 | 35 | 95 HRB |
| UNS S31803 | 90 | 65 | 25 | 293 HBW or 31 HRC |
| UNS S32750 | 116 | 80 | 15 | 310 HBW or 32 HRC |
| UNS S31254 | 100 | 45 | 35 | 223 HBW or 96 HRB |
ASTM A240 Equivalent Indian Standard
| sa 240 gr | JIS G4304 | ASTM | UNS | KS | EN 10095 | AS | CNS |
| sa 240 gr 201 | SUS201 | 201 | S20100 | STS201 | 1.4372 | 201-2 | 201 |
| sa 240 gr 202 | SUS202 | 202 | S20200 | STS202 | 1.4373 | – | 202 |
| sa 240 gr 301 | SUS301 | 301 | S30100 | STS301 | 1.4319 | 301 | 301 |
| sa 240 gr 304 | SUS304 | 304 | S30400 | STS304 | 1.4301 | 304 | 304 |
| sa 240 gr 304L | SUS304L | 304L | S30403 | STS304L | 1.4306 | 304L | 304L |
| sa 240 gr 304N | SUS304N1 | 304N | S30451 | STS304N1 | 1.4315 | 304N1 | 304N1 |
| sa 240 gr XM21 | SUS304N2 | XM21 | S30452 | STS304N2 | – | 304N2 | 304N2 |
| sa 240 gr 304LN | SUS304LN | 304LN | S30453 | STS304LN | – | 304LN | 304LN |
| sa 240 gr 305 | SUS305 | 305 | S30500 | STS305 | 1.4303 | 305 | 305 |
| sa 240 gr 309S | SUS309S | 309S | S30908 | STS309S | 1.4833 | 309S | 309S |
| sa 240 gr 310S | SUS310S | 310S | S31008 | STS310S | 1.4845 | 310S | 310S |
| sa 240 gr 316 | SUS316 | 316 | S31600 | STS316 | 1.4401 | 316 | 316 |
| sa 240 gr 316Ti | SUS316Ti | 316Ti | S31635 | – | 1.4571 | 316Ti | 316Ti |
| sa 240 gr 316L | SUS316L | 316L | S31603 | STS316L | 1.4404 | 316L | 316L |
| sa 240 gr 316N | SUS316N | 316N | S31651 | STS316N | – | 316N | 316N |
| sa 240 gr 316LN | SUS316LN | 316LN | S31653 | STS316LN | 1.4429 | 316LN | 316LN |
| – | SUS316J1 | – | – | STS316J1 | – | 316J1 | 316J1 |
| – | SUS316J1L | – | – | STS316J1L | – | – | 316J1L |
| sa 240 gr 317 | SUS317 | 317 | S31700 | STS317 | – | 317 | 317 |
| sa 240 gr 317L | SUS317L | 317L | S31703 | STS317L | 1.4438 | 317L | 317L |
| sa 240 gr 321 | SUS321 | 321 | S32100 | STS321 | 1.4541 | 321 | 321 |
| sa 240 gr 347 | SUS347 | 347 | S34700 | STS347 | 1.455 | 347 | 347 |
| sa 240 gr 329 | SUS329J1 | 329 | S32900 | STS329J1 | 1.4477 | 329J1 | 329J1 |
| – | SUS329J3L | – | S31803 | STS329J3L | 1.4462 | 329J3L | 329J3L |
| sa 240 gr 405 | SUS405 | 405 | S40500 | STS405 | 1.4002 | 405 | 405 |
| sa 240 gr 409 | SUH409 | 409 | S40900 | STS409 | 1.4512 | 409L | 409L |
| – | SUS410L | – | – | STS410L | – | 410L | 410L |
| sa 240 gr 430 | SUS430 | 430 | S43000 | STS430 | 1.4016 | 430 | 430 |
| sa 240 gr 434 | SUS434 | 434 | S43400 | STS434 | 1.4113 | 434 | 434 |
| – | – | – | S43940 | – | 1.4509 | 439 | 439 |
| sa 240 gr 444 | SUS444 | 444 | S44400 | STS444 | 1.4521 | 444 | 444 |
| sa 240 gr 403 | SUS403 | 403 | S40300 | STS403 | – | 403 | 403 |
| sa 240 gr 410 | SUS410 | 410 | S41000 | STS410 | 1.4006 | 410 | 410 |
| sa 240 gr 420 | SUS420J1 | 420 | S42000 | STS420J1 | 1.4021 | 420 | 420J1 |
| – | SUS420J2 | – | – | STS420J2 | 1.4028 | 420J2 | 420J2 |
| sa 240 gr 440A | SUS440A | 440A | S44002 | STS440A | – | 440A | 440A |
Scope of ASTM A240
- Â This specification outlines standards for chromium, chromium-nickel, and chromium-manganese-nickel stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips used in pressure vessels and a variety of general applications, including architectural, construction, and aesthetic purposes.
- Measurements in this specification are provided in both SI (metric) and inch-pound units. Each system is standard independently, meaning that values from one system should not be combined with those from the other, as this may lead to non-compliance with the standard.
- ASTM A240 is presented in both inch-pound and SI units. If an order does not specify “M” (indicating SI units), materials will be supplied in inch-pound units by default.
- The standard does not cover all possible safety concerns associated with its use. Users are responsible for establishing safety, health, and environmental practices and for ensuring compliance with relevant regulations before using these materials.
- This standard aligns with international principles for creating and maintaining standards, as set by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee, ensuring global relevance and applicability.
Applications of ASTM A240
ASTM A240 stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips are widely used across various industries for their strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Some of the key applications include:
- Pressure Vessels: ASTM A240 stainless steel is commonly used in pressure vessels due to its ability to withstand high pressures and resist corrosion.
- Chemical Processing: Ideal for environments involving corrosive chemicals and high temperatures, making it essential in the chemical processing industry.
- Food Processing: With its corrosion resistance and hygienic properties, stainless steel meets the standards for food processing equipment such as tanks and countertops.
- Construction & Architecture: Used in architectural projects like building facades, interior design elements, and decorative features due to its aesthetic appeal and durability.
- Automotive: Utilized in automotive components like exhaust systems and trims for its strength, corrosion resistance, and appearance.
- Medical Equipment: Preferred in the medical field for surgical instruments and equipment due to its ability to be sterilized and its biocompatibility.
- Petrochemical Industry: Essential for storage tanks, pipelines, and other equipment in the petrochemical industry due to its resistance to heat and chemicals.
- Energy & Power Generation: Applied in nuclear power plants, steam turbines, and heat exchangers, where durability and heat resistance are critical.
These are just some of the many industries that benefit from the qualities of ASTM A240 stainless steel, making it a versatile choice for a wide variety of applications.
Conclusion
ASTM A240 stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips offer exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and versatility, making them essential in numerous industries. From pressure vessels and chemical processing to food handling, construction, and automotive applications, these materials meet the demanding requirements of diverse sectors. Their wide range of uses and proven reliability ensure that ASTM A240 remains a preferred choice for both general and specialized applications.
FAQs
What is ASTM A240 material?
ASTM A240 is a standard specification for chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plate, sheet, and strip used in pressure vessels and general applications.
What is ASTM A240 equivalent to?
Equivalent materials to stainless steel grade A240 are EN 10088-2:2005 and EN 1.4509.
What is ASTM A240 used for?
ASTM A240 is used for chromium and chromium-nickel stainless steel plates, sheets, and strips in pressure vessels and general applications, including common grades like 304 and 304L.
