Super-austenitic stainless steel 904L 904L (UNS N08904, EN 1.4539)

Fe balance

Also known as UNS N08904, EN 1.4539, EN name X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5, AISI 904L, JIS SUS 904L, BS 904S13 · 5 more

904L (UNS N08904, EN 1.4539, sold by Outokumpu as Ultra 904L) is a super-austenitic stainless steel with about 20 percent chromium, 24 percent nickel, 4.3 percent molybdenum and 1.4 percent copper.

14 sources · Updated 2026-10-26 · CC BY 4.0

Evidence level

2 of 5

Lab-measured

Strength

> 240 MPa

Pitting

34 -

Hot strength

> 240 MPa

Recipe, share of the weight

  • Fe balanceIron
  • Cr 19.8%Chromium
  • Ni 24.2%Nickel
  • Mo 4.3%Molybdenum
  • Cu 1.4%Copper
  • C max 0.02Carbon
  • Mn max 2Manganese
  • Si max 1Silicon

Best for

Sulfuric and phosphoric acid plant, seawater condensers and heat exchangers, and pulp bleaching, in annealed sheet, plate, strip and tube, where 316L or 317L would corrode

Weakest at

Halide-containing acids and boiling magnesium or lithium chloride, where ATI's U-bend test cracked the alloy, and crevices in chloride water (ATI G-48 onset at 18 °C)

Risk at a glance

  • People None found. No safety data sheet for the alloy was checked
  • If it fails Moderate. Chloride stress corrosion cracking in boiling chloride
  • Corrosion Moderate. In boiling 10 percent sulfuric acid, 904L corrodes at 101 mpy (2.57 mm/a), against 636 mpy (16.2 mm/a) for ATI 316.

Quick facts: 904L (UNS N08904, EN 1.4539)

Key properties of 904L (UNS N08904, EN 1.4539)
PropertyValueBasis
Density7.95 to 8 g/cm³2 sourced values across conditions
Yield strength220 to 270 MPa4 sourced values across conditions
Tensile strength490 to 730 MPa3 sourced values across conditions
Young's modulus190 to 195 GPa2 sourced values across conditions
Thermal conductivity12 W/(m·K)1 sourced value
Thermal expansion (CTE)15.3 to 16.5 ppm/K3 sourced values across conditions
Melting point1,300 to 1,390 °C1 sourced value
Specific heat450 J/(kg·K)1 sourced value
Electrical resistivity9.5e-7 Ω·m1 sourced value
Maximum service temperature400 °C1 sourced value

What is the density of Super-austenitic stainless steel 904L?

Super-austenitic stainless steel 904L has a density of 7.95 to 8 g/cm³. The range covers 2 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the thermal conductivity of Super-austenitic stainless steel 904L?

Super-austenitic stainless steel 904L has a thermal conductivity of 12 W/(m·K). The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the coefficient of thermal expansion of Super-austenitic stainless steel 904L?

Super-austenitic stainless steel 904L has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 15.3 to 16.5 ppm/K. The range covers 3 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What is the melting point of Super-austenitic stainless steel 904L?

Super-austenitic stainless steel 904L has a melting point of 1,300 to 1,390 °C. The source and test conditions are listed in the properties table on this page.

What is the yield strength of Super-austenitic stainless steel 904L?

Super-austenitic stainless steel 904L has a yield strength of 220 to 270 MPa. The range covers 4 sourced values across the tempers, forms and test conditions the sources report; room-temperature values are used where a source states a temperature.

What are the other names and codes for Super-austenitic stainless steel 904L?

Super-austenitic stainless steel 904L is also written as UNS N08904, EN 1.4539, EN name X1NiCrMoCu25-20-5, AISI 904L, JIS SUS 904L, BS 904S13. Each code is printed in the source listed beside it in the designations table.

What is Super-austenitic stainless steel 904L used for?

Uses recorded in the sources include Seawater condensers, heat exchangers and piping; Utility scrubbers and air pollution control equipment; Sulfuric and phosphoric acid process equipment.

Why it exists

904L is a super-austenitic stainless steel. Its 20 percent chromium, 24 percent nickel and 4.3 percent molybdenum, with 1.4 percent copper, give a PRE of 34 and good resistance to sulfuric and phosphoric acids and to chloride pitting. It was developed for dilute sulfuric acid. Its minimum proof strength is 220 MPa to ASTM and 240 MPa for EN cold-rolled strip. Sold for acid plant, seawater cooling and pulp bleaching, it is a standard grade in the 904L class.

Where it's used

Seawater and desalination

Sandmeyer lists condensers, heat exchangers and piping for seawater and brackish water, and ATI lists tubesheets in seawater heat exchangers.

Acid and chemical plant

Outokumpu lists pipes, heat exchangers, tanks and reactor vessels for sulfuric acid and the chemical industry, with flanges and valves.

Air pollution control

Sandmeyer lists scrubbers for coal-fired power plants, and ATI lists utility scrubbers.

Pulp and paper bleaching

ATI says 904L suits pulp and paper bleach plant equipment where some attack is tolerable.

Recipe

Fe balance; Outokumpu typical 19.8 Cr, 24.2 Ni, 4.3 Mo, 1.4 Cu, 0.01 C (wt%); ASTM ranges 19 to 23 Cr, 23 to 28 Ni, 4 to 5 Mo, 1 to 2 Cu, max 0.02 C, 2 Mn, 1 Si (wt%)

904L is an iron-based super-austenitic stainless steel. Outokumpu's typical recipe, in weight percent, is 19.8 chromium, 24.2 nickel, 4.3 molybdenum, 1.4 copper and 0.01 carbon, with iron as the balance. The ASTM ranges are 19 to 23 chromium, 23 to 28 nickel, 4 to 5 molybdenum and 1 to 2 copper. It is solution annealed at 1060 to 1140 °C and quenched to give a fully austenitic structure.

What 904L (UNS N08904, EN 1.4539) is made of
IngredientShare of the weightWhat it does
Iron Fe balance Matrix of the alloy, fully austenitic after annealing.
Chromium Cr 19.8% Forms the passive film. With molybdenum and nitrogen it sets the PRE.
Nickel Ni 24.2% Stabilises austenite and gives resistance to chloride cracking and to hot caustic.
Molybdenum Mo 4.3% Adds pitting and crevice resistance; weighted 3.3 in the PRE formula.
Copper Cu 1.4% Adds resistance to reducing acids such as sulfuric and phosphoric.
Carbon C max 0.02 Kept low to limit chromium carbides in welds.
Manganese Mn max 2 Deoxidiser in the melt.
Silicon Si max 1 Deoxidiser in the melt.

Weight shares are as printed in the sources.

What it can do

Strength

> 240 MPa

measured

Minimum proof strength is 220 MPa to ASTM B625 for plate, sheet and strip, and 240 MPa to EN 10088-2 for cold-rolled strip. Tensile strength is 490 MPa minimum to ASTM.

Acid corrosion

In wet process phosphoric acid at 60 °C, 904L corrodes at 1.2 mm/year, against more than 5 for 316L. In pickling acid at 25 °C it corrodes at 0.47 mm/year, against more than 6 for 316L.

Pitting

34 -

measured

Outokumpu gives a PRE of 34 for Ultra 904L. Its critical crevice temperature in ATI's G-48 test is 18 °C.

Hot strength

> 240 MPa

measured

Minimum proof strength (Rp0.2) at 100 °C is 205 MPa, falling to 145 MPa at 300 °C and 110 MPa at 500 °C (EN 10088-2).

How it compares

Against 316L in the same tests, 904L corrodes at 0.47 mm/year against more than 6 in pickling acid at 25 °C, and at 101 against 636 mpy in boiling 10 percent sulfuric acid. ATI's G-48 onset temperature is 18 °C for 904L against -3 °C for 316. Its minimum proof strength for plate (220 MPa, EN 10088-2) is below the 300 MPa minimum that Outokumpu prints for Ultra 254 SMO plate.

The same measurements for each material, so you can compare them. Each row names the key condition under the value; the full conditions and methods are in the numbered notes under Technical details. Other materials are shown beside it; each was measured under its own conditions, so open its page before comparing closely. Compare every grade in the family.

Benchmarks
Measurement904L (UNS N08904, EN 1.4539)304 (UNS S30400)301 (UNS S30100)303 (UNS S30300)316 (UNS S31600)316L (UNS S31603)302304L (UNS S30403)309310S (UNS S31008, EN 1.4845)317L321347347HNitronic 60
Thermal behavior and safety
Thermal conductivity, Ultra 904L at 20 °C12 W/(m·K)514 W/m.K16.3 W/m.K15 W/m°C14.6 W/m.K14.6 W/m·K16.2 W/(m·K)16.3 W/m·K15.6 W/m·K13 W/(m·K)14 W/(m·K)16.3 W/(m·K)16.3 W/(m·K)14 W/m.°C9 Btu/ft hr °F
Thermal conductivity, alloy 904L at 100 °C12.9 W/(m·K)614 W/m.K16.3 W/m.K15 W/m°C14.6 W/m.K14.6 W/m·K16.2 W/(m·K)16.3 W/m·K15.6 W/m·K13 W/(m·K)14 W/(m·K)16.3 W/(m·K)16.3 W/(m·K)14 W/m.°C9 Btu/ft hr °F
Thermal conductivity, alloy 904L at 200 °C15.2 W/(m·K)714 W/m.K16.3 W/m.K15 W/m°C14.6 W/m.K14.6 W/m·K16.2 W/(m·K)16.3 W/m·K15.6 W/m·K13 W/(m·K)14 W/(m·K)16.3 W/(m·K)16.3 W/(m·K)14 W/m.°C9 Btu/ft hr °F
Specific heat capacity, Ultra 904L at 20 °C450 J/(kg·K)8490 J/kg.K500 J/kg.K500 J/kg°C450 J/kg.K450 J/kg °K500 J/kg K500 J/kg·K502 J/kg·K480 J/(kg·K)500 J/(kg·K)500 J/kg K500 J/(kg·K)485 J/(kg.°C)0.12 Btu/lb °F
Melting range, alloy 904L1300 to 1390 °C131673 K1399 to 1421 °C1455 °C1390 °C1390 °C1420 °C1399 to 1421 °C2550 to 2650 °F1410 °C1390 to 1440 °C1398 to 1446 °C1398 to 1446 °C2550 to 2635 degFno data
Physical and electrical
Density, 904L (ASTM datasheet)7.95 g/cm³17.85 Mg/m38.03 g/cm³7.9 kg/dm38.027 g/cm³8.03 g/cm³7.9 g/cm³7.9 g/cm³8.03 g/cm³7.8 kg/dm38.027 g/cm³7.92 g/cm³7.96 g/cm³7.98 kg/dm37.622 gm/cm³
Density, Ultra 904L (EN 10088-1 values)8 kg/dm327.85 Mg/m38.03 g/cm³7.9 kg/dm38.027 g/cm³8.03 g/cm³7.9 g/cm³7.9 g/cm³8.03 g/cm³7.8 kg/dm38.027 g/cm³7.92 g/cm³7.96 g/cm³7.98 kg/dm37.622 gm/cm³
Electrical resistivity, alloy 904L at 20 °C95.2 µΩ·cm1265 10-8 ohm.m72 µΩ·cm72 microhm-cm69 10-8 ohm.m74 μΩ·cm72 µΩ·cm72 microhm-cm78 µΩ·cm0.86 Ω·mm²/m475 Ohm-circ mil/ft72 microhm·cm72 µΩ·cmno data98.2 microhm-cm
Hardness HB 30, maximum at 20 °C (EN 1.4539)< 230 HB26no data85 HRB< 202 HBN< 217 HBno datano datano datano datano datano datano data< 201 HB< 201 HB> 85 HRB
Hardness Brinell, annealed, typical (ATI)150 HB27no data85 HRB< 202 HBN< 217 HBno datano datano datano datano datano datano data< 201 HB< 201 HB> 85 HRB
Temperature behavior
Critical crevice corrosion onset temperature, 10% ferric chloride, ASTM G-4818 °C29no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Other measurements
Modulus of elasticity, Ultra 904L at 20 °C195 GPa3200 GPa193 GPa193 GPa200 GPa193 GPa200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa195 GPa200 GPa193 GPa193 GPa200 GPa180 GPa
Modulus of elasticity, alloy 904L190 GPa4200 GPa193 GPa193 GPa200 GPa193 GPa200 GPa200 GPa200 GPa195 GPa200 GPa193 GPa193 GPa200 GPa180 GPa
Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, Ultra 904L, 20 to 100 °C15.8 ppm/K9no data16.6 10-6/K16 10-6/°C16.5 10-6/K16.5 10-6 cm/cm/°C16.6 µm/(m·°C)16.6 10-6 cm/cm/°C15.6 µm/(m·K)16.5 ppm/K16.5 10^-6 cm/cm/°C16.6 ppm/K16.6 ppm/K9.2 in/in.degF x 10^-615.8 µm/m/°C
Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, alloy 904L, 20 to 100 °C15.3 ppm/K10no data16.6 10-6/K16 10-6/°C16.5 10-6/K16.5 10-6 cm/cm/°C16.6 µm/(m·°C)16.6 10-6 cm/cm/°C15.6 µm/(m·K)16.5 ppm/K16.5 10^-6 cm/cm/°C16.6 ppm/K16.6 ppm/K9.2 in/in.degF x 10^-615.8 µm/m/°C
Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, alloy 904L, 20 to 400 °C16.5 ppm/K11no data16.6 10-6/K16 10-6/°C16.5 10-6/K16.5 10-6 cm/cm/°C16.6 µm/(m·°C)16.6 10-6 cm/cm/°C15.6 µm/(m·K)16.5 ppm/K16.5 10^-6 cm/cm/°C16.6 ppm/K16.6 ppm/K9.2 in/in.degF x 10^-615.8 µm/m/°C
Proof strength Rp0.2, cold-rolled, minimum (EN 10088-2)> 240 MPa14> 205 MPa205 MPa> 172 MPa205 MPa170 MPa290 MPa> 170 MPa290 MPa290 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 30 ksi> 345 MPa
Proof strength Rp0.2, hot-rolled and plate, minimum (EN 10088-2)> 220 MPa15> 205 MPa205 MPa> 172 MPa205 MPa170 MPa290 MPa> 170 MPa290 MPa290 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 30 ksi> 345 MPa
Yield strength Rp0.2, annealed plate, sheet and strip, minimum (ASTM B625)> 220 MPa16> 205 MPa205 MPa> 172 MPa205 MPa170 MPa290 MPa> 170 MPa290 MPa290 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 30 ksi> 345 MPa
Yield strength Rp0.2, annealed, typical (ATI)270 MPa17> 205 MPa205 MPa> 172 MPa205 MPa170 MPa290 MPa> 170 MPa290 MPa290 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 30 ksi> 345 MPa
Proof strength Rp0.2 at 100 °C, minimum (EN 10088-2)> 205 MPa18> 205 MPa205 MPa> 172 MPa205 MPa170 MPa290 MPa> 170 MPa290 MPa290 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 30 ksi> 345 MPa
Proof strength Rp0.2 at 300 °C, minimum (EN 10088-2)> 145 MPa19> 205 MPa205 MPa> 172 MPa205 MPa170 MPa290 MPa> 170 MPa290 MPa290 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 30 ksi> 345 MPa
Proof strength Rp0.2 at 500 °C, minimum (EN 10088-2)> 110 MPa20> 205 MPa205 MPa> 172 MPa205 MPa170 MPa290 MPa> 170 MPa290 MPa290 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 205 MPa> 30 ksi> 345 MPa
Tensile strength Rm, cold-rolled (EN 10088-2)530 to 730 MPa21> 515 MPa515 MPa> 517 MPa515 MPa485 MPa655 MPa> 485 MPa621 MPa610 MPa> 515 MPa> 515 MPa> 515 MPa> 75 ksi> 655 MPa
Tensile strength Rm, annealed, minimum (ASTM B625)> 490 MPa22> 515 MPa515 MPa> 517 MPa515 MPa485 MPa655 MPa> 485 MPa621 MPa610 MPa> 515 MPa> 515 MPa> 515 MPa> 75 ksi> 655 MPa
Tensile strength Rm, annealed, typical (ATI)605 MPa23> 515 MPa515 MPa> 517 MPa515 MPa485 MPa655 MPa> 485 MPa621 MPa610 MPa> 515 MPa> 515 MPa> 515 MPa> 75 ksi> 655 MPa
Elongation A, cold-rolled and hot-rolled, minimum (EN 10088-2)> 35 %24> 40 %40 %> 35 %40 %40 %55 %> 40 %49 %42 %> 40 %> 35 %> 40 %> 40 %> 35 %
Elongation in 2 in, annealed, minimum (ASTM B625)> 36 %25> 40 %40 %> 35 %40 %40 %55 %> 40 %49 %42 %> 40 %> 35 %> 40 %> 40 %> 35 %
Pitting resistance equivalent PRE, Ultra 904L (Cr + 3.3 Mo + 16 N)34 -28no datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano datano data
Upper temperature for pressure-vessel approval< 400 °C30no data840 °Cno data1023 Kno data925 °C< 426 °C2000 °F1050 °Cno data850 °C800 °C850 °Cno data

Why choose it, and why not

Good for

  • Sulfuric and phosphoric acid plant, where Outokumpu lists pipes, heat exchangers, tanks and reactor vessels.
  • Seawater condensers and heat exchangers, where Sandmeyer lists tube and piping systems.
  • Pickling equipment and pulp and paper bleach plant, where ATI and Sandmeyer name the uses.

Watch out for

  • Chloride cracking can occur in boiling magnesium or lithium chloride (ATI U-bend test).
  • Crevices start attack at 18 °C in ATI's G-48 test, so crevice design still matters in warm chloride water.
  • Acids containing halide ions can be very aggressive, and 904L may be insufficient (Sandmeyer).
  • No spacecraft flight use is recorded. SpaceMat rates the space experience as limited.

904L is a strong, sound choice for sulfuric and phosphoric acid plant, seawater cooling and pulp bleaching. It resists general and pitting attack better than 316L, but it is not immune to chloride cracking in boiling chloride, or to crevice and halide attack in warm chloride service.

Technical details

For scientists and researchers. Everything above comes from the record below: every number with its method, its conditions and its source.

Other names and standards

The same grade under other systems, as datasheets and standards print them. Each code was checked against the page it comes from.

Other names and standards
SystemCodes
UNSN08904
EN1.4539
EN nameX1NiCrMoCu25-20-5
AISI904L
JISSUS 904L
BS904S13
ASTMA240 (plate, sheet and strip), B625 (plate, sheet and strip), B677 (seamless pipe and tube)
Trade nameUltra 904L, ATI 904L

Notes

The method, full conditions and any caveat for the numbered rows above.

Notes for the numbered rows
#MeasurementMethodConditionsCaveat
1Density, 904L (ASTM datasheet)Value printed in a specification sheet for alloy 904Lgrade 904L (UNS N08904)temperature not stated—
2Density, Ultra 904L (EN 10088-1 values)Value printed in the physical properties table of the Outokumpu Ultra range datasheetgrade Ultra 904L (EN 1.4539)temperature 20 °Cbasis EN 10088-1 table, rounded to one decimal—
3Modulus of elasticity, Ultra 904L at 20 °CValue printed in the physical properties table of the Outokumpu Ultra range datasheetgrade Ultra 904L (EN 1.4539)temperature 20 °C—
4Modulus of elasticity, alloy 904LValue printed in a specification sheet for alloy 904Lgrade 904L (UNS N08904)temperature not stated—
5Thermal conductivity, Ultra 904L at 20 °CValue printed in the physical properties table of the Outokumpu Ultra range datasheetgrade Ultra 904L (EN 1.4539)temperature 20 °C—
6Thermal conductivity, alloy 904L at 100 °CValue printed in a specification sheet for alloy 904Lgrade 904L (UNS N08904)temperature 100 °Cunit in source 6.8 BTU/ft h °F—
7Thermal conductivity, alloy 904L at 200 °CTypical value printed in a manufacturer data sheet (ATI, 2012 edition)grade 904L (UNS N08904)temperature 200 °Cunit in source 8.8 BTU/ft h °F—
8Specific heat capacity, Ultra 904L at 20 °CValue printed in the physical properties table of the Outokumpu Ultra range datasheetgrade Ultra 904L (EN 1.4539)temperature 20 °C—
9Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, Ultra 904L, 20 to 100 °CValue printed in the physical properties table of the Outokumpu Ultra range datasheet (10-6/K)grade Ultra 904L (EN 1.4539)temperature 20 to 100 °C—
10Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, alloy 904L, 20 to 100 °CValue printed in a specification sheet for alloy 904Lgrade 904L (UNS N08904)temperature 20 to 100 °Cunit in source 8.5 x 10-6/°F (68 to 212 °F)—
11Mean coefficient of thermal expansion, alloy 904L, 20 to 400 °CTypical value printed in a manufacturer data sheet (ATI, 2012 edition)grade 904L (UNS N08904)temperature 20 to 400 °Cunit in source 9.2 x 10-6/°F (68 to 750 °F)—
12Electrical resistivity, alloy 904L at 20 °CValue printed in a specification sheet for alloy 904Lgrade 904L (UNS N08904)temperature 20 °Cunit in source 95.2 microhm-cm at 20°C—
13Melting range, alloy 904LMelting range printed in a specification sheet for alloy 904Lgrade 904L (UNS N08904)unit in source 2372 to 2534 °F—
14Proof strength Rp0.2, cold-rolled, minimum (EN 10088-2)Minimum value printed in the mechanical properties table, EN 10088-2 basisgrade Ultra 904L (EN 1.4539)form cold-rolled coil and sheettemperature 20 °Cbasis minimum, EN 10088-2—
15Proof strength Rp0.2, hot-rolled and plate, minimum (EN 10088-2)Minimum value printed in the mechanical properties table, EN 10088-2 basisgrade Ultra 904L (EN 1.4539)form hot-rolled coil and sheet, and platetemperature 20 °Cbasis minimum, EN 10088-2—
16Yield strength Rp0.2, annealed plate, sheet and strip, minimum (ASTM B625)Minimum value printed in a specification sheet for alloy 904Lgrade 904L (UNS N08904)form plate, sheet and strip, annealedtemperature 20 °Cbasis minimum, ASTM and ASME specified propertiesunit in source 31,000 psi—
17Yield strength Rp0.2, annealed, typical (ATI)Typical value printed in a manufacturer data sheet (ATI, 2012 edition)grade 904L (UNS N08904)temper annealedtemperature 20 °Cbasis typical, not a minimumunit in source 39,500 psi—
18Proof strength Rp0.2 at 100 °C, minimum (EN 10088-2)Minimum value printed in the elevated temperature tablegrade Ultra 904L (EN 1.4539)temperature 100 °Cbasis minimum, EN 10088-2—
19Proof strength Rp0.2 at 300 °C, minimum (EN 10088-2)Minimum value printed in the elevated temperature tablegrade Ultra 904L (EN 1.4539)temperature 300 °Cbasis minimum, EN 10088-2—
20Proof strength Rp0.2 at 500 °C, minimum (EN 10088-2)Minimum value printed in the elevated temperature tablegrade Ultra 904L (EN 1.4539)temperature 500 °Cbasis minimum, EN 10088-2—
21Tensile strength Rm, cold-rolled (EN 10088-2)Range printed in the mechanical properties table, EN 10088-2 basisgrade Ultra 904L (EN 1.4539)form cold-rolled coil and sheettemperature 20 °Cbasis range printed as minimum-to-maximum, EN 10088-2—
22Tensile strength Rm, annealed, minimum (ASTM B625)Minimum value printed in a specification sheet for alloy 904Lgrade 904L (UNS N08904)form plate, sheet and strip, annealedtemperature 20 °Cbasis minimum, ASTM and ASME specified propertiesunit in source 71,000 psi—
23Tensile strength Rm, annealed, typical (ATI)Typical value printed in a manufacturer data sheet (ATI, 2012 edition)grade 904L (UNS N08904)temper annealedtemperature 20 °Cbasis typical, not a minimumunit in source 88,000 psi—
24Elongation A, cold-rolled and hot-rolled, minimum (EN 10088-2)Minimum value printed in the mechanical properties tablegrade Ultra 904L (EN 1.4539)form cold-rolled and hot-rolledtemperature 20 °Cgauge A, L0 = 5.65 times the square root of S0 (thickness 3 mm or more)basis minimum, EN 10088-2—
25Elongation in 2 in, annealed, minimum (ASTM B625)Minimum value printed in a specification sheet for alloy 904Lgrade 904L (UNS N08904)form plate, sheet and strip, annealedtemperature 20 °Cgauge 2 inbasis minimum, ASTM and ASME specified properties—
26Hardness HB 30, maximum at 20 °C (EN 1.4539)Maximum value printed in the mechanical properties table of the Metalcor 1.4539 datasheetgrade 1.4539 (EN)temperature 20 °Cbasis maximum—
27Hardness Brinell, annealed, typical (ATI)Typical value printed in a manufacturer data sheet (ATI, 2012 edition)grade 904L (UNS N08904)temper annealedtemperature 20 °Cbasis typical, shown for information only—
28Pitting resistance equivalent PRE, Ultra 904L (Cr + 3.3 Mo + 16 N)Value printed in the PRE table of the Outokumpu Ultra range datasheetgrade Ultra 904L (EN 1.4539)basis Outokumpu typical composition, PRE = %Cr + 3.3 x %Mo + 16 x %N—
29Critical crevice corrosion onset temperature, 10% ferric chloride, ASTM G-48Onset temperature printed in a manufacturer data sheet (ATI, 2012 edition)grade 904L (ATI)test 10% ferric chloride, ASTM G-48 (artificial crevices)unit in source 65 °F—
30Upper temperature for pressure-vessel approvalValue printed in the typical temperatures table of the Outokumpu Ultra range datasheetgrade Ultra 904L (EN 1.4539)basis pressure vessel approval range is -196 to +400 °C; a design code limit, not a creep or oxidation limit—

Corrosion and compatibility

What happens when it meets other materials and environments.

Corrosion and compatibility
EnvironmentConcernWhat happens
Boiling sulfuric acid, 10 percent moderate In boiling 10 percent sulfuric acid, 904L corrodes at 101 mpy (2.57 mm/a), against 636 mpy (16.2 mm/a) for ATI 316.1
Ambient and wet process phosphoric acid low In wet process phosphoric acid at 60 °C, 904L corrodes at 1.2 mm/year, against more than 5 mm/year for 316L.2
Pickling acid, nitric and hydrofluoric low In a pickling acid at 25 °C, 904L corrodes at 0.47 mm/year, against more than 6 mm/year for 316L.3
Fatty acid column for tall oil distillation low In a tall oil fatty acid column at 235 °C, 904L corrodes at 0.06 mm/year, against 0.88 mm/year for 316L.4
Chloride pitting and crevices in aerated seawater moderate The alloy is not totally resistant to aerated seawater, but it resists pitting and crevices better than 316.5
Chloride stress corrosion cracking, boiling chloride solutions moderate U-bend specimens cracked in boiling 42 percent magnesium chloride and 33 percent lithium chloride in 1000 hours, but not in 26 percent sodium chloride.6
Intergranular attack after welding low In the ASTM A262 practice B ferric sulfate and sulfuric acid test, 904L corrodes at 14.2 mpy, against 35.5 mpy for 316.7
Halide-containing acids moderate Acids with halide ions can be very aggressive, and the corrosion resistance of 904L may be insufficient.8
Corrosion details
#EnvironmentDetailsTest conditions
1 Boiling sulfuric acid, 10 percent ATI's laboratory table of boiling solutions gives typical rates. 904L is also rated by Sandmeyer as fully resistant to dilute sulfuric acid across the 0 to 100 percent range at up to 35 °C. solution 10% H2SO4 (boiling)comparison ATI 316 at 636 mpybasis typical, laboratory boiling test
2 Ambient and wet process phosphoric acid Outokumpu's wet-process test uses a 54 percent P2O5 acid with impurities. The table shows that 904L is much lower than standard 316L, though Ultra 254 SMO, at 0.05 mm/year, is lower still. solution wet process phosphoric acid, 54% P2O5 with impuritiestemperature 60 °C
3 Pickling acid, nitric and hydrofluoric Sandmeyer's pickling table gives the same 0.47 mm/year for 904L and more than 6 mm/year for 316L in the same acid. solution 20% HNO3 + 4% HFtemperature 25 °C
4 Fatty acid column for tall oil distillation Sandmeyer gives the same kind of result at 253 °C, with 0.06 mm/year for 904L and 0.29 for 317LMN. Outokumpu says the nickel content sets resistance in hot concentrated caustic. temperature 235 °Ccomparison Supra 316L/4404 at 0.88 mm/year
5 Chloride pitting and crevices in aerated seawater ATI says 904L suits tubesheets in seawater heat exchangers and pulp bleach plant equipment where some attack can be tolerated. Outokumpu says the risk of crevice corrosion in non-chlorinated seawater is considerably lower, and that chlorination raises the corrosion potential of the steel. medium aerated seawatercomparison 316 has an onset of 27 °F (-3 °C) in the G-48 test
6 Chloride stress corrosion cracking, boiling chloride solutions ATI calls 904L much better than Type 304 for chloride cracking because of its 25 percent nickel and 4.5 percent molybdenum, but says it is not completely resistant to the boiling magnesium and lithium chloride tests. test U-bend, boiling solutions, 1000 hourssolutions 42% MgCl2, 33% LiCl, 26% NaCl
7 Intergranular attack after welding Low carbon keeps 904L resistant to intergranular attack in the welded condition. Sandmeyer says segregation after welding is less evident in 904L than in 316L or 317LMN. test ASTM A262 practice B, ferric sulfate-sulfuric acidcomparison ATI 316 at 35.5 mpy
8 Halide-containing acids Sandmeyer names 317L, 317LMN and 904L together as possibly insufficient in such acids. Outokumpu says all stainless steels are sensitive to hydrofluoric, hydrochloric and fluosilicic acids. acids hydrofluoric, hydrochloric, fluosilicic, and other halide-containing acids

Risks and side effects

Hazards to people, what happens when a cell overheats, and how the material is handled and stored.

For people

The hazard data are PubChem records for the element nickel, chromium, molybdenum and copper, not a supplier classification of the alloy.

Nickel
PubChem's record for elemental nickel lists H317, H351 and H372 as statements without a percentage.
Chromium
PubChem's record for elemental chromium lists H317, H334 and H335.
Copper
PubChem's record for elemental copper lists H400 and H410.

In chloride service

Boiling chloride can crack the alloy, and crevices start attack at warm temperatures.

Cracking
ATI's U-bend test cracked 904L in boiling 42 percent MgCl2 and 33 percent LiCl within 1000 hours.
Crevice
ATI's G-48 onset for 904L is 18 °C, against -3 °C for 316.

Fabrication

Weld with low heat input and a matching or overmatched filler. Anneal after hot work.

Welding
Outokumpu says Ultra grades are more sensitive to hot cracking, so low heat input is needed.
Hot work
Hot working at 1150 to 850 °C, then a solution anneal at 1060 to 1140 °C (Outokumpu Table 8).

Test details
The original wording and numbers from the sources, for readers who want them.

Failure risks

Failure risks
FailureTrigger and consequence
Chloride stress corrosion cracking in boiling chloridemoderate severityBoiling magnesium or lithium chloride, or hot chloride brine under tensile stressATI's U-bend test cracked 904L in boiling 42 percent MgCl2 and 33 percent LiCl within 1000 hours, so the alloy is not immune in these tests.
Crevice and pitting attack in chloride watermoderate severityCrevices in chloride water above about 18 °C under the G-48 test conditionsATI gives the G-48 onset as 18 °C for 904L against 45 °C for AL-6XN. Crevices are a design limit in warm chloride water.
Attack by halide-containing acidsmoderate severityAcids containing chloride or fluoride ionsSandmeyer says 904L may not be resistant enough in these acids, which can be very aggressive.
Higher forming loads and fast work hardeninglow severityCold forming, bending or pressing sheet904L is somewhat stronger than 304 and 316, so it needs higher loads to deform, and cold work hardens it quickly.

Handling and storage

  • Solution anneal at 1060 to 1140 °C and quench (Outokumpu Table 8; Sandmeyer heat treatment).
  • Hot working is done at 1150 to 850 °C (Outokumpu Table 8). Sandmeyer says hot forming that ends above 1100 °C, with the whole workpiece quenched directly, may be used without a further heat treatment; otherwise a solution anneal is needed.
  • Weld with low heat input. Outokumpu says the Ultra grades are more sensitive to hot cracking than conventional austenitic steels.
  • Use a 20 25 5 Cu L filler. The covered electrode is 20 25 5 Cu L (ISO 3581 and 14172) and the wire is 20 25 5 Cu L (ISO 14343 and 18274). Sandmeyer gives 20 25 CuL as its filler.
  • Sandmeyer says a filler of the same composition as the base metal is normal, and that welds in 904L segregate less than in 316L or 317LMN.
  • Machining is harder than for 410 and 304 because of work hardening.
  • Outokumpu says a post-fabrication treatment is often needed after welding to restore the surface and corrosion resistance, by brushing, blasting, grinding or pickling.

Mitigations

  • For welds in corrosive media, use a more highly alloyed austenitic filler, which ATI says gives the best weld corrosion properties.
  • Specify solution annealing and quenching after heavy hot work, so the material returns to its corrosion-resistant condition.
  • Design out crevices in chloride water. ATI's G-48 onset of 18 °C shows that crevices can start attack at warm temperatures.

Supply and geography

How common the raw materials are and where they come from.

Nickel

World mine production 3,900,000 tons of nickel content in 2025 (estimated), with reserves above 140,000,000 tons (USGS 2026).

Top producers (2025)
Indonesia 66.7%, Philippines 6.9%, Russia 5.1%, New Caledonia 3.6%, Canada 3.6%, China 3.1%
Recycling
Nickel recovered from scrap was about 60 percent of US apparent consumption in 2025, mostly from stainless-steel scrap.
Substitutes
Low-nickel, duplex or ultrahigh-chromium stainless steels have been substituted for austenitic grades in construction (USGS 2026).; Titanium alloys can substitute for nickel or nickel-base alloys in corrosive environments (USGS 2026).

Chromium

World mine production 51,000 thousand metric tons of ore, gross weight, in 2025 (estimated). World resources are greater than 12 billion tons of shipping-grade chromite.

Top producers (2025)
South Africa 45.1%, Turkey 17.6%, Kazakhstan 13.7%, India 5.9%, Brazil 3.9%, Zimbabwe 3.9%
Recycling
Recycled chromium in stainless-steel scrap receipts was 21 percent of US apparent consumption in 2025.
Substitutes
Chromium has no substitute in stainless steel, the leading end use (USGS 2026).

Molybdenum

World mine production 260,000 metric tons of molybdenum content in 2025 (estimated). China, Chile, the United States, Peru and Mexico produce 90 percent of the total.

Top producers (2025)
China 37.3%, Chile 16.2%, United States 15.4%, Peru 15%, Mexico 6.5%
Recycling
Molybdenum is recycled from catalysts, ferrous scrap and superalloy scrap. Revert and new scrap are reused in the steel industry.
Substitutes
There is little substitution for molybdenum in steels and cast irons (USGS 2026).

Copper

World mine production 23,000 thousand metric tons of copper content in 2025 (estimated). The US added copper to its 2025 list of critical minerals.

Top producers (2025)
Chile 23%, Congo (Kinshasa) 13.9%, Peru 11.7%, China 7.8%, United States 4.3%
Critical mineral lists
U.S. Final 2025 List of Critical Minerals (copper added in 2025): listed
Recycling
Old scrap gave an estimated 160,000 tons of copper in 2025, and copper recovered from scrap was about 30 percent of US copper supply.
Substitutes
Aluminum substitutes for copper in several electrical and cooling uses (USGS 2026).