ASTM A269 TP304 is a widely used specification for welded or seamless austenitic stainless steel tubing, designed for general corrosion-resistant applications in the chemical, petrochemical, food processing, and medical industries. If you're sourcing stainless tubing for fluid transportation, instrument lines, or process systems, A269 TP304 offers a strong balance of corrosion resistance, formability, and cost-effectiveness.
ASTM A269 is the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard that specifies welded and seamless stainless steel tubes intended for general service in corrosion environments.
TP304 stands for Type 304 stainless steel, which is an 18-8 austenitic grade (18% chromium, 8% nickel). It is the most commonly used stainless steel grade due to its:
Excellent corrosion resistance in atmospheric and mild chemical environments
Good weldability and formability
Resistance to oxidation up to 870°C (1600°F)
In tubing form, TP304 under ASTM A269 is ideal for non-critical pressure applications, where cost efficiency and corrosion resistance are key.
| Property | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Specification | ASTM A269 |
| Grade | TP304 (UNS S30400) |
| Tube Type | Seamless or welded |
| Outer Diameter Range | Typically 6mm – 101.6mm |
| Wall Thickness | 0.5mm – 3mm (custom available) |
| Surface Finish | Bright Annealed, Polished, Pickled |
| Testing | NDT optional (Eddy current, Hydrostatic) |
| Certification | ASTM A269 + EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 |
Instrumentation and control tubing
General fluid transport in chemical plants
Beverage and food processing lines
Medical gas piping
HVAC and heat exchanger coils (non-high pressure)
Note: While A269 TP304 is ideal for corrosion resistance in many environments, it may not be suitable for high chloride or marine conditions-where TP316 or TP316L would be better choices.
| Standard | Tubing Type | Application | Corrosion Resistance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A269 TP304 | Seamless/Welded | General service | Moderate | $ |
| A213 TP304 | Seamless | Heat exchangers, boilers | Moderate | $$ |
| A270 TP304 | Sanitary tubing | Food, pharma | High polish, sanitary | $$$ |
| A312 TP304 | Pipe (not tube) | Pressure lines | Moderate | $$ |
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