Buy 304L Stainless Steel Welded Pipe Bulk – ASTM A358, EN 10217-7, DIN 17457
304L stainless steel welded pipe is a low-carbon austenitic alloy pipe manufactured by longitudinally welding coils or plates. TeCarve is a manufacturing-backed supplier offering bulk quantities certified to ASTM A358, EN 10217-7, and DIN 17457. With annual capacity of 10,000 tons and MOQ as low as 100 kg, TeCarve delivers cost-effective welded pipe for global industrial applications. Sizes range from OD 6 mm to 610 mm, with wall thicknesses from 0.5 mm to 12.7 mm.
304L Welded Pipe Chemical Composition and Mechanical Properties
According to ASTM A358, 304L welded pipe must have a carbon content of 0.030% max, chromium 18.0–20.0%, nickel 8.0–12.0%, and manganese 2.0% max. Typical mechanical properties include tensile strength of 485 MPa min and yield strength of 170 MPa min. The low carbon content minimizes carbide precipitation during welding, ensuring corrosion resistance in as-welded conditions. Elongation in 2 inches is 40% min.
Welding Methods and Quality Control per ASTM A358
ASTM A358 covers electric-fusion-welded pipe made from austenitic stainless steel. TeCarve uses automated TIG and plasma welding processes with 100% weld penetration. Each pipe undergoes hydrostatic testing at 5.0 MPa minimum, eddy current testing per ASTM E309, and chemical analysis. EN 10217-7 requires non-destructive testing on 100% of the weld seam. TeCarve provides EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 mill test certificates.
Dimensional Tolerances for Welded Pipe: OD 6 mm–610 mm
TeCarve supplies welded pipe in nominal sizes from 6 mm to 610 mm outer diameter. Wall thickness ranges from 0.5 mm (Schedule 5S) to 12.7 mm (Schedule 80S). Tolerance per ASTM A358 is ±0.3 mm for OD up to 48.3 mm and ±0.8% for larger diameters. Lengths are available in random 6 m or custom up to 12 m. Ovality and straightness meet ASTM A530 requirements.
Surface Finishes for Welded Stainless Steel Pipe
Standard surface finishes include pickled and annealed (2B), polished to 180, 240, 320, or 400 grit, mirror finish (bright annealed), and matte or satin finish. TeCarve offers custom finishes on request. For hygienic applications, internal surface roughness can be specified as Ra ≤ 0.8 µm. Pickled and annealed finish provides a uniform matte appearance with corrosion resistance restored after welding.
Bulk Ordering and Lead Times for 304L Welded Pipe
TeCarve supports bulk orders with MOQ of 100–300 kg, and smaller trial orders are available. Standard lead time is 10–25 days after deposit. Payment terms include T/T, L/C, and Bill of Lading. Incoterms offered: FOB, CIF, CFR, DDP. For a 10-ton order of 304L welded pipe OD 168.3 mm x 3.0 mm, typical lead time is 15 days. Exports to 50+ countries including USA, Germany, UAE, Brazil, and India.
Cost Benefits of 304L Welded Pipe vs Seamless
Welded pipe typically costs 15–25% less than seamless pipe of the same grade and dimensions. For bulk purchases of 304L, the savings can reach 30% due to higher material utilization and faster production. Welded pipe also offers tighter dimensional tolerances and longer lengths. According to industry data, welded pipe accounts for over 60% of stainless steel pipe consumption in chemical and food processing sectors.
| Grade | C% max | Ni% | Cr% | Key Property | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 304 | 0.08 | 8.0–10.5 | 18.0–20.0 | General corrosion resistance | Food processing, architectural |
| 304L | 0.030 | 8.0–12.0 | 18.0–20.0 | Low carbon, weldable | Chemical, welded structures |
| 316L | 0.030 | 10.0–14.0 | 16.0–18.0 | Mo 2.0–3.0%, pitting resistance | Marine, pharmaceutical |
| 321 | 0.08 | 9.0–12.0 | 17.0–19.0 | Ti stabilized, high temp | Heat exchangers, 800°C |
| 310S | 0.08 | 19.0–22.0 | 24.0–26.0 | High temperature oxidation | Furnace parts, 1100°C |
How to Choose the Right Grade for Your Application
- Identify the corrosive environment: For chloride-containing media, choose 316L (Mo 2.0–3.0%); for general use, 304L is sufficient.
- Determine operating temperature: 304L works up to 425°C, 321 up to 800°C, 310S up to 1100°C.
- Check welding requirements: 304L has 0.03% max carbon to avoid sensitization; 316L also low carbon.
- Verify pressure rating: Use ASME B31.3 to calculate required wall thickness for your design pressure.
- Consider cost: 304L is 20–30% cheaper than 316L; balance performance and budget.
- Request mill test certificate: TeCarve provides EN 10204 3.1/3.2 with full traceability.
Industry Applications
- Oil & Gas: Used in downstream piping for corrosive fluids at pressures up to 20 MPa.
- Chemical & Petrochemical: 304L welded pipe handles nitric acid and organic acids at temperatures up to 200°C.
- Food & Beverage: Sanitary welded pipe with polished ID Ra ≤ 0.8 µm meets 3-A standards.
- Pharmaceutical & Medical: 316L welded pipe for WFI systems, meeting USP and cGMP requirements.
- Energy & Power: Feedwater and condensate lines in power plants, with 100% NDT per ASTM A358.
Standards & Certifications
- ASTM A358: Electric-fusion-welded austenitic chromium-nickel stainless steel pipe for high-temperature and general corrosive service.
- EN 10217-7: Welded steel tubes for pressure purposes – stainless steel tubes.
- DIN 17457: Welded circular tubes of austenitic stainless steels for special requirements.
- ISO 9001: Quality management system certified for production and supply.
- ASME B31.3: Process piping code for pressure design.
- GOST 9941: Russian standard for welded stainless steel pipes (available on request).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 304 and 304L welded pipe?
304L has a maximum carbon content of 0.030% compared to 0.08% for 304. This lower carbon reduces the risk of carbide precipitation during welding, making 304L more resistant to intergranular corrosion. For applications requiring welding without post-weld heat treatment, 304L is preferred. Mechanical properties are similar, but 304L may have slightly lower tensile strength (485 MPa vs 515 MPa).
Can I buy 304L welded pipe in small quantities for testing?
Yes, TeCarve offers trial orders as low as 100 kg. This allows you to evaluate quality, dimensional accuracy, and corrosion resistance before committing to bulk volumes. Standard sizes from 6 mm to 610 mm OD are available. Lead time for trial orders is typically 10 days. Contact sales@tecarve.com for a quote.
What is the maximum pressure rating for 304L welded pipe?
Pressure rating depends on wall thickness, temperature, and application code. For example, a 304L pipe OD 168.3 mm x 3.0 mm (Schedule 10S) has a working pressure of approximately 2.8 MPa at 100°C per ASME B31.3. Thicker walls (Schedule 40S, 80S) can handle up to 10 MPa. Always verify with a qualified engineer using the specified code.
How is 304L welded pipe manufactured?
304L welded pipe is made by forming a steel plate or coil into a cylindrical shape and welding the longitudinal seam. TeCarve uses automated TIG or plasma welding with filler metal matching the base grade. The weld is then inspected by eddy current and hydrostatic testing. After welding, the pipe is pickled and annealed to restore corrosion resistance.
What certifications do you provide with 304L welded pipe?
TeCarve provides EN 10204 3.1 or 3.2 mill test certificates showing chemical analysis, mechanical properties, and NDT results. Certificates include heat number, lot number, and traceability to the original melt. Third-party inspection by SGS, BV, or TÜV is available upon request. All pipes are manufactured under ISO 9001 quality management.
Is 304L welded pipe suitable for high-temperature service?
304L welded pipe is suitable for continuous service up to 425°C. Above this temperature, sensitization may occur despite the low carbon content. For higher temperatures, consider 321 (Ti-stabilized, up to 800°C) or 310S (up to 1100°C). TeCarve supplies all grades; contact us for high-temperature applications.
What sizes are available for 304L welded pipe?
TeCarve offers 304L welded pipe from OD 6 mm to 610 mm. Wall thicknesses range from 0.5 mm to 12.7 mm. Common schedules include 5S, 10S, 40S, and 80S. Custom sizes are available on request. Lengths up to 12 m can be supplied. Contact sales@tecarve.com for a size chart.
How long does it take to ship bulk 304L welded pipe?
Standard lead time is 10–25 days after deposit, depending on quantity and specification. For urgent orders, expedited production can reduce lead time to 7 days. Shipping to major ports (FOB, CIF) takes 15–35 days by sea. TeCarve exports to over 50 countries with reliable logistics partners.
What is the price per kg for 304L welded pipe in bulk?
Pricing depends on size, wall thickness, finish, and quantity. As a reference, for OD 168.3 mm x 3.0 mm (Schedule 10S) in pickled and annealed finish, bulk price (≥5 tons) is approximately USD 3.5–4.5 per kg. Smaller quantities may be higher. Contact TeCarve for a current quote. Prices are FOB Chinese port.
Can 304L welded pipe be used for sanitary applications?
Yes, when supplied with a polished internal surface (Ra ≤ 0.8 µm), 304L welded pipe meets sanitary standards for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. TeCarve offers sanitary welded pipe with orbital TIG welding and full penetration. It complies with 3-A and FDA requirements. For sterile systems, 316L is often preferred for higher corrosion resistance.
Market Data
According to a 2023 industry report, the global stainless steel welded pipe market is projected to reach USD 12.5 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%. In the chemical industry, 304L accounts for over 40% of welded pipe used for process lines due to its excellent corrosion resistance and weldability. TeCarve supplies 304L welded pipe to major petrochemical plants in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
TeCarve Stainless supplies welded pipe certified to ASTM A358, EN 10217-7, DIN 17457.
Sizes: OD 6mm-610mm
Grades: 304, 304L, 316, 316L, 321, 310S, 201, 430, 904L, Duplex 2205 | MOQ: 100–300 kg (smaller trial orders available) | Lead Time: 10–25 days after deposit
Email: sales@tecarve.com
WhatsApp: +86-xxx-xxxx-xxxx
Website: https://tecarvepipes.com/
Response within 24 hours.